Lawson, Mo., man charged with assaulting a Claycomo police officer

Clay County authorities have charged a 23-year-old with assaulting a Claycomo police officer during an altercation earlier this week at an antique shop.

Kenneth Hunter Sapp-Hamilton of Lawson, Mo., faces felony assault and armed criminal action charges in the incident that happened Monday at Timeless Treasures Antique Mall in the 400 block of Northeast U.S. 69 in Claycomo.

Sapp-Hamilton is being held without bond.

According to court records, an officer responded to the store to investigate two people acting suspiciously. The officer arrived and asked Sapp-Hamilton to step outside so they could talk. The officer said Sapp-Hamilton was “jittering” and talking fast. It appeared that Sapp-Hamilton was possibly under the influence of drugs or alcohol.

Sapp-Hamilton said he wanted to use his cellphone to record their interaction but allegedly refused the officer’s repeated commands not to do so.

The officer wrestled Sapp-Hamilton after he reportedly reached for a knife instead of his cellphone.

Sapp-Hamilton was arrested after the officer called for backup. A woman who accompanied Sapp-Hamilton was also arrested.

This story was originally published October 26, 2016 at 2:42 PM with the headline "Lawson, Mo., man charged with assaulting a Claycomo police officer."