Naked Belle man assaults deputy during Tuesday arrest

By Laura Schiermeier, Staff Writer
Posted 9/16/20

BELLE — During a time of night when most people are safely sleeping in their beds, a naked and allegedly impaired Belle man assaulted two persons and a sheriff’s deputy before he was …

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Naked Belle man assaults deputy during Tuesday arrest

Posted

BELLE — During a time of night when most people are safely sleeping in their beds, a naked and allegedly impaired Belle man assaulted two persons and a sheriff’s deputy before he was captured Tuesday morning.

Maries County Sheriff Chris Heitman said the incident occurred at 2:38 a.m. on Sept. 15, at Parkview Drive in Belle when Belle Division Deputy Jerry Coborn responded to a report of an assault in progress. It was reported the suspect, Daniel D. Stephens, 34, had punched two people and attempted to steal a firearm from the reporting party.

According to the sheriff’s report, Stephens attacked Coborn at the scene while sitting inside his patrol vehicle. Coborn sustained injuries to his face and damage to his deputy gear. Heitman said Coborn unsuccessfully attempted to use his taser on the naked man, who then fled into a nearby wooded area. Following a foot pursuit, the deputy found Stephens tangled in a barbed wire fence.

A struggle ensued while Stephens attempted to disarm the deputy before Stephens was restrained.

Belle Marshal Joe Turnbough arrived on the scene after Stephens had been handcuffed. Stephens continued to struggle and assault the deputy and the marshal.

Heitman said Stephens also assaulted someone and fled law enforcement during the July Belle Fair and is currently out on bond for felony resisting arrest and felony assault.

Stephens’ previous bond has been revoked and he is being held at the Maries County Jail on a no bond warrant because of the new felony charges of resisting arrest and third degree assault.

“I have to commend Deputy Coborn for showing great restraint and dedication,” Heitman said. “Handling a suspect who is high, naked, assaulting you and resisting arrest is tough to do with a group of deputies. He was forced to handle this alone. This situation could have been a lot worse for the suspect.”