Howard County man charged with carjacking, armed robbery

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

A Howard County man was charged Sunday in Cooper County with carjacking, armed robbery and other felonies for allegedly taking a vehicle at gunpoint Saturday.

The victim reported the carjacking to police at about 6:15 p.m. Saturday on Main Street in Boonville, according to a probable cause statement. Officers later arrested Carl Landrum III, 34, and prosecutors charged him with first-degree robbery, three counts of armed criminal action, carjacking, attempted first-degree assault and illegal gun possession.

A witness told investigators that he was stopped at Main and Morgan streets and saw the car, a black Nissan, rocking back and forth before one person got out and ran, and another person fired shots from inside the vehicle, the statement says.

The witness allegedly told officers that he then saw a man exit the passenger side of the car, get in the driver's seat, and drive off.

Howard County deputies were soon sent to a home in New Franklin, where Landrum told them someone was trying to kill him, according to the statement. Deputies found the stolen car nearby on Highway 5, and a dog tracked Landrum's scent from the vehicle to the home in New Franklin, the statement says.

The victim identified Landrum from a photo lineup, authorities say. Landrum allegedly claimed to be the victim during interrogation.

Police did a gunpowder test on Landrum's hands and clothes, but have not found a gun, court documents state.

An initial hearing is set for Tuesday. Landrum remained in the jail on Sunday without bond.