Man released from jail for allegedly chasing woman with bolt cutters

A Jefferson City man who was jailed for reportedly threatening and chasing a Mid-Missouri woman over the weekend with a pair of bolt cutters has been released on bond.

According to court documents, 34-year-old Matthew Hamilton told law enforcement he had smoked synthetic drugs and became confused.

They say after being read his rights, Hamilton told the Sheriff that he was smoking weed out of a piece of tinfoil when he entered a dream-like state.

Hamilton told the sheriff he was dreaming he was going after his mom and brother because someone was chasing him with a wrench.

The documents show the victim was in her yard around 11 on Sunday morning fixing a fence on her property when she saw Hamilton running down the road towards her.

Hamilton ran up and jumped in her truck that was parked on the gravel road in front of her home.

She said the man took bolt cutters out of the bed of the truck and yelled, “Mom!”

The victim said Hamilton then began to chase her with the bolt cutters, that is when a passerby saw the incident and tackled Hamilton to the ground.

The victim’s husband then helped the passerby hold Hamilton to the ground until the Sheriff’s Department arrived.

On of the victim’s neighbors says she found it comforting that a passerby would go out of his way to help someone in need.

“At this neighborhood, we all watch out for each other and keep an eye on each others homes. We really don’t know each other, but we do look out for each other,” said Stephanie Wingate.

Hamilton was taken to the Moniteau County Jail. Hamilton was charged with two counts of assault in the second degree and two counts of armed criminal action.

Moniteu County Prosecutor Shayne Healea released this statement regarding the incident:

“While I can’t comment on the specifics of the this case, I will comment on an up and coming problem issue we are facing in the law enforcement community, which this case exposes. The use and distribution of synthetic narcotics is increasing at a rapid pace, faster than the legislature can keep up with. Many of the synthetic narcotics available in our community are currently legal on the state level and therefore cannot be prosecuted.The dangers associated with these substances are rapidly increasing as well. Users are blacking out behind the wheel and crashing their
vehicles. Other users act out violently due to paranoia and
hallucinations. This is an issue that needs to be addressed through the legislative process, increasing public awareness, developing treatment strategies and engaging in vigorous prosecution of the acts committed by those under the influence of these substances. Voluntary intoxication is not a defense to acts committed while under the influence of illicit substances but if we can successfully focus on preventing the availability of the substance, it will be a step in the right direction toward preventing the subsequent illegal acts committed by the end user. “