Two men arrested after Red Roof Inn disturbance

On Saturday, officers were dispatched to 201 Texas Avenue, Red Roof Inn, for a disturbance. Upon officers’ arrival, they found a victim who reported one of the suspects left in a vehicle.

Officers located the suspect’s vehicle traveling eastbound on I-70. The officers conducted a traffic stop on the US 63 connector northbound near Clark Lane, and officers made contact with Justin Burks. Officers also located two male subjects in the area walking south towards I-70. The subjects were detained pending further investigation.

One of the subjects was identified as Mark Strahl. The investigation revealed the victim, 29, saw three males assaulting another individual outside. The victim attempted to verbally intervene in the assault. Strahl, who according to the victim, had been engaging in the assault, proceeded to approach the victim and threaten her. The victim retreated to her room and attempted to shut the door behind her.

Strahl and Burks, who had also been engaging in the assault, forced their way into the room. Burks then struck the victim multiple times in her face. The victim sustained visible swelling and redness near both eye sockets.

During the course of Strahl’s arrest, officers located a substance consistent with methamphetamine and a substance consistent with marijuana in Strahl’s coat pockets. Strahl was arrested for first degree burglary, felony possession of a controlled substance, misdemeanor assault, misdemeanor possession of a controlled substance, all with bonds to be set by the court, and an outstanding misdemeanor warrant with a cash-only bond of $150.00.

Burks was arrested for first degree burglary and felony assault with bonds to be set by the court.

Through the course of this investigation, officers received information from a concerned citizen providing information about two friends being assaulted by three males, one of which was reported to have been stabbed several times.

Officers made contact with one of the victims, 28, who reported one suspect from the assault placed him in a choke hold and then placed a pocket knife to his throat. The victim grabbed the knife, causing a laceration to his hand. The victim additionally sustained a cut to his neck and his eyelid.

During the arrest of Burks, officers located a knife in Burks’ possession. The knife was identified as the knife used against the victim. Burks was additionally arrested for armed criminal action and felony assault with bonds to be set by the court.