Maries County deputy charged with felony, accused of assaulting elderly veteran at his home

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

A Maries County deputy has been charged with a felony for an act that allegedly occurred when he was a member of the Belle Marshal’s office.

Erican Blake Sugg, of Vienna, was charged in Maries County with third-degree assault and second-degree property damage. A criminal summons was issued on Wednesday and an initial court appearance was scheduled for 9:30 a.m. Tuesday, Feb. 3.  

The probable cause statement alleges that Sugg claimed a resident – who is listed as a 72-year-old veteran in court documents – was in violation of a city ordinance and Sugg requested the man give him his driver’s license. The man refused to give Sugg his information and closed the door, the statement says.

The victim allegedly opened his door to let his dog in, Sugg tried to force his way into the man’s home and the two got into an “altercation,” the statement says. Court documents cite body camera footage while describing the situation.

Sugg then allegedly told another officer to use a Taser, the statement says. Officers eventually arrested the man.

“Officer Sugg assaulted him and with the threat of being tased put a 72-year-old veteran in apprehension of serious harm,” the city’s marshal wrote in the statement.

Court documents include a statement written by the victim, which claims he asked Sugg if he had a warrant and if he was under arrest, which claims Sugg told him he was not before dragging the man out of his home.

Maries County Sheriff Mark Morgan wrote in a social media post that Sugg has been placed on administrative leave while an internal investigation occurs.