Deputies arrest sword-bearer

A Boone County man armed with a sword was arrested Sunday evening.

By Harry Plumer

Published March 18, 2008

Things got a little sharp at 5:30 p.m. Sunday on the 300 block of Sunnyridge Lane, when a man raised a three-foot long sword at sheriff’s deputies, according to

police.

John D. Sanderson, 36, “raised the sword as if to strike officers,” Boone County Sheriff’s Department Maj. Tom Reddin said.

Sanderson was subsequently tasered and taken into custody on two counts each of second-degree assault of a law enforcement officer and armed criminal action.

Officers were dispatched to the house after a 911 hang-up, which was placed by Sanderson himself, Reddin said.

“Mr. Sanderson dialed 911 and then the phone was hung up,” Reddin said. “The dispatch called back and Mrs. Sanderson picked up.”

Law enforcement continued their response after Sanderson’s wife reported a verbal disturbance inside the house.

“A visiting relative opened the door and told us that the disturbance had been resolved and that everything was fine,” Reddin said.

At that point the sheriff’s deputies noticed Sanderson standing on the other side of the door with sword in hand.

The relative moved to close the door but the deputies, fearing for the safety of the occupants inside, entered the residence.

“Mr. Sanderson raised the sword as if to strike the officers,” Reddin said.

Officers used a taser to subdue Sanderson before taking him into custody, a news release stated.

Reddin said no drugs were found at the residence.

According to Missouri court documents, Sanderson pleaded guilty to misdemeanor disturbing the peace in 1995 but had no other Missouri criminal record prior to Sunday’s incident.

Sanderson was taken to Boone County Jail Sunday, and no bond has been set.