West Plains, MO. – A Birch Tree man was arrested following an incident on June 10, 2023, in West Plains.
Terry Alex Griffith is charged with two counts of 1st-degree assault, one count of 3rd-degree assault-special victim, disarming a peace officer, unlawful use of a weapon – exhibiting, and armed criminal action for events that began near Curry Street.
According to the probable cause statement, Griffith was intoxicated and brandishing a knife at a man. Griffith then charged at the man, who pepper sprayed the suspect as a defense. Griffith attempted to stab the man, cutting his neck in the process.
When law enforcement arrived at the scene and attempted to arrest the suspect, he grabbed and attempted to remove a Taser from the officer multiple times.
After being taken to the West Plains Jail, Griffith continued to resist officers, refusing to walk, causing officers to have to physically remove him from the patrol car and carry him to jail. He refused to remain seated during booking and fought officers as he was being placed in a restraint chair. During his struggle, Griffith caused multiple cuts to an officer’s wrist.
According to online court documents, Griffith was released on June 12 after posting a $100,000 surety bond. On June 20, the accused appeared before Judge Robert Ray and pled not guilty to the charges. A counsel status hearing has been set for July 17, 2023.
