Three Sikeston residents are in custody following a violent road rage and armed robbery incident that unfolded Tuesday afternoon across Scott County.
According to the Scott County Sheriff’s Office, deputies were alerted around 1:49 p.m. on November 3 when two victims arrived at the county jail to report being threatened with a firearm. Investigators learned the confrontation began earlier that day in Benton, Missouri, when one of the victims arranged to sell a vape device through social media.
During the meeting at Express Fuel in Benton, the buyer — later identified as a juvenile — allegedly took the vape without paying and ran to a waiting silver Toyota Camry. As the victim approached the vehicle, a rifle was pointed out of the passenger window.
The victims fled the scene, but the suspects reportedly chased them north on State Highway 77 and onto Interstate 55. During the pursuit, the suspects allegedly brake-checked the victims, causing a collision. One of the suspects fired what appeared to be an airsoft rifle, striking a victim in the face. Near the Kelso exit, a handgun was also reportedly fired from the suspect’s vehicle.
Deputies quickly located and stopped the silver Toyota Camry near Highway 61 south of Benton. The occupants were identified as 19-year-old Alexander Drake Henderson, 19-year-old Elijah D. Loflin, 19-year-old Louis Dewayne Woods, and a juvenile.
A loaded 9mm handgun was recovered from the car. After obtaining a search warrant, investigators also found multiple firearms, masks, cash, and marijuana.
Henderson, Loflin, and Woods were each charged with:
Robbery in the First Degree (Felony A)
Assault in the Second Degree (Felony D)
Armed Criminal Action (Unclassified Felony)
Unlawful Use of a Weapon – Shooting at or from a Motor Vehicle (Felony A)
All three suspects are being held without bond in the Scott County Jail.
Sheriff Derick Wheetley praised deputies and detectives for their quick action. “This case highlights how quickly a simple online transaction can turn dangerous,” he said. “I’m proud of the swift response and teamwork in apprehending these suspects before anyone else was seriously harmed.”
The investigation remains ongoing, and additional charges may be filed.