HomeMy WebLinkAboutDowntown Weapon Violation Suspects in Custody
2530 Maria Louise Lane Cape Girardeau, MO 63701 573-335-6621 Tel 573-339-6362 Fax
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NEWS RELEASE
Date: 5-12-2026 Media Relations Office
For Immediate Release 573-335-6621 / F: 573-339-6362
Ptlm. Bobby Newton (x1393)
Rnewton@cityofcape.org
Weapon Offense Suspect in Custody
On May 10, 2026, at about 1:40 a.m., officers with the Cape Girardeau Police
Department were conducting foot patrol in the downtown area. One of the officers was
approached by a victim advising she was assaulted by another female who was later
identified as Patrice Jones (47) of Cape Girardeau, MO.
The victim informed the officer after Jones had pushed her; Jones reached into her
purse and cocked a gun. The victim advised Jones was with another female, Breiontay
Griffin (31) of Cape Girardeau, that verbally threatened to assault the victim.
Officers quickly located both Jones and Griffin in the area and made contact with them.
Officers attempted to speak with Griffin during the investigation and Griffin continued to
state, “I don’t know who you are” and walk away. Officers attempted to detain Griffin
due to the suspicion of her having a firearm. During this time, Griffin resisted the officers
and pulled away while officers were placing her in handcuffs. Jones attempted to get
between the officers and Griffin multiple times and was told to stay back but refused.
After Griffin was detained in handcuffs, she continued to pull away and fight with
officers. Officers also placed Jones in handcuffs and Jones resisted officers and
continued to pull away.
After both Griffin and Jones were secured, officers located a Ruger handgun in the
purse Jones was in possession of. The firearm was loaded and capable of lethal force.
Griffin and Jones were both transported to the Cape Girardeau Police Department and
later formally charged through the Cape Girardeau County Prosecutors Office. Griffin
was charged with Class E felony of harassment in the first degree, Class E felony of
hindering prosecution, and Class A misdemeanor of resisting a lawful detention. Jones
was formally charged with Class B felony of unlawful use of a weapon, Class E felony of
resisting an arrest, Class A misdemeanor of interfering with a lawful detention, and
Class A misdemeanor of assault in the fourth degree. Griffin is currently being held on a
$15,000 cash/surety bond and Jones is currently being held on a $40,000 cash only
bond.
2530 Maria Louise Lane Cape Girardeau, MO 63701 573-335-6621 Tel 573-339-6362 Fax
cityofcape.org/police facebook.com/capepolice
An offense charge is merely an accusation; the defendant is presumed innocent until
proven guilty.
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