Crime & Safety
Franklin County, MO Burglary: Man Accused of Shovel Attack, Gunfire
Beaufort, MO – A Franklin County man is facing multiple felony charges after authorities say a confrontation over someone allegedly urinating in a yard escalated into a violent encounter involving a s
By Evan Cross · 2026-10-19T15:42:01.319Z
Beaufort, MO – A Franklin County man is facing multiple felony charges after authorities say a confrontation over someone allegedly urinating in a yard escalated into a violent encounter involving a shovel, a firearm and damage to a vehicle.
According to the Franklin County Sheriff 's Office, deputies responded to the 800 block of Wild Rose Lane in Beaufort around 6:42 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 15, following a reported burglary in progress.
While deputies were responding, the homeowner told dispatchers he had fired a pistol near an approaching suspect who was allegedly acting aggressively while holding a shovel.
Investigators said the incident began when the homeowner heard someone pounding on his door. When he opened it, an unfamiliar man allegedly confronted him about urinating in his yard.
Authorities said the suspect then entered the residence and began assaulting the homeowner. The victim reportedly managed to push the man outside.
Once outside, the suspect allegedly grabbed a shovel and began striking the home's door before swinging it toward the homeowner.
The homeowner retrieved a firearm and fired a shot between the suspect and the doorway in an attempt to make the man leave, according to investigators.
Instead, authorities said the suspect went outside and allegedly used the shovel to shatter the rear windshield of the homeowner's vehicle.
The homeowner told investigators he did not know the suspect and had never interacted with him before.
Deputies arrested 41 year old Ryan C. Madonna of Beaufort and transported him to the Franklin County Adult Detention Facility.
Prosecutors charged Madonna with first degree burglary, first degree property damage and fourth degree assault.
His bond was set at $75,000 cash only.
The Sheriff's Office said evidence collected at the scene was consistent with the homeowner's account.
Madonna is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court