Franklin County, MO – A 29-year-old St. Clair man was arrested after allegedly threatening a woman and her dog with a gun during a vehicle incident Monday evening, according to the Franklin County Sheriff’s Office.
Deputies responded around 7:30 p.m. on November 17 after a report of a “flourishing” — or display of a firearm — inside a vehicle in the St. Clair area. A deputy nearby quickly located the car traveling westbound on Mill Hill Road, officials said. Before the deputy could initiate a stop, the vehicle pulled over at the intersection of Mill Hill Road and North Frisco Street.
According to the sheriff’s office, a rear passenger exited and tried to walk away before being detained. Witnesses identified that man as the suspect, later identified as Charles Buckner, 29, of St. Clair.
The victim told deputies she had gone to retrieve belongings when Buckner allegedly entered her car uninvited, demanding she drive him to St. Louis. When she refused, Buckner allegedly threatened to kill her and her dog while racking a handgun, investigators said.
Deputies recovered two handguns — one inside the vehicle and another found where Buckner was standing during the stop. Buckner was taken into custody and is being held on a $50,000 cash-only bond.
He faces charges including unlawful possession of a firearm (Class B felony), unlawful use of a weapon (Class E felony), and two counts of fourth-degree assault (Class C misdemeanors).
All individuals are presumed innocent until proven guilty in court.
This article was produced by a journalist and may include AI-assisted input. All content is reviewed for accuracy and fairness.
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