Here is the list of Food Safety Inspections conducted by the City of St. Joseph Health Department for the month of April.

MOSAIC LIFE CARE
5325 Faraon
04/13/16 1:52 PM
No observations

BENTON CLUB
402 N 7th St
04/20/16 12:22 PM

No observations

TEXAS ROADHOUSE
04/14/16 4:01 PM

Observations
-Handwashing Facility, Installation. -No hot water at hand sinks. Water temperature is 80.0 degrees -(A) A handwashing lavatory shall be equipped to provide water at a temperature of at least 43°C (110°F) through a mixing valve or combination faucet. -All hand sinks including restroom sinks must have water that has a temperature of at least 100.0 degrees
-Nonfood-Contact Surfaces -Food racks in the reach in cooler are rusted and no longer smooth or easily cleanable -Nonfood-contact surfaces shall be free of unnecessary ledges, projections, and crevices, and designed and constructed to allow easy cleaning and to facilitate maintenance. -Replace racks with smooth, easily cleanable and durable material
-Cleaning, Frequency and Restrictions -Water logged floor in the kitchen by the proofing machine and pop station -Clean walls, floors, ceiling on a regular basis. -Wet floors could harbor germs including bacteria that cause foodborne illnesses. Wipe water and food spills immediately and maintain a dry floor

CLAUDIA’S HOMEMADE TAMALES
04/14/16 11:26 AM

Observations
-Separation.* -Hand sanitizer stored next to condiments -All containers that hold cleaning product, sanitizers, chemicals, must have a label that clearly identifies what is in the container -Toxic chemicals must be stored away from food

FREDDY’S FROZEN CUSTARD & STEAKHOUSE
228 N Belt Hwy
04/20/16 2:35 PM

No observations

FAST GAS PRODUCTION – Fresh Faire
1702A St Joseph AVE
04/25/16 1:09 PM

Observations
-System Maintained in Good Repair. -Second Hand sink is clogged up -There should be no leaks, clogged/slow drains, properly installed -Clogged up sink must be fixed right away

HY VEE INC GROCERY
04/28/16 3:10 PM

Observations

-Equipment, Food-Contact Surfaces, Nonfood-Contact Surfaces, and Utensils. -Nonfood-contact surfaces of equipment shall be kept free of an accumulation of dust, dirt, food residue, and other debris.
-Cleaning, Frequency and Restrictions -Clean walls, floors, ceiling on a regular basis.
– Pest control -1. Need door strip to seal out past from entering.

SWEET EMOTIONS DONUTS
3506 S 22nd
04/28/16 10:35 AM

Observations
-Controlling Pests.* -Mice droppings in the dry storage and damaged toilet paper due to mice chewing on them -Pest control is a must, any sign of pest can signal a possible major problem as pest are know to habor and spread bacteria and virus, and must be dealt with immediately -You must have mouse traps and keep the back door shut tight. Do not use poison baits

DOLLAR TREE
2915 N BELT HWY
04/20/16 2:10 PM

No observations

DOLLAR GENERAL #4643
1325 S Belt Hwy
04/11/16 3:17 PM

Observations
– Equipment, Food-Contact Surfaces, Nonfood-Contact Surfaces, and Utensils. -Nonfood-contact surfaces of equipment shall be kept free of an accumulation of dust, dirt, food residue, and other debris.
– Good Repair and Proper Adjustment -Equipment components such as doors, seals, hinges, fasteners, and kick plates shall be kept intact, tight, and adjusted in accordance with manufacturer’s specifications

CVS PHARMACY #05645
930 N Belt Hwy
04/19/16 2:26 PM

Observations
-Equipment, Food-Contact Surfaces, Nonfood-Contact Surfaces, and Utensils. -Nonfood-contact surfaces of equipment shall be kept free of an accumulation of dust, dirt, food residue, and other debris.

CABANA TREATS INC
3002 S Belt Hwy
04/07/16 3:21 PM

No observations

CVS PHARMACY S-BELT
1301 S Belt Hwy

No observations

CULVER’S RIVERSIDE 66
5430 Frederick Ave
04/27/16 1:46 PM

Observations
– Food Labels -Label must display bussiness and address for tracking purposes
– Cleaning, Frequency and Restrictions -Clean walls, floors, ceiling on a regular basis.

US OIL #2
04/18/16 3:14 PM

Observations
-Equipment, Food-Contact Surfaces, Nonfood-Contact Surfaces, and Utensils. -Dirty ice tea nozzles and dirty ice machine -All food contact surfaces and equipment that contacts food must clean, free of debris, and sanitized after each use -All drink nozzles must be cleaned and sanitized daily. Ice machine must be emptied and cleaned thoroughly
-Equipment, Food-Contact Surfaces, Nonfood-Contact Surfaces, and Utensils. -Dirty cappuccino maker with drink spills -Nonfood-contact surfaces of equipment shall be kept free of an accumulation of dust, dirt, food residue, and other debris. -Food contact surfaces must be cleaned and sanitized everyday while spills onto non-food contact surfaces must be cleaned as soon as they occur

NATION MART
402 S 8th
04/27/16 2:49 PM

No observations

ST JOSEPH EXPRESS COFFEE ROASTERS INC
802 S 6th
04/29/16 11:33 AM

Observations
-Hand Drying Provision. -No paper towels at restroom sink -Each hand washing sink or group of adjacent sinks shall be provided with disposable hand towels, dryer, or other acceptable means to dry hands. -Must have paper towels at all hand sinks
Food Labels -Coffee packaged for resale in another food establishment is not labeled correctly. The address of the establishment is missing on the labels -Food packaged in a food establishment, shall be labeled as specified in law, including 21 CFR 101 – Food Labeling, and 9 CFR 317 Labeling, Marking Devices, and Containers. -Prepackaged products must be labeled with name and address of the manufacturer for tracing purposes

CITY OF ST JOSEPH ATHLETIC CENTER
2701 SW Parkway
04/28/16 3:10 PM

No observations

CICI’S PIZZA #320
2207 B N Belt Hwy
04/25/16 2:40 PM

Observations
-System Maintained in Good Repair. -There should be no leaks, clogged/slow drains, properly installed

ST JO FRONTIER CASINO, ST JO FRONTIER
777 Winners Circle
04/25/16 2:33 PM

No observations

NORTYS BAR & GRILL INC
1123 Frederick
04/12/16 11:28 AM

Observations
-Hair Restraint Effectiveness. -Chef was not wearing a hair restraint at the beginning of inspection -Employees shall wear hair restraints such as hats, hair coverings or nets, beard restraints, and clothing that covers body hair, that are designed and worn to effectively keep their hair from contacting exposed food; clean equipment, utensils, and linens; and unwrapped singleservice and single-use articles. -Hair restraints must be worn by employees who work in the kitchen
-Thawing. -Frozen meat thawed at room temperature in the mop sink -Food must be thawed in walk-in-cooler or submerged in cold running water, or in microwave, NEVER at ROOM TEMPERATURE!! -Thaw meat in the cooler or cold running water in the 3-compartment sink. Do not use mop sink for thawing meats. Use sinks for intended purposes only.

HUNAN RESTAURANT
406 N 36th St
04/07/16 12:00 PM

Observations
-When to Wash Hands* -No soap for washing hands at the second hand sink in the kitchen and restroom sink -You must train your your employees of when they must wash hands, such as when the change task, use restroom, change gloves, handle money etc.. -Soap must be availed at all hand sinks at all times. Employees must wash hands after using restroom and again before going back to work with food (double hand wash)
-Preventing Contamination from Hands.* -Ready to eat food handled using bare hands -Must have a barrier between ready to eats foods and bare hands to prevent possible contamination. Barriers can be gloves, utensils, deli paper, bakery paper etc… -Egg rolls and other ready to eat food must be handled using gloves or other barrier
-Equipment, Food-Contact Surfaces, Nonfood-Contact Surfaces, and Utensils. -Dirty ice machine dispenser and dirty pop sprayer -All food contact surfaces and equipment that contacts food must clean, free of debris, and sanitized after each use -Pop sprayers must be cleaned and sanitized everyday. Clean ice machine dispenser more frequently
-Good Repair and Proper Adjustment -Cooler handle is loose and need replacing -Equipment components such as doors, seals, hinges, fasteners, and kick plates shall be kept intact, tight, and adjusted in accordance with manufacturer’s specifications -Repair or replace the cooler handle. All surfaces must be smooth and easily cleanable
-System Maintained in Good Repair. -Water leaking underneath the hand sink -There should be no leaks, clogged/slow drains, properly installed -Water leaks must be repaired promptly to keep off flies and fruit flies

POPS PLACE
238 Illinois
04/12/16 3:12 PM

Observations
-Packaged and Unpackaged Food – Separation, Packaging, and Segregation.* -Raw meats stored above ready to eat food (beans) in the walk in cooler -(A) Food shall be protected from cross contamination by: (1) Separating raw animal foods during storage, preparation, holding, and display from: (a) Raw ready-to-eat food including other raw animal food such as fish for sushi or molluscan shellfish, or other raw ready-to-eat food such as vegetables, and (b) Cooked ready-to-eat food; -Raw meats must be stored below ready to eat food
-Ready-to-Eat, Potentially Hazardous Food, Date Marking.* -Temperature for Safety Food that is ready to eat is not dated. -Must be dated with discard date and not just date made, can be kept for 7 days if held at 41F or 4 days if held at 45F -Temperature for Safety Food that is ready ready to eat must be dated and stored for only 7 days.

PIZZA SHOPPE OF ST JOSEPH
2229C N Belt Hwy
04/07/16 2:23 PM

No observations

PAPA JOHNS PIZZA #1802
1808 N Belt Hwy
04/05/16 2:53 PM

Observations
-Cleaning Ventilation Systems, Nuisance and Discharge Prohibition -Intake and exhaust air ducts shall be cleaned and filters changed so they are not a source of contamination by dust, dirt, and other materials. If vented to the outside, ventlation systems may not create a public health hazard or nuisance or unlawful discharge -1. Clean all air vents
-Good Repair and Proper Adjustment -Equipment components such as doors, seals, hinges, fasteners, and kick plates shall be kept intact, tight, and adjusted in accordance with manufacturer’s specifications

PIZZA HUT S-BELT
1617 S Belt Hwy
04/18/16 2:50 PM

Observations
-Equipment, Food-Contact Surfaces, Nonfood-Contact Surfaces, and Utensils. -Nonfood-contact surfaces of equipment shall be kept free of an accumulation of dust, dirt, food residue, and other debris.

INTERSERV CALVIN CENTER
04/19/16 11:48 AM

Observations
-Cleaning Ventilation Systems, Nuisance and Discharge Prohibition -Dirty air vents in the walk in cooler and food storage areas -Intake and exhaust air ducts shall be cleaned and filters changed so they are not a source of contamination by dust, dirt, and other materials. If vented to the outside, ventlation systems may not create a public health hazard or nuisance or unlawful discharge -Clean air vents and covers much more frequently

INTERSERV CALVIN CENTER
04/19/16 12:03 PM

No observations

McDONALDS 169 HWY
4219 S 169 Hwy
04/06/16 2:58 PM

Observations
-Food-Contact Surfaces.* -(A)Multiuse food-contact surfaces shall be: (1) Smooth; (2) Free of breaks, open seams, cracks, chips, inclusions, pits, and similar imperfections; (3) Free of sharp internal angles, corners, and crevices; (4) Finished to have smooth welds and joints; and
– Equipment, Food-Contact Surfaces, Nonfood-Contact Surfaces, and Utensils. -Nonfood-contact surfaces of equipment shall be kept free of an accumulation of dust, dirt, food residue, and other debris.
-Wiping Cloths, Use Limitation -Keep wiping clothes in sanitizer when not in use
– Good Repair and Proper Adjustment -Equipment components such as doors, seals, hinges, fasteners, and kick plates shall be kept intact, tight, and adjusted in accordance with manufacturer’s specifications
-System Maintained in Good Repair. -There should be no leaks, clogged/slow drains, properly installed

McDONALDS MID-BELT
601 N Belt Hwy
04/19/16 3:03 PM

Observations
-Repairing -The physical facilities shall be maintained in good repair at all times to insure they are cleanable and not a source of possible contamination

McDONALDS N-BELT
3504 N Belt Hwy
04/05/16 1:27 PM

No observations

McDONALDS S-BELT
3417 S Belt Hwy
04/21/16 2:44 PM

Observations
-Wiping Cloths, Use Limitation -Keep wiping clothes in sanitizer when not in use
-Good Repair and Proper Adjustment -Equipment components such as doors, seals, hinges, fasteners, and kick plates shall be kept intact, tight, and adjusted in accordance with manufacturer’s specifications

INTERSERV WESLEY SENIOR TOWERS
1002 Francis
04/26/16 11:25 AM

No observations

TACO JOHNS LAKE AVE
6110 Lake Ave
04/26/16 2:47 PM

Observations
– Covering Receptacles -Dumpster is leaking at various points due to wear and tear -Dumpster must have a tight-fitting lids or doors if kept outside the food establishment for pest control and odors -Dumpster must contain food waste and rain water without leaking out onto concrete. Area around dumpster must be kept clean to keep pests away. Replace the dumpster

PRONTO CAFE
2513 Frederick
04/06/16 3:14 PM

No observations

SONIC DRIVE IN LAKE
5810 Lake Ave
04/18/16 2:20 PM

Observations
-Toilet Rooms, Enclosed -Employee restroom door is not self – closing -A toilet room located on the premises shall be completely enclosed and provided with a tight-fitting and self-closing door except that this requirement does not apply to a toilet room that is located outside a food establishment and does not open directly into the food establishment such as a toilet room that is provided by the management of a shopping mall -Maintain a self – closing door to keep off flies

SONIC DRIVE IN – CW
4303 2A Commonwealth Ct
04/19/16 3:05 PM

Observations
-Eating, Drinking, or Using Tobacco* -Employee cup in the kitchen has no straw -An employee shall not, eat, drink, or use any form of tobacco only in designated areas where the contamination of exposed food; clean equipment, utensils, and linens; unwrapped single-service and single-use articles; or other items needing protection can not result. Drinks must have lids and straws to prevent hand to mouth contact. -Employee drinks must always have straws and lids to prevent contamination of food in food prep area
– Equipment, Food-Contact Surfaces, Nonfood-Contact Surfaces, and Utensils. -Pop nozzles are dirty due to infrequent cleaning -All food contact surfaces and equipment that contacts food must clean, free of debris, and sanitized after each use -Pop nozzles and ice and ice tea nozzles must be cleaned and sanitized daily
– Cleaning, Frequency and Restrictions -Floors in the walk in cooler and walk in freezer are dirty -Clean walls, floors, ceiling on a regular basis. -Pick up food that dropped on the floor and clean both floors more frequently
– Mechanical Ventilation -No proper ventilation in the public restroom. The restroom air smells like cigarette smoke -If necessary to keep rooms free of excessive heat, steam, condensation, vapors, obnoxious odors, smoke, and fumes, mechanical ventilation of sufficient capacity shall be provided -Proper ventilation is required to let out obnoxious odors

EAGLES LODGE
2004 N Belt Hwy
04/27/16 2:55 PM

Observations
-Light Bulbs, Protective Shielding -Lights must have shields, covers, or be shatter proof to prevent broken glass from contaminating food

OPEN DOOR FOOD KITCHEN
501 Edmond St.
04/18/16 11:33 AM

No observations

SUBWAY #15194
4514 S 169 Hwy
04/04/16 2:18 PM

Observations
– Equipment, Food-Contact Surfaces, Nonfood-Contact Surfaces, and Utensils. -Nonfood-contact surfaces of equipment shall be kept free of an accumulation of dust, dirt, food residue, and other debris. -1. Clean single service item holder. Done before end of inspection.

SUBWAY #2411
501 N Belt Hwy
04/28/16 9:50 AM

Observations
-Demonstration of Knowledge* -You required to a person who knowledgeable on the food safety code in order to make informed decision on an employees ability to work without fear of causing illness to the public -Needs to be done by end of the year.

OLIVE GARDEN #1765
5312 N Belt Hwy
04/14/16 1:28 PM

No observations

US OIL #1
601 S 22nd St.
04/15/16 3:50 PM

Observations
-Equipment, Food-Contact Surfaces, Nonfood-Contact Surfaces, and Utensils. -Dirty pop nozzles and ice chute -All food contact surfaces and equipment that contacts food must clean, free of debris, and sanitized after each use -Clean and sanitize food contact surfaces daily
-Repairing -Torn floor behind the counter -The physical facilities shall be maintained in good repair at all times to insure they are cleanable and not a source of possible contamination -Floor must be smooth and easily cleanable

SUBWAY #6381
3114 N Belt Hwy
04/06/16 2:02 PM

No observations

BOURBON STREET BAR & GRILL
2001 Messanie
04/05/16 2:59 PM

Observations
– Eating, Drinking, or Using Tobacco* -Employee drinks in the kitchen did not have lids. One cup did not have a straw or lid -An employee shall not, eat, drink, or use any form of tobacco only in designated areas where the contamination of exposed food; clean equipment, utensils, and linens; unwrapped single-service and single-use articles; or other items needing protection can not result. Drinks must have lids and straws to prevent hand to mouth contact. -All drinks must have proper lids and straws. Store employee drinks in a designated area to prevent contamination of food
– Using a Handwashing Facility. -Second sink was moved to and installed in the basement -A handwashing facility shall be maintained so that it is accessible at all times for employee use. -Sink must be stationed and maintained usable at the location it was originally installed during architectural plan review stage.
– Food Storage -Sauce in buckets stored directly on the floor -At least 15 cm (6 inches) above the floor. -Store all food 6 inches off the floor. Once hot food has cooled down adequately it must be covered

THE EXCHANGE KITCHEN
707 Edmond
04/06/16 11:51 AM

Observations
-Manual and Mechanical Warewashing Equipment, Chemical Sanitization Temperature, pH, Concentration, and Hardness* -Dishwasher is not sanitizing utensils and wares -Chlorine 50-100ppm but not >200ppm Quaternary 200ppm but not >400ppm -Dishwasher must be repaired and checked using test strips to ensure that it is sanitizing. Repair dishwasher within 72 hours. Do not use until it is repaired

CHIPOTLE MEXICAN GRILL
5107 N Belt Hwy
04/05/16 1:59 PM

No observations

CHINA SUPER BUFFET INC
617 N Belt Hwy
04/05/16 12:13 PM

Observations
-Hand Drying Provision. -No paper towels at kitchen hand sink -Each hand washing sink or group of adjacent sinks shall be provided with disposable hand towels, dryer, or other acceptable means to dry hands. -Supply paper towels at all hand sinks
-Covering Receptacles -Dumpster is cracked and leaking liquid food wastes onto surroundings -Dumpster must have a tight-fitting lids or doors if kept outside the food establishment for pest control and odors -Replace the dumpster and clean up surroundings to keep rodents away

ST JO FRONTIER CASINO
777 Winners Circle
04/20/16 3:34 PM

Observations
– Cleaning Ventilation Systems, Nuisance and Discharge Prohibition -Dirty air vents in the employee restroom -Intake and exhaust air ducts shall be cleaned and filters changed so they are not a source of contamination by dust, dirt, and other materials. If vented to the outside, ventlation systems may not create a public health hazard or nuisance or unlawful discharge -Clean air vents and covers

A group of horse riders are hoping to be the difference when it comes to searching for individuals who go missing in rural places.

The Brown County Sheriff’s Office is offering the service of its Mounted Search and Rescue Unit to area agencies that may one day need help locating children who are lost, elderly people with Alzheimer’s, disoriented individuals or other victims.

“Maybe a child wanders off.  Especially in an agricultural community like we have; as the summer gets longer the corn gets taller,” said John Merchant, Brown County Sheriff. “We have the ability to activate this team and they’ll bring out their horses. They have the ability to cover a lot of ground, a large vantage point on top of the horse and the horses even pick up on humans.”

Sheriff Merchant said the group of mounted volunteers was formed in 2014. He said the sheriff’s department wants to make sure other area agencies know if needed, the group is willing to assist.

Jeff Spiker is the President of the Brown County Mounted Search and Rescue Group. He said the group consists of around a dozen riders who are trained and certified.

“Horses and riders have to go through a series of courses,” Spiker said. “Everybody that we have ,currently are from Brown County or Doniphan County.”

Spiker said the group meets every quarter for meetings and participates in mock rescues two to three times each year. The most recent mock rescue was held April 30 at the Brown State Lake. The group went through two training scenarios in an attempt to locate a missing 5-year-old hearing impaired child (portrayed by Andrew Clary of Hiawatha) who had wandered off and could not be located..

“We wanted to make it as difficult as possible and we didn’t want to put any children out there,” Sheriff Merchant said. “We basically had him go find some of the roughest terrain and heaviest brush and everything else and gave him a blanket and said you just lay there and let them find you. So he went and hid and we gathered up all the riders.”

Sheriff Merchant said on the first scenario he was found in the first 25 minutes and the horse actually alerted the rider of his presence in the brush.

The group has not yet been used in a real-life situation.  Spiker said the group was activated last year for a search but before they were deployed the individual had been found.

Anyone in need of the Brown County Mounted Search and Rescue Team or who would like to join to assist the team in a time of need is asked to call the Brown County Sheriff’s Department.  Sheriff Merchant said because the group is made up of volunteers it will not be used in a situation that could be life-threatening for the searchers.

A man is accused of punching a St. Joseph Police Officer in the face causing serious injuries.

Marcus Paden, 27 is charged in Buchanan County with a felony for assault on a law enforcement officer.

According to court documents, on Tuesday an officer stopped a vehicle driven by Paden speeding in the area of Ashmat Ln. and Gene Field Rd.

“Upon conducting a traffic stop for the violation, the defendant was uncooperative and refused to identify himself,” said Det. Chase Cotter, with the St. Joseph Police Dept. “A second officer arrived on scene to assist and advised the defendant he was under arrest for obstructing.”

Another officer arrived on scene to assist and allegedly ordered Paden to exit the vehicle and Paden refused.

“He attempted to roll the windows on the vehicle up to further resist arrest,” Cotter said. “When a passenger attempted to exit the car, the defendant yelled at him to not get out.”

Chase said the officer at the driver’s side was able to open the door and deploy OC spray on Paden.

“When the officer removed the defendant from the driver’s seat, the defendant intentionally struck him on the head and face multiple times with a closed fist until he was tased by the other officer,” Chase said. “The officer who was assaulted sustained serious injuries to his head and hands which required immediate medical care, a brace and a CT scan.”

As we previously reported, Sgt. Steve Smith was injured during a traffic stop Tuesday night.

Chase said there was also a toddler in the vehicle with no child seat or seat belt on.

Paden has a prior felony conviction for tampering with a motor vehicle and an active case for non support.  Also, court documents state Paden is from St. Louis and does not currently have a job.

Bond for Paden has been set at $35,000.  An arraignment is scheduled for Tuesday.

 

A St. Joseph Police Officer was injured during a traffic stop Tuesday night.

Capt. Jeff Wilson said Sgt. Steve Smith was involved in a traffic stop shortly before 7 p.m. when he was allegedly physically assaulted by a 27-year-old man.

Sgt. Smith was assisting another officer with the stop in the area of Gene Field and Ashmat Roads.  Capt. Wilson said the suspect was asked to exit the vehicle and that’s when the altercation took place.  No weapons were reported to have been used.

Sgt Smith was treated for a minor injury at the hospital.

As of Wednesday morning charges have not been filed in this case.

 

A St. Joseph attorney has been reprimanded by the Supreme Court of Missouri.

Tuesday, the court found John M. Spencer had violated rules of professional conducted by his conviction of the offense of domestic assault in the third degree in Buchanan County.

According to court documents, Spencer pleaded guilty to a misdemeanor for third-degree domestic assault on April 1, 2014 and was sentenced to serve two years supervised probation. He admitted to assaulting his then wife, Rebecca Spencer. Court documents show their marriage was dissolved in Oct. 2014.

Rebecca Spencer was elected as an associate circuit judge in Buchanan County in 2015.

The Supreme Court Order issued Tuesday said upon consideration the findings the Court ordered that John Spencer be reprimanded. A spokeswoman for the Supreme Court said with the order John Spencer will still be allowed to practice law, however the reprimand does go on his record.

To view the order CLICK HERE.

The Buchanan County Special Response Team is being recognized for their efforts during an 11-hour standoff last year in St. Joseph.

A joint press conference was held Monday afternoon between the Sheriff’s Department and the St. Joseph Police Department. Law enforcement officials said SRT, which is made of of both deputies and officers were presented in February with an award of valor by the Kansas City Metro Tactical Officers Association for their efforts during a standoff in October at Motel 6.

“This is an organization that sets the training standards nationally for units like this,” said Sheriff Mike Strong. “For them to recognize them is a big deal.”

As we previously reported, 44-year-old Roderick Ellis of St. Joseph was charged with felonies for kidnapping, domestic assault, two counts of armed criminal action and assault or attempted assault on a law enforcement officer. He’s accused of kidnapping a St Joseph woman, forcing her at gunpoint to drive her to the motel, and then, when she cried for help, shooting her in the arm.

Investigators said he then forced the woman into a room at the motel for more than 11 hours. The standoff prompted evacuations and lockdowns, as well as business and highway closures.

Ellis is scheduled for a Jury Trial in November.

The St. Joseph Police Department has release a photo of a man wanted for questioning in connection with the death of an elderly woman Friday.

As we previously reported, officers began investigating just before noon Friday at 108 E Highland Ave. after EMS found an 81-year-old woman dead with visible signs of trauma.  Authorities are currently treating the case as a homicide investigation.

Detectives are wanting to speak with 40-year-old Michael Ray Courter. He is described as being 5’ 6” in height, 230 lbs with green eyes and red hair.

Police said the deceased vehicle is missing from the residence and it is believed that Courter is in possession of the vehicle. The vehicle is a 2004 Mitsubishi utility style vehicle, blue in color, Missouri license number UC5N7M.

Anyone with information regarding the vehicle or Courter is asked to call the St. Joseph Missouri Communications Center at 816 271 4777 or the Tips Hotline (816) 238-TIPS.