More charges for man who shot at SWAT officers

More charges have been filed against a Jefferson City man after he shot at police officers executing a search warrant at his residence earlier this week.

Ardaris Webb Cheatham, 33,was charged in a four-count indictment returned by a federal grand jury in Jefferson City. The indictment replaces a federal criminal complaint filed against Cheatham Tuesday and contains additional charges.

The grand jury indictment charges Cheatham with one count of possessing marijuana with the intent to distribute, one count of discharging a firearm during and in relation to a drug-trafficking crime and one count of assaulting a federal law enforcement task force officer. The indictment also contains the original charge of being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition. All of the charges relate to an incident that occurred Monday.

According to an affidavit filed in support of the original criminal complaint, the Jefferson City Police Department SWAT Team executed a search warrant for narcotics at Cheatham's residence at approximately 12:35 p.m. Monday. When officers entered the residence, Cheatham fired a Beretta .40-caliber pistol at the officers as he retreated into the residence. Cheatham attempted to escape by exiting the basement but was apprehended by other officers stationed outside.

Officers found approximately 27 pounds of marijuana hidden in various locations within Cheatham's residence. A methamphetamine pipe with residue was found in a bedroom.

A witness later told investigators she had purchased the firearm two years ago. She said Cheatham had fired the gun in the past and sometimes handled the firearm in the residence.

Under federal law, it is illegal for anyone who has been convicted of a felony to possess any firearm or ammunition. Cheatham has a prior felony conviction for possession of a controlled substance.