By DAVID A. WILSON
Democrat Staff
Felony charges have been filed in Moniteau County Court against Hector Cruz Castro, 31, California, as a result of a reported shooting and followup vehicle search resulting in discovery of controlled substances.
According to Court documents, shots fired were reported at 2 a.m. Saturday, March 30. At 4:10 p.m. the victim of the alleged shooting reported the incident to the police, indicating it happened during a fight at a party on Howard Street. The perpetrator is alleged to have pulled a handgun on the victim, firing at least two shots, one of which grazed him on the side of the head, before others present held him back. The victim sustained a concussion.
The alleged perpetrator was arrested at 4:40 p.m. March 31, and a Drug Task Force search of a vehicle and residence on Hollis Street found 60 grams of methamphetamine, marijuana, drug parphernalia and a "lot of cell phones" as well as "Departure Order" for July 2013 from the Department of Homeland Security.
On Monday, April 1, Castro was charged with Class B Felony Assault in the First Degree, unclassified Felony of Armed Criminal Action, Class B Felony Distribution, Delivery, Manufacture, Produce or Attempt to or Possess with Intent to Distribute, Deliver, Manufacture, Produce a Controlled Substance and Class C Felony Possession of a Controlled Substance except 35 grams or less of marijuana.
If convicted on these charges, the defendant could face up to five to 15 years in prison on the Class B Felony charges, up to seven years and a $5,000 fine on the Class C Felony charge and not less than three years without possibility of parole or probation on the unclassified Felony charge.
He was arraigned April 2 and ordered held without bond.