West Plains man arrested for assault on store employee; flees officers

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West Plains man arrested after he fled from officers responding to an assault at a local store.

According to the West Plains Police Department, officers were dispatched Monday to Walmart for a report of a male assaulting an employee when he was confronted about stealing. The male suspect then fled the area.

Officers located the vehicle leaving the area and attempted a traffic stop. The suspect, identified as Cooper Alan Lee Clayton, failed to yield to officers. After he turned onto Nichols Drive, Clayton fled on foot into a wooden area. Clayton was apprehended near Armstrong Street and Preacher Roe Blvd. without incident.

Clayton is facing charges of second-degree robbery, resisting arrest, duty to drive with care (excessive speed), improper passing, operating a motor vehicle without a valid license, failure to display current license plates and failure to provide proof of financial responsibility. He also has four active warrants for his arrest out of West Plains. Clayton is currently being held at the West Plains Police Department Jail Facility.

The employee involved in the incident sustained minor injuries but did not require medical attention.

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