PRESS RELEASE FRANKLIN COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE October 29, 2019

On October 24, 2019 deputies were dispatched to the 1200 block of Old County Farm Rd in Union for a report of a burglary in progress. The caller reported witnessing a male subject dressed in black enter a vacant, neighboring home. Upon arrival, deputies searched the home and located a male subject inside. The male claimed he had permission to “scrap” parts of the home. During the investigation deputies learned the owner of the home did not know the suspect and never gave him permission to take anything from the home. The deputies arrested the male suspect. Drug items were found in the possession of the male suspect. A warrant was issued for the charges of Burglary 2nd degree and Unlawful Possession of Drug Paraphernalia on the suspect, identified as Zachary William Cooper, age 28 from Union. Bond was set at $50,000 cash only.

On October 25, 2019 deputies were dispatched to the 400 block of Doris Morello Drive in Sullivan for a report of a robbery and domestic assault in progress. Prior to deputies’ arrival, the suspect fled the scene in a gray S.U.V. When deputies arrived on scene, the 65-year-old victim said she was sitting in her recliner inside her residence while her 24-year-old grandson, who was visiting her, walked up behind her and demanded her debit card. When she did not give the card to him, he grabbed the back of her head and forced it backwards. He then held an unknown, sharp object to her neck, gripping her neck tighter while continuing to demand her debit card. He then pushed her to the floor and stole her purse. Deputies searched for the suspect and he was eventually found inside his vehicle on the following evening. A warrant was issued against the grandson, Andrew S. Gibson who resides in the Sullivan, Mo area for Robbery 1st degree and Domestic Assault 2nd degree with a bond set at $75,000.00 cash only. Criminal history records show Mr. Gibson has a previous conviction for Domestic Assault 2nd and Armed Criminal Action from a case in 2016.