Authorities responded to a reported disturbance at a local convenience store after an altercation between two individuals allegedly escalated into a destructive confrontation.
On January 26 at approximately 8:11 p.m., the Ottumwa Police Department was dispatched to the Casey’s convenience store in the 1000 block of E. Main Street for a report of criminal mischief.
According to a criminal complaint, Benjerman Shelton, 25, of Ottumwa, was involved in a fight and engaged in violent behavior inside the business. Shelton and another individual allegedly destroyed store merchandise by grabbing various items and throwing them at each other.
Court documents state that multiple display cases were damaged or destroyed, along with consumable goods that had been set out for sale. The total damage attributed to Shelton is estimated at approximately $2,500.
A warrant was served on Shelton on January 30. A $2,000 cash-only bond has been set. A preliminary hearing had not been scheduled as of this report.
Shelton is charged with second-degree criminal mischief, a Class D felony, and disorderly conduct — fighting/violent behavior, a simple misdemeanor.
Editors Note: All information was obtained from court documents related to the ongoing investigation.
