On Saturday, August 15, 2026, at approximately 11:21 p.m., a Caruthersville Police officer initiated a traffic stop in the 900 block of Truman Boulevard. During the stop, officers discovered three loaded firearms, one of which was allegedly fitted with an illegal conversion device known as a “switch.” The vehicle’s occupants were taken into custody and later charged with multiple felony weapons offenses.
As a result of this investigation, the following subjects are being charged:
-
Eric Craine – Two Counts of Unlawful Possession of a Firearm – Dangerous Felon/Prior Conviction, Unlawful Possession of Illegal Weapon, Tampering with Physical Evidence in Felony Prosecution, and Resisting Arrest for a Felony
-
Keivon Smith – Unlawful Possession of a Firearm and Resisting Arrest for a Felony
-
Emaurion Truss – Unlawful Possession of an Illegal Weapon, Tampering with Physical Evidence in Felony Prosecution, and Resisting Arrest for a Felony
-
Belton McWilliam – Interfering with First Responder and Resisting Arrest
-
Dashawn Lee – Interfering with First Responder.
All persons arrested or charged with a crime are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.
These arrests demonstrate the continued commitment of our officers to protecting the City of Caruthersville. Gun-related crime and the unlawful possession of firearms by prohibited or dangerous persons are serious matters. Likewise, individuals who intentionally interfere with officers while they are performing their lawful duties can create an unnecessarily dangerous situation for officers, suspects, bystanders, and themselves.
The Caruthersville Police Department supports the public’s right to observe, record, and document law enforcement activity from a lawful location. However, observing officers is not the same as interfering with officers. When officers are conducting a traffic stop, making an arrest, investigating a crime, or handling another potentially dangerous situation, bystanders who are directed to remain at a safe and lawful distance are expected to comply. Any person who knowingly and willfully interferes with an officer in the lawful performance of their duties WILL be arrested and charged when probable cause exists. Interference can rapidly escalate an already dangerous situation and place officers, suspects, bystanders, and the interfering individual at unnecessary risk.