A night of live music at a downtown Mexico bar turned violent early Sunday (June 28) when, investigators say, a Benton City man climbed onto the stage, sparked a brawl and stabbed or cut three patrons. One victim was rushed into emergency surgery, while two others were treated at the scene for less severe injuries.
Charges and arrest
According to court records, 37-year-old Robert H. LeCoque is charged with three counts of first-degree assault, three counts of armed criminal action and one count of unlawful use of a weapon. He was booked into the Audrain County Jail and is being held without bond, as reported by KOMU.
How police say the attack unfolded
ABC 17 News reports that officers say LeCoque tried to climb onto the stage while a band was playing, triggering a confrontation as patrons moved to get him down. During that struggle, police say three people were stabbed. Investigators say they later recovered a knife behind a dumpster and that surveillance video appears to capture the incident. According to officers, LeCoque ran from the bar but was arrested about an hour later on Huntingfield Road near Jefferson Road.
Victim condition and response
The Mexico Department of Public Safety said one victim suffered multiple stab wounds and was taken to University Hospital with internal bleeding. That person was reported in stable condition at the time of the department’s release. Two other patrons had cuts and were treated at the scene, according to local reporting by KXEO.
Legal consequences
Under Missouri law, assault in the first degree is a felony offense that can bring tougher penalties when the victim suffers serious physical injury, as outlined in RSMo §565.050. The state’s armed-criminal-action statute adds a separate, consecutive prison term when a dangerous weapon or instrument is used in the crime, according to RSMo §571.015.
What’s next
LeCoque’s first court appearance was scheduled for Tuesday morning, and prosecutors are expected to review the probable-cause statement as the case moves through Audrain County courts, ABC 17 News reported. The investigation remains active, and authorities have not yet publicly identified the bar where the incident occurred.
