A Sedalia man has been charged following allegations that he threatened to harm a neighbor’s dog and a child during a heated dispute.
Court records from Pettis County, Missouri, filed on Thursday, January 9, reveal that 60-year-old Donald W. Albert of Sedalia faces charges linked to an altercation that escalated to threats against a neighbor’s dog and a child. The case stems from an incident that occurred in late December.
According to a probable cause statement submitted by the Pettis County Sheriff’s Office, the incident took place around 11:30 a.m. on December 29. Emergency services were dispatched to a residence after receiving reports of a disturbance. The callers alleged that a neighbor had been making threats to kill their dogs.
As deputies made their way to the scene, they received additional information that Albert had brandished a firearm and made threats against a child. Upon arrival, law enforcement observed Albert engaging in a heated argument with neighbors on the street.
Investigations revealed that the situation began when a neighbor attempted to walk their dog. During the walk, Albert’s canine reportedly charged at them, causing the neighbor to lose control of their own dog. When the neighbor attempted to address the issue with Albert, he allegedly retrieved a shotgun and threatened them, including making a direct threat to a child.
Witness accounts provided to the authorities confirmed this sequence of events.
Initially, the Sheriff’s Office sought charges of assault and child abuse. However, the case proceeded with a single charge of unlawful use of a weapon. On Thursday, a warrant for Albert’s arrest was issued. As of Saturday, he had not been taken into custody, and a court date had yet to be scheduled.
This case highlights the serious nature of conflicts that escalate into threats involving firearms. The Pettis County Sheriff’s Office continues to investigate the matter. No additional details have been released at this time.
