Man Charged with Attacking Mississippi River Towboat Captain

File photo of the MIranda Paige. Image courtesy USACE

A 30-year old crew member of a Mississippi river towboat is facing federal charges after attacking his captain last week near St. Louis.

The St. Louis Post-Dispatch reports that 30-year-old David Roberts, a crew member aboard the Miranda Paige towboat, is charged with an act of violence against and incapacitating an individual aboard a vessel, as well as endangering both the vessel and those on board.

According to documents unveiled in court, Roberts allegedly pulled the captain from the wheel and choked him until unconscious while threatening to kill him. Luckily, the Chief Mate was right there and prevented the towboat from going aground as it veered towards shore, but he too was threatened by Roberts who was demanding to be taken to shore.

No word yet on what prompted the attack.

The MV Miranda Paige is owned by Lewis and Clark Marine based in Granite City, IL.

More information on the attack can be found HERE.

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