Springfield police: Man threatens to ‘blaze’ police with rifle

Donald R. Silvers III appears in Clark County Municipal Court. Jeff Guerini/Staff

Donald R. Silvers III appears in Clark County Municipal Court. Jeff Guerini/Staff

Springfield police accused a man of attempting to break into a restaurant and having messages on his cell phone stating he intended to steal a rifle in order to combat police.

Donald R. Silvers III, 33, whose address is listed as at large, was charged with three counts of breaking and entering, two counts of possession of criminal tools, and one count each of attempted breaking and entering, criminal damaging, and assault. He plead not guilty at the Clark County Municipal Court on Nov. 3 and his bond was set at $10,000.

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According to court records, police were dispatched to the Dragon China restaurant located at 2039 E. Main St. after receiving a report from a witness who said they saw Silvers allegedly attempt to break the front door of the building with an unknown object, then flee in a silver SUV.

By the time police arrived at the scene to investigate, the vehicle was gone but the witness approached officers again when they saw the same vehicle at a Valero gas station at 2110 E. Main St.

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Police approached the vehicle and found Silvers, as well as another man, inside the vehicle. Both were taken into custody. The other man was released after questioning, but Silvers was charged with attempted breaking and entering and also served with previous warrants for breaking and entering and assault.

Police later reviewed footage of previous break-ins at another Valero gas station on Main Street and two BP gas stations on Limestone Street where cash drawers and cigarettes were stolen and allegedly found visual evidence linking Silvers to the crimes, according to court documents.

A search of the car Silvers was using allegedly turned up a claw hammer used in the crimes, police said, as well as a cell phone containing text messages that allegedly mentioned plans for additional robberies, including a gun store where the accused suspect allegedly stated he was going to get a “fully automatic AR” and “blaze” authorities because he wanted to avoid jail.

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