Officers with the West Plains Police Department responded to a reported domestic disturbance at a local business within city limits Wednesday evening. The incident involved Stormy Pankey and her roommate, who sustained minor injuries during a physical altercation.
According to the police report, the confrontation escalated when Pankey allegedly threw a beer can at the victim, shoved him, and attempted to choke him by grabbing his neck. The victim corroborated these claims, stating he was struck with the can and pushed backward into a display of fishing poles, resulting in abrasions to his neck and hand.
Two witnesses provided statements to officers. One confirmed seeing Pankey throw the beer can and initiate physical contact. The second witness observed mutual pushing between the two individuals and saw the victim fall after being shoved.
Pankey admitted to pushing the victim multiple times and acknowledged causing him to fall into the fishing poles. While she denied throwing the beer can, she admitted to consuming alcohol and claimed her actions were in self-defense. However, she also conceded that she continued the altercation even after the victim was on the ground and had opportunities to disengage.
Based on the totality of evidence—including witness accounts, visible injuries, and Pankey’s own statements—officers determined she was the primary aggressor. During her arrest, Pankey reportedly became verbally combative and shouted insults at officers.
She has been formally charged with Assault in the Third Degree.
