The City of Sedalia Police Department reports that on Sunday, July 6, 2025, at approximately 2:20 a.m., an officer was flagged down by a woman in the 200 block of West Broadway Boulevard. The woman reported that she had been pinned to the ground and sexually assaulted by a male suspect who she believed was armed with a knife and who did not speak English. She was able to escape during the assault and immediately sought help from the officer.
Based on the description provided, officers quickly located the suspect in the area. When officers attempted to contact him, the suspect fled on foot. A foot pursuit ensued, and responding officers surrounded the suspect. During the encounter, the suspect emerged from behind an obstruction holding a pistol and walked toward an officer. Officers issued verbal commands at gunpoint, and the suspect ultimately complied by putting the weapon down.
The suspect, identified as 24-year-old Sam Newl, was taken into custody without further incident. He was transported to the Pettis County Jail and placed on a 24-hour hold. Formal charges have been requested from the Pettis County Prosecutor’s Office for the following offenses:
- Two counts of 1st Degree Assault
- Attempted Rape with a Weapon
- 1st Degree Kidnapping
- 1st Degree Sexual Assault
- 2nd Degree Sodomy
- 2nd Degree Assault
- Armed Criminal Action
- Unlawful Use of a Weapon
The City of Sedalia Police Department thanks the officers for their prompt and professional response in safely apprehending the suspect and ensuring the victim received immediate assistance.
