August 2nd, 2025 Local News
Bismarck, Mo. (KFMO) - A Bismarck man is in custody and facing a long list of felony charges after a series of burglaries involving firearms and a large-scale foot pursuit on Wednesday, July 30.
Officers with the Bismarck Police Department responded to a report of a burglary involving a firearm in the 500 block of Odell Avenue. When officers arrived, the suspect fled on foot and was later identified as Ronald Lee Cole, Jr. of Bismarck. During the pursuit, which stretched across multiple residential yards and neighborhoods, Cole reportedly forced entry into two additional homes in the Sherwood neighborhood. While inside, he allegedly pointed a stolen firearm at two different residents and stole another firearm from one of the victims.
Prior to officers arriving, Cole is also accused of breaking into several outbuildings and vehicles, causing property damage along the way. With assistance from a nearby resident, deputies and K-9 units from the St. Francois County Sheriff’s Office, and a K-9 unit from the Park Hills Police Department, officers were able to locate the home where Cole was hiding and safely take him into custody.
Cole was transported to the St. Francois County Jail. On July 31, the St. Francois County Courts issued a warrant charging him with first-degree burglary, second-degree burglary, resisting arrest, stealing a firearm, receiving stolen property, two counts of unlawful use of a weapon, possession of burglary tools, and second-degree property damage. His bond was set at $100,000 cash or surety.
In addition to these charges, the Missouri Department of Corrections Division of Probation and Parole issued a no-bond warrant for probation and parole violations related to Cole’s prior criminal convictions.
The investigation is ongoing.
