Authorities in Oakdale are searching for a local man wanted in the shooting and death of a 25-year-old man.
“The best thing to do, is turn yourself in,” Oakdale Police Chief Chad Doyle said on Monday afternoon after the victim died.
Authorities are searching for Malcolm Pugh, 21, who has been described as “armed and dangerous” in regards to a shooting that occurred during an altercation around 3 p.m. Friday, August 5, on Arkansas Avenue in Oakdale near state Highway 372.
Doyle advised residents to not approach Pugh and encouraged residents to contact his office with Pugh’s location. He also encouraged Pugh to turn himself in. He doesn’t want to see Pugh hurt, any member of the public or even any officer hurt as this process and investigation unfolds.
Charges were upgraded Monday morning after the victim, Anthony Rakestraw Jr., 25, died from his wounds. Initially Pugh was charged with attempted second-degree murder, but Pugh is now facing second-degree murder charges.
Police responded to the Arkansas Avenue area on Friday after receiving reports of someone being shot during a fight. When officers arrived the victim had already been transported to the hospital by someone at the scene. At that time, Doyle noted the victim was in critical condition.
Pugh fled the scene in a dark-colored sedan in an unknown direction before police arrived, Doyle said. As of Tuesday morning, August 9, Pugh remained at large. Officers were following up tips of where Pugh might have been hiding but they were unable to locate him on Monday. Tuesday, Doyle said they were continuing their search and urged residents with information in regards to the shooting or Pugh’s whereabouts to please contact the Oakdale Police Department at 318-335-0290.
Residents should remember that all persons are innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. When Pugh is found, he will follow the judicial process in accordance with the case.
