ROLLA, MO – What began as an ordinary Friday afternoon in this quiet Ozarks town quickly turned chaotic as a woman armed with a pocketknife reportedly embarked on a series of violent incidents spanning two businesses and a nearby jail.
Authorities say Samantha Feeler, 31, is now facing several felony charges after she allegedly attempted a daylight robbery at a Sinclair convenience store before turning her attention to a Walmart parking lot and, hours later, a dramatic confrontation inside the local jail.
The spree allegedly started at around 3 p.m. on North Bishop Avenue, where police say Feeler entered the convenience store, approached a register, and demanded cash from the stunned clerk at knifepoint. According to investigators, when the employee tried to trigger a silent alarm, Feeler threatened deadly force if her demands were not met.
Unable to access money from the register, Feeler is accused of departing the scene before officers arrived. But police say her criminal activity did not stop there. Less than an hour after the attempted robbery, Feeler reportedly moved to the Walmart Supercenter along South Bishop Avenue, where another alarming encounter unfolded.
In the busy parking lot, investigators allege Feeler confronted a woman who had just parked and was still inside her car. After the woman rolled down her window, Feeler is accused of threatening her with the same pocketknife, prompting screams for help as Feeler reached into the vehicle. According to authorities, Feeler tried to grab an item from inside the car before the woman managed to roll up her window and stave off further harm.
Feeler then allegedly left the scene by foot, eventually entering the Walmart as police began to close in. Officers, already tracking her movements, located the suspect shortly after her entrance into the store. However, police say she did not go quietly, resisting arrest attempts and creating another scene inside the supercenter as they worked to detain her.
Once in custody, Feeler was transported to the Phelps County Jail. Officials say her attempts to avoid capture persisted—she allegedly lunged for a Taser during the booking process and then attempted to flee from the fingerprinting area. Staff quickly regained control and secured her in a cell.
Jail records show that Feeler now faces multiple charges, including attempted robbery, first-degree assault, unlawful use of a weapon, and armed criminal action. All counts are classified as felonies.
Authorities have set Feeler’s bond at $250,000. A hearing to review her bond conditions is currently scheduled for January 6, 2026.
No serious injuries were reported during any of the incidents, and the investigation into the attempted robbery and assault continues. Police credited quick responses from employees and officers for preventing further escalation.