Boone County couple arrested for marijuana growing operation

COLUMBIA — A Boone County couple was arrested Tuesday night after sheriff's deputies found a marijuana growing operation at their residence.

Responding to a call about a disturbance, Boone County deputies arrived at the home in El Ray Trailer Court, 6908 E. Mexico Gravel Road, shortly before 7 p.m. Witnesses told police that the couple was in a physical altercation. During the investigation, police discovered marijuana growing in a bedroom.

Paul D. Powell, 48, and Lisa A. Fisher, 48, were arrested on suspicion of manufacturing a controlled substance. Fisher was being held Wednesday on $20,000 bond. Powell, who was also arrested for second-degree assault, was being held on $40,000 bond Wednesday afternoon.

"This guy is someone we've been dealing with for years," Detective Tom O'Sullivan said.

Powell, who had cuts that police said appeared to be self-inflicted, was taken to the University Hospital at about 7:30 p.m. Tuesday. In the hospital, he became combative and assaulted an officer, O'Sullivan said. The prosecutor did not file a charge for the third-degree assault on an officer.

"Prosecutors tend to think being assaulted is part of the job," O'Sullivan said.

In addition to numerous arrests in the past several years, Powell was indicted on a charge of domestic assault in March. He was also arrested in August 2008 on suspicion possession of a controlled substance and harassment.