JEFFERSON COUNTY, Mo. — An early morning hostage situation involving a woman and armed suspect in Jefferson County has been resolved. Authorities said the suspect is now in custody.
Police were called to the 3000 block of Adayah Lane in the Arnold area a little before 3:30 a.m. on Monday for a disturbance.
Grant Bissell, a spokesperson for the Jefferson County Sheriff's Department, said a male suspect was inside the home with three women. One of the women, possibly the suspect's ex-girlfriend, was shot in the chest.
A 79-year-old woman who was not shot was able to get out of the house. Another woman had been hiding during the entire situation; police said officers were aware she was inside.
The injured woman, 41, got out of the house at about 9 a.m. after hours of negotiations. She was taken to the hospital with non-life-threatening injuries, Bissell confirmed with 5 On Your Side.
The third woman was also able to get out of the house safely, police said.
When deputies initially arrived at the scene, they heard gunshots that they believed may have been aimed in their direction, according to the sheriff's department. No deputies were hit.
St. Louis County SWAT responded to the scene to assist the Jefferson County Sheriff's Department.
Officials told neighbors to shelter in place while the scene was still active.
Monday afternoon, the Jefferson County Sheriff's Department announced it had arrested a 46-year-old man from Arnold was arrested for allegedly shooting the 41-year-old woman inside a home. The suspect was taken to the Jefferson County Jail. His name is being withheld until charges are officially filed.
We will continue to update you as this story develops.
Resources for crime victims:
If you have been a victim of a crime or know someone who has been, 5 On Your Side has compiled a list of resources.
Better Family Life is a nonprofit community development organization working to “stabilize inner-city neighborhoods.” One aspect of its mission is a gun violence de-escalation program.
To learn more, call 314-381-8200 or visit https://www.betterfamilylife.org/
Life Outside of Violence “helps those harmed by stabbing, gunshot or assault receive the treatment, support and resources they need to find alternatives to end the cycle of violence.”
To learn more, call 314-327-6697 or email: ProjectLOV@WUSTL.edu
The Urban League of Metropolitan St. Louis has an anti-crime program called “Safety Net for Youth Initiative,” which is a joint partnership between and Saint Louis Public Schools to provide services to at-risk youth.
To learn more, visit https://www.ulstl.com/anti-crime-initiative.html
Cure Violence is an international organization that has recently launched in a handful of St. Louis neighborhoods. Violence interrupters are trained to deescalate violent situations within their own communities. To learn more, visit https://cvg.org/