Standoff in Gasconade County ends in arrest; kidnapping charges filed
GASCONADE COUNTY, Mo. – A standoff in Gasconade County, Missouri, ended peacefully on Sunday with a suspect in custody.
According to Gasconade County Sheriff Scott Eiler, deputies were dispatched to a home in the 2800 block of County Line Road for a reported domestic assault involving a firearm.
The victim contacted authorities and said Matthew S. Gerlemann (age not provided) had taken four pistols and an AR-15 rifle from the gun safe. She feared Gerlemann was going to shoot at the deputies when they arrived.
The woman said she and her children could not leave the home out of fear of what Gerlemann might do.
Deputies arrived and saw Gerlemann walking inside the home and attempted to get him to leave the residence. Gerlemann refused.
Tennessee police searching for missing Mizzou student
Sheriff Eiler said a sergeant with the sheriff’s office got hold of Gerlemann on the phone and tried to persuade him to come out. During the conversation, Gerlemann allegedly said he was armed and threatened to shoot law enforcement.
The Missouri State Highway Patrol, Owensville Police Department, and Franklin County Sheriff’s Office responded to the home to assist Gasconade County authorities.
A Franklin County deputy who is a trained negotiator took over speaking with Gerlemann. The negotiator convinced Gerlemann to exit the home and surrender peacefully.
The Gasconade County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office charged Gerlemann with three counts of second-degree kidnapping, one count of unlawful use of a weapon, and one count of armed criminal action. Gerlemann was jailed on a $100,000 cash-only bond.
For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 2.
