Children removed from home after hostage situation

CARUTHERSVILLE, Mo. -- A man and woman are in custody after police responded to a domestic disturbance that escalated into a hostage situation.

At 12:16 p.m. Friday, Caruthersville officers were called to a home in the 600 block of Grand Avenue, "in reference to a hysterical male requesting an officer," according to a news release from Caruthersville city marshal Tony Jones.

When officers approached the residence, the partially opened door was slammed shut, Jones said. As they entered, officers found a 32-year-old woman sitting behind the door.

"The female advised officers she had gotten into a fight with her boyfriend, who had threatened her with a knife," Jones said. "The female then advised officers, as they arrived at the residence, her boyfriend took their 10-year-old son into the bedroom at the rear of the residence and was holding him hostage with a knife."

Jones said officers secured the woman then spoke to the man through the bedroom door. A short time later the man exited the bedroom unarmed and was taken into custody. The child was also inside the bedroom and unharmed.

The woman and the 34-year-old man, whose names were not released, are being held in the Pemiscot County Justice Center pending the filing of formal charges.

"After deeming the residence unfit for the children to stay, the children were placed with a family member," Jones said.

Pertinent address:

Caruthersville, Mo.