Christmas Day standoff in Caruthersville ends peacefully

CARUTHERSVILLE, Mo. -- A Christmas Day standoff ended safely with the arrest of a suspect.

Byron Greg Russom, 48, is charged with third-degree domestic assault and unlawful use of a weapon after a three-hour standoff at a residence in the 1700 block of Edwards Street.

According to a news release issued by Caruthersville City Marshal Chris Riggs, at 1:13 a.m. Thursday police officers were called to a residence because of domestic disturbance involving an armed suspect making threats. As officers approached the house, police say they saw Russom standing on the front porch with a rifle.

Russom was ordered to drop the weapon but instead fled inside. While securing the premises, officers observed a woman and a child attempting to flee out the back door and were able to lead them to safety.

Russom stayed inside the house and refused to surrender, shouting at officers, "You will do things my way or you will die with me," according to Riggs. At least twice, shots were fired from inside the home.

Communication was maintained with Russom, and after about three hours he surrendered to officers without further incident. Several weapons were seized from inside the house.

Russom has since posted bond of $27,500 and was released from custody