Police Officer Adam Sullentrup; Detective Sergeant Mason Griffith.Photo: City of Hermann, Missouri Facebook
After a standoff that lasted more than 12 hours, a 35-year-old Missouri man, who was wanted in connection with the shootings of two police officers on Sunday night, was taken into custody.
Kenneth Lee Simpson of Eureka, Mo., was apprehended on Monday around 2 p.m., according to a press release from theMissouri State Highway Patrol.
He is being investigated for the shootings of Detective Sergeant Mason Griffith and Hermann Police Officer Adam Sullentrup. Shortly after the Sunday night shooting, Griffith, 34, died from his injuries. Sullentrup, 31, is in critical but stable condition at a local hospital.
Simpson is facing charges of first-degree murder, two counts of armed criminal action, first-degree assault on a special victim and unlawful possession of a firearm,KOMU 8reports. It is unclear if he’s entered a plea to the charges or retained an attorney who can speak on his behalf.
The shootings occurred at a Casey’s General Store in Hermann, Mo., a town of fewer than 2,300 people about an hour-and-a-half west of St. Louis.
Griffith and Sullentrup approached Simpson around 9 p.m. on Sunday night inside the store and attempted to arrest him on multiple warrants he had in two Missouri counties, according to the press release. “An altercation ensued and the two Hermann officers were shot,” the release stated.
Kenneth Lee Simpson.The Missouri State Highway Patrol
Simpson left the store and authorities later learned he was in a home near where the shootings took place. They surrounded the home and two women came out with their hands raised, police said, theSt. Louis Post-Dispatchreports. It is unclear if Simpson knew the women or had any connection to the house. Neighbors reportedly heard officers using a bullhorn to try and establish communication with Simpson all night long, the outlet reports. Shortly before 2 p.m., authorities filled the home with tear gas, forcing Simpson out. He was then transported to the Crawford County Jail.
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AFacebook post from City of Rosebud, Mo., shows Griffith recently celebrated his birthday on March 1. The caption reads: “Happy Birthday to our very own Chief Griffith today!!! Hope your day brings you much happiness and safety!”
During a press conference held on Monday, Robert Koerber, the former Mayor of Hermann spoke about Griffith, theSt. Louis Post-Dispatchreports.
“He was one of my favorite officers because he had such an easy and effective style,” Koerber said. “He seemed to take a personal interest in people. He was interested in whatever your problem was.”
source: people.com
