Hearing set for Columbia man accused of holding family of three hostage
UPDATE 11/6: Hartmann is scheduled for a hearing Monday.
UPDATE 8/24: Neighbors said Wednesday Hartmann had only lived on Greeley Drive for about two months but they had seen the victim and her children there frequently.
The National Coalition Against Domestic Violence lists several red flags that indicate a possible abuser. Those include possessiveness, a bad temper or extremely controlling behavior.
The National Domestic Violence Hotline echoes these warning signs, adding that an abuser could keep you from seeing friends or family or control who you see, where you go or what you do.
One woman who lives off and on with her daughter nearby said looking back, there were some signs of possible aggression from Hartmann.
“Now that everything’s come out, I see what I saw as the controlling behavior,” she said. “He wouldn’t let his kids or wife come outside. If they were out and we came out, he made everybody go in. I didn’t pay attention then, but now I see it.”
There are resources available for those who may suspect domestic or sexual abuse or who are currently living in an abusive relationship.
This is a link to the National Domestic Violence hotline and it is available 24/7.
The Missouri Coalition Against Domestic Violence is also a local resource for anyone who needs help or knows someone who does.
ORIGINAL STORY: Terence Hartmann was arrested Monday on multiple charges after a woman accused him of holding her and her children hostage.
The three planned on staying a night over at Hartmann’s home on Greeley Drive in Columbia last week but the woman said when they tried to leave, Hartmann threatened them.
The woman and her children were able to escape Monday night after eight days in Hartmann’s house. Neighbors said the woman ran to a nearby residence for help earlier this week and called the police.
When police arrived, the woman told them Hartmann repeatedly threatened her and her children with a knife and a gun, and beat them as well.
Officers arrested Hartmann after noticing the bruises and cuts on the victims. They also found blood in two rooms of Hartmann’s house as well as a loaded handgun.
Hartmann was arrested on suspicion of armed criminal action, domestic assault, endangering the welfare of a child, kidnapping, possession of a controlled substance, and unlawful use of weapons. He is currently at the Boone County Jail.
