Man arrested after nearly 20-hour standoff near Moberly

MOBERLY, Mo. (KMIZ)

Randolph County Sheriff Aaron Wilson confirmed 59-year-old Stephen Thorp was taken into custody around 3:30 a.m. on Tuesday.

About 50 law enforcement officers were on scene near Moberly on Monday into the early hours of Tuesday as the man barricaded himself in a house. Wilson said authorities used tear gas and were able to arrest Thorp without incident.

"Mr. Thorp came crawling out of the residence on his stomach," Sheriff Wilson said. "He was obeying commands with his hands out in front of him and up. He did not have any weapon on him."

Wilson said about 14 canisters of tear gas were used during the operation.

Officers included SWAT members and a K-9 Unit at the home on County Road 2360. Thorp was wanted on a parole warrant for second-degree murder. He previously served 20 years in prison for the second-degree murder charge and has had a history with law enforcement according to Wilson.

Wilson said there were two or three other people in the home including a neighbor and Thorp's girlfriend but all made it out safely.

According to officials, law enforcement were on the scene for nearly 20 hours. The stand-off started a little after 8 a.m. on Monday, according to officials on scene.

"We're not going into the residence. He's the only person in there and there's no reason for us to enter the residence and take the risk of getting an officer hurt or the suspect", said Wilson.

The suspect is also accused of shooting at people in Pike County, Wilson said.

Wilson said Thorpe had a low-caliber handgun and fired multiple rounds inside the house. The suspect also shot down a law enforcement drone sent into the home, he said.

In an effort to get Thorp from the home, officials have shut off utilities including electricity and water. Police officials said he'll face weapon violations.

"At this point in time, we've exhausted pretty much everything that we've had set for negotiations. We've tried you know chemical agents and everything and he doesn't want to come out. So will just see what we can do and wait it out", said Wilson.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol and the U.S. Marshal have been on scene handling negotiations, according to Wilson.

Shortly after midnight on Monday night, members of Troop F were replaced by members of Troop C out of the St. Louis area.

Wilson confirmed Thorp has a military background.