News bulletin from the Bates County Sheriff's Department

Myers

On Saturday February 12^th at 10:30pm Bates County Sheriff's Deputies were dispatched to the rural Amsterdam area in reference to a suicidal subject armed with a high power rifle. The male subject was identified as Brian L Myers. Myers was at his home when he became agitated and began to argue with family members in the residence. Prior to Deputies arriving Myers began shooting inside the house. Three people were able to evacuate the residence and move to a safe place down the road.

One juvenile male subject remained inside the home with Myers. It was first reported that the juvenile was a hostage but later it was determined that he was able to leave the residence but would not leave. Negotiations via the phone began and Myers began demanding that the Deputies leave. Sheriff Anderson requested a response by the Missouri State Highway Patrols SWAT team. At 1230am on Sunday, prior to the arrival of the SWAT team, Myers agreed to come out of the house and was taken into custody. The juvenile was also taken into custody but later released to a guardian.

Myers has been charged with unlawful use of a weapon and bond was set at $25,000 by Circuit Judge Journey. More charges are expected to be filed by the Prosecutor Hugh Jenkins.

The Bates County Sheriff's Office was assisted by the Missouri State Highway Patrol and the Bates County EMS

Baker

On February 14^th, at 3:00pm Deputies were dispatched to a domestic in rural Adrian. Once on scene deputies were advised that the reporting party's estranged wife had pulled a gun on him and another male while he was picking up his horse from the residence. The Deputy made contact with the female, identified as Rhonda L Baker, and attempted to take her into custody. Baker retreated into the residence and became non-compliant to law enforcement. An all officer call out was initiated and communication began to negotiate with her to surrender.

At 4:30pm a request was sent for the Missouri State Highway Patrol's SWAT and negotiators to assist. At 4:45pm MSHP began to send a negotiator and an Armor Personnel Carrier. A full SWAT team was not authorized by the command staff of the MSHP so at 5:00pm a request for assistance was made to the Cass County Sheriff's Office. Cass County Sheriff's Office responded with a full SWAT team and negotiators. An arrest warrant was issued for Baker and a search warrant was issued for her residence.

Cass Coounty SWAT negotiators began to make contact with Baker at 8:00pm. After approximately 4 hours of failed communications tear gas was deployed into the residence. At approximately 12:45am Tuesday February 15, Baker exited the house and was taken into custody and transported to the Bates County Hospital. The search warrant was executed and multiple weapons were recovered from the residence.

Baker has been charged with unlawful use of a weapon and bond was set at $7500 by Associate Judge Hopkins. More charges are expected to be filed by the Prosecutor Hugh Jenkins

Bates County Sheriff's Office was assisted by MSHP Troopers with the Armored Personnel Carrier, Cass County Sheriff's Office SWAT, Bates County EMS Personnel and the Adrian Fire Department Personnel.