At 9:06 p.m. on March 12, two officers from the Hermann Police Department responded to Casey’s General Store in Hermann. The officers contacted Kenneth Lee Simpson, age 35, inside the store. The officers attempted to take Simpson into custody for multiple warrants from Franklin and Warren counties.
An altercation ensued and the two Hermann officers were shot. Detective Sergeant Mason Griffith was transported to Hermann Hospital, where he succumbed to his injuries. Officer Adam Sullentrup, age 31, was transported to a St. Louis area hospital where he remains in critical but stable condition.
Officers developed information indicating Simpson was in a residence near the scene in Hermann. A perimeter was established around the home and the Missouri State Highway Patrol’s SWAT team and negotiators responded and worked to establish communication with Simpson.
At 1:49 p.m. today, Simpson exited the residence voluntarily and was taken into custody. Simpson will be transported to the Crawford County Jail where he will be held pending formal charges by the Gasconade County Prosecuting Attorney.
The Missouri State Highway Patrol was assisted by the Hermann Police Department, Gasconade County Sheriff’s Office, Osage County Sheriff’s Office, St. Charles County Police SWAT team, St Charles County Police Bomb Squad, U. S. Secret Service, Federal Bureau of Investigation, U.S. Marshals Service, Hermann Fire Department and Hermann EMS.
The Missouri State Highway Patrol’s Division of Drug and Crime Control is continuing to investigate this shooting. The allegations against Simpson are mere accusations and are not evidence of guilt. Evidence in support of these charges must be presented before a court of competent jurisdiction whose duty is to determine guilt or innocence.
