By Whitney Barnes
Staff Writer

A Blackburn man is facing serious charges following a standoff with law enforcement that lasted nearly four hours on Wednesday evening, March 26.

According to unofficial online court documents, 41-year-old Andrew Souder has been charged with domestic assault – second degree and unlawful use of a weapon-subsection four-exhibiting. He is currently being held at the Saline County Jail on a cash-only bond of $10,000.

According to a probable cause statement, the incident began around 7:49 p.m. when deputies from the Saline County Sheriff’s Office responded to a domestic disturbance at Souder’s residence.

Souder and a victim were outside consuming alcohol when a confrontation escalated, resulting in Souder allegedly choking the victim for a brief period. No visible injuries were reported.

Following the altercation, Souder reportedly retreated into the home and locked the door, telling the victim to return with a warrant.

According to the probable cause statement, the victim left the residence with her son to avoid further conflict, but around 10:02 p.m., deputies received reports of gunshots fired from Souder’s property.

Witnesses described hearing a disturbance followed by several gunshots and seeing a red sport utility vehicle leave the scene, pursued by a motorcycle.

Later, the victim returned to retrieve personal belongings from the residence but encountered another disturbance. According to the probable cause statement, as she was leaving, she heard a gunshot and fled to a nearby location to hide.

The victim and another witness provided statements to authorities, indicating they would assist in the prosecution.

After attempts to make contact with Souder stretched over an hour, he communicated with deputies only through a window while reportedly in possession of a shotgun. He also stated that he had grenades and explosives.

Authorities noted that Souder threatened harm to any officer who attempted to arrest him. Evidence found at the scene included shotgun wadding and expended shells, suggesting that shots had been fired from the front porch toward the roadway.

According to a press release from Sheriff Daniel Kirchoff, personnel with the Missouri State Highway Patrol C.E.R.T. introduced chemical agents into the residence, and Sounder exited the residence. He was taken into custody shortly before 4 a.m.

According to unofficial online court documents, an initial arraignment was held on Thursday, March 27, where Souder appeared by video and was informed of his rights and the bond conditions. His next court appearance was scheduled for April 2.

Editor’s note: Charges contained in reports provided by law enforcement officials are not evidence of guilt. Evidence supporting charges must be presented before a jury, whose duty is to determine if the accused is guilty or not guilty of the charges.