A man from St. Clair County’s Ira Township is in custody after allegedly assaulting two people, leading to a police standoff. According to the St. Clair County Sheriff’s Office, Braun Eric Hart is accused of entering a home in the 6300 block of Shea Road in Cottrellville Township. He allegedly assaulted his ex-girlfriend and her friend, forcing her into his car. They were followed by her friend to the suspect’s home on Meldrum Road in Ira Township and were held against their will. They were able to escape to a house across the street and contacted authorities. The two victims were taken to area hospitals for treatment of undisclosed injuries.
Clay Township Police responded to the Hart’s house and a standoff ensued. The suspect was inside with his mother and was threatening self harm. Members of the St. Clair County Special Response Team were able to negotiate a peaceful surrender. Investigators searched the house for evidence and interviewed the suspects. It was determined that Hart showed up at the Shea Road house, took their phones from them, physically assaulted both, and interrogated them for several hours. He is facing charges including home invasion, unlawful imprisonment, and assault with intent to do great bodily harm, among others. He was booked in the St. Clair County Jail on $500,000 bail and posted bond.
