Subject of Lathrop Standoff Formally Charged

PLATTSBURG, MO – The subject of a standoff with law enforcement on Saturday in rural Lathrop has been formally charged with four felonies.

Thirty-nine year old Lathrop resident James Merritt Larson, Jr. faces charges of first degree domestic assault; first degree kidnapping; armed criminal action; and unlawful possession of a firearm.

Authorities say they were dispatched to Larson’s residence at Lake Arrowhead on Saturday morning to a call that a 30-year old female had shown up at a residence with several injuries.  A probable cause affidavit from the Clinton County Sheriff’s Office reports the victim told officers she met Larson on Facebook and had met him in person on Tuesday.  The victim stated she had been with Larson for two days, during which time she was assaulted several times, threatened her and did not allow her to leave the residence.  The victim said she was able to get out of the residence when Larson fell asleep.

Larson was arrested after an approximate 5-hour standoff with law enforcement.  The victim was taken to Liberty Hospital where she was placed in the ICU with multiple injuries and a brain bleed.

Larson is being held without bond.