Man charged in ten-hour Columbia, Ill. standoff

COLUMBIA, Ill. - A man faces felony charges after a ten-hour standoff Wednesday in Columbia, Illinois.

The Monroe County State's Attorney's Office has charged Jared M. Franke, 26, with six felonies and one misdemeanor charge in connection with the standoff, mostly weapons-related charges.

Events leading up to the standoff began around 12:30 a.m. Wednesday in the 1800 block of Meadow Court.

Around that time, family members informed law enforcement that Franke stole a firearm from their home. Investigators then determined that Franke had prior criminal history and left the home in a vehicle that did not belong to him.

Later on, family members informed law enforcement that Franke had returned to the home. Monroe County deputies then arrived to the scene and determined that Franke was barricaded in a basement.

According to the Monroe County Sheriff's Office, "deputies were met with violent resistance, as Franke threw knives, pool balls, and at one point, even multiple shotguns at them. Deputies also had reason to believe that Franke had access to additional firearms inside the basement."

That led to lengthy negotiations as deputies worked to deescalate the situation. The Illinois State Police SWAT Team was requested and responded to assist.

And after nearly 10 hours, Franke was taken into custody. No one involved in the standoff was injured.

“We are grateful that this dangerous situation was resolved without injury to Mr. Franke, the responding Deputies / Officers, or members of the public. This outcome is a direct reflection of the professionalism, patience, and teamwork displayed by all agencies involved," said Monroe County Sheriff Neal Rohlfing.

While investigating, deputies recovered numerous knives, ammunition and a stolen Ruger .22 caliber handgun.

Franke was charged with three counts of felon in possession with a weapon, possession of a stolen firearm, theft/unauthorized control of property, aggravated assault of a peace officer and resisting/obstructing a peace officer.

If convicted, Franke could face up to 2-10 years in prison for each charge.