CAPE GIRARDEAU (WSIL) -- Two men are now in custody after shooting at police and barricading themselves in an apartment.
On Friday, January 1, 2021 around 12 a.m., Cape Girardeau Police officers were patrolling several areas in response to reports of gun shots actively being fired.
An officer heard shots in the 3000 block of Mimosa, and saw two men with handguns. The men pointed the guns at the officer and began firing at him.
The officer drew his weapon and ordered the men to drop their weapons. The two suspects refused and ran into their apartment.
Officers established a perimeter and began negotiating with the suspects, asking them to peacefully exit. After approximately 90 minutes, both suspects exited the apartment and surrendered to authorities.
The suspects, 30-year-old Darius J. Ballentine and 26-year-old Deontay M. Holloman, were taken to the Cape Girardeau Police Department.
They are now facing 1st degree assault, armed criminal action, and discharging a firearm at a motor vehicle charges.
“Police Officers go to work every day knowing that they perform a dangerous job. However, that does not excuse this violent and unprovoked attack on one of our own. Shooting at police officers performing their duties is an assault on the entire community and must be condemned in the strongest of terms. The restraint exercised by responding officers in apprehending these suspects is commendable," said Chief Wes Blair.
Ballentine and Holloman have since been transported to the Cape Girardeau County Sheriff’s Office where they are still being held on $100,000.00 cash only bonds.
