STE. GENEVIEVE – Ste. Genevieve Police Daniel Halek issued the following news release Wednesday afternoon regarding an incident involving a man from the St. Louis area making threats during an interaction with Ste. Genevieve County School District R-II staff.
“At approximately 8:34 AM this morning, the Ste. Genevieve Police Department was contacted by School Resource Officers from the Ste. Genevieve County School District regarding a male subject, Robert Mertensmeyer, who made concerning and threatening statements during an interaction with school district staff.
“Mertensmeyer, who is from the St. Louis, Missouri area, had approached staff asking about a local cemetery. After being directed to other city offices for information, he made alarming threats toward the community before leaving the scene. While the motive behind his statements remains unclear, they were taken very seriously by responding officers.
“Thanks to the quick and coordinated efforts of the Ste. Genevieve County School District SROs, Valle Catholic School staff, and our officers, Mertensmeyer was located at Ste. Genevieve Catholic Church and taken into custody without incident.
“Officers worked closely with the Ste. Genevieve County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office and applied for arrest warrants. Mertensmeyer is currently being held at the Ste. Genevieve County Sheriff’s Office without bond and has been charged with the following:
- Terroristic Threat – 1st Degree
- Possession of a Controlled Substance
“We commend all involved for their swift, decisive actions that ensured the safety of our schools and greater community.”