Active standoff with shots fired at Motel Six; I-29, Frederick Closed

3 p.m. Capt. Jeff Wilson confirms police are dealing with a hostage situation.

10:10 a.m. – I-29 is being diverted at 229. Businesses in the area on lockdown including our own station. Tretbar reports shelter in place at Dennys and Red Lobster.

9:45 a.m. – The Missouri State Highway Patrol is blocking off I-29 northbound and southbound from mile markers 44 and 50 due to the police response to Motel 6. The St. Joseph Police is also telling motorists to avoid I-29 near Frederick due to the police incident.

Officers with the St. Joseph Police Department and the Missouri State Highway Patrol are on scene at Motel 6 in St. Joseph for an apparent armed standoff.

St. Joseph Post’s John P. Tretbar is on scene and said he has heard from bystanders that there was reportedly one shot fired in one of the rooms. He said employees reportedly heard a shot and scream just after 8:30 a.m.

Just after 9:30 a.m. Tretbar was on scene and reported hearing what sounded like two shots fired.

St. Joseph Post’s James Fisher said police are telling bystanders to go inside because a subject is shooting out the door of the motel.

Fisher said he actually saw the initial incident take place.

“Earlier this morning we were standing outside and we heard a gunshot and a lady scream and run across the parking lot,” Fisher said.

Around 9 a.m. Tretbar said he learned from a passerby that the original shooter may not be there anymore but that there may be another suspect.

“I have also learned from passersby that the original shooter may not be here anymore but there may be another suspect,” Tretbar said. “We did watch as several kids were rescued from a truck that was in the parking lot.”

The hotel has been evacuated.

Tretbar said there are around 20 troopers and officers on scene as of 9:27 a.m. Earlier he said that people trying to get in and out of the area cannot due to the police presence.

The St. Joseph School District has placed the Colgan Alternative Resource Center on lockdown as a precaution measure due to the alleged shooting incident.

As we learn more we will update this story.