JEFFERSON COUNTY, Mo. – A Jefferson County man is behind bars over a crime spree during which he allegedly beat up a woman, stole her car, broke into a home and threatened to harm three kids.
The Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office has charged Steven Deering, 33, with eight felonies amid the investigation, including various counts of child endangerment, vehicle hijacking, third-degree assault, and first-degree burglary.
The crimes stemmed from two locations in Barnhart, Missouri, on March 22, according to the sheriff’s office.
Deering is first accused of assaulting an elderly woman at her home, then stealing her car. Investigators say he drove that car to a nearby home and broke into that home moments later. He reportedly threatened to harm three children inside.
A SWAT team arrived to the home moments later, kicked into a locked front door and confronted Deering. The sheriff’s office says he surrendered without incident.
Investigators say no occupants in the second home and no officers were hurt. Deering reportedly suffered cuts to his hands after breaking a window to get inside.
Jefferson County Sheriff Dave Marshak credits Cpl. Chris Gearon for quick-thinking actions that led to Deering’s arrest. Investigators say Deering was also linked to an assault and car theft in St. Louis County prior to Friday’s arrest.
Deering is jailed in Jefferson County on a $150,000 cash-only bond.
