Festus Man in Custody Following Hours-Long Standoff with Jefferson County Authorities

(Festus) A Festus man is in jail after allegedly assaulting a neighbor before holding a standoff with Jefferson County authorities that lasted roughly 12 hours on Friday.

75-year-old Dale Edwards of Festus has been charged with 1st Degree Assault resulting in Serious Physical Injury or Special Victim and Armed Criminal Action.

Grant Bissell is the Public Safety Information Coordinator for the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office.

He says detectives approached the suspect’s home in the 10 block of Ivy Lane, outside of Festus around 11am on Friday to try and make contact with Edwards in regards to the severe assault incident that occurred on Thursday.

Edwards allegedly struck the 68-year-old victim 20 times with the metal pipe, hitting the victim’s head and body.

When he noticed authorities outside, Edwards refused to exit the residence.

The victim was transported to the hospital with serious injuries.

Edwards is currently being held at the Jefferson County Jail without bond.