Multiple domestic violence calls made for a busy Easter Sunday in Ralls County

RALLS COUNTY, Mo. — Ralls County Sheriff Brian Allen was about to enjoy Easter lunch with his family when he got the call.

“In this job, you expect it,” Allen said Sunday evening. “So instead of heading to Rustic Oak, I went to work.”

The Ralls County Sheriff’s Office ended up with two serious situations on Sunday, both involving escalated domestic disputes and one that involved the Missouri State Highway Patrol and both occurring in the early afternoon.

Ralls County responded to to 17094 Highway H north of Center where a man had barricaded himself in the home with a woman. The man, Steven Clarkson, allegedly violated an order of protection and was armed with a knife. The Missouri State Highway Patrol was called in to assist and responded with multiple units, armored vehicles and a negotiating team.

After hours of negotiations, officers entered the residence and took Clarkson into custody. He is currently in the Marion County Jail.

At about the same time Sunday afternoon, officers responded to 56262 Ocean Wave Lane, south of Hannibal off U.S. 61, to a domestic dispute involving a juvenile. The Ralls County Sheriff’s Office has responded to that address several times over the last few months on similar calls, but this situation escalated, according to Allen.

“Everyone got out okay,” he said.

The juvenile, 16, was taken into custody.