Monroe City woman armed with AR-15 rifle, bag of ammunition arrested after Tuesday incident

MONROE CITY, Mo. — A Monroe City woman is in custody after law enforcement quelled an active shooter incident Tuesday, one block away from Monroe City Junior High School.

Stephanie L. O’Connor, 48, was transported to the Randolph County Jail in Huntsville, Mo., where she is held on a no bond warrant. Kevin Bross, who was appointed to the case as prosecuting attorney by Judge Rachel Bringer Shepherd, charged O’Connor with unlawful use of a weapon and peace disturbance.

The Monroe City Police Department received reports at approximately 1 p.m. Tuesday of a female subject with a gun near the area of N. Main and Court. Initial reports advised the female was armed with an AR-15 style rifle and had a bag of ammunition as well. Reports indicated the suspect was behaving in an aggravated manner and making multiple verbal threats against others. 

As law enforcement arrived, O’Connor had returned to her residence with the firearm and could be heard yelling from the residence. For safety reasons, traffic was diverted from the area. Neighboring residences were evacuated as a safety precaution. 

Law enforcement attempted several avenues of contact with O’Connor without success. Members of the Monroe City Police Department and the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office eventually contacted her on site and talked with her to de-escalate the situation.

After talking for more than 30 minutes, law enforcement officers successfully de-escalated the situation and O’Connor was taken into custody without further incident. 

The Missouri State Highway Patrol provided assistance. The Monroe City Fire Department and the Monroe City Street Department diverted traffic from the area.