Police Say Man Showed Gun, Held Kids Hostage

An eastern Missouri man is jailed after allegedly pointing a weapon at a restaurant, leading police on a chase and holding two toddlers hostage during a standoff.

The incident began Wednesday night at a fast food restaurant in Festus. Police say the man flourished the weapon and drove away. An officer saw the vehicle and a chase began.

The car crashed and the suspect got out and ran. Police later learned the car had been stolen in De Soto, Missouri.

The suspect forced his way into an apartment where a woman and her two young children were inside. The mother was released first; the kids wer set free about 30 minutes later.

Eventually, the suspect surrendered. Charges have not yet been filed.