Nashville man charged with battery and attempted murder of police officer
PROTECTED CONTENT
If you’re a current subscriber, log in below. If you would like to subscribe, please click the subscribe tab above.
Username and Password Help
Please enter your email and we will send your username and password to you.
By Todd Marver
A 29-year-old Nashville man was charged after reportedly stabbing a Nashville police officer in the neck on Tuesday, August 8.
According to a press release issued by the Nashville Police Department, Stanley E. Underwood was charged with two counts of aggravated battery on a peace officer and one count of attempted first degree murder of a peace officer, a Class X felony.
Just after 10 p.m., the Nashville Police Department received a call for a well-being check on an individual believed to be experiencing a manic mental health episode. The original call was at the 300 block of South Kaskaskia Street, but prior to police arrival, the reporting party advised that Underwood had left on foot.
It was known that Stanley resided in an apartment complex at the 200 block of South Hoffman Street. Officers then responded to this area in attempts to locate Underwood. While officers were enroute, an additional call was received regarding a suspicious male subject, matching Underwood’s description, that was reported to be in the Greenwood Cemetery off of Lebanon Road. This area was known to be very close to Underwood’s residence. Officers then responded to this area and were able to locate Underwood.
While officers were speaking with Underwood, it was reportedly apparent that he was experiencing a mental health episode and was placed into protective custody so he could get a psychiatric evaluation. Officers accommodated Underwood’s request to secure his residence that was just up the road. Officers then transported Underwood to his residence.
While at the residence, officers allowed Underwood to get a drink and secure his apartment. During this time, Underwood was able to quickly retrieve a hidden knife from within the apartment and stabbed an officer in the neck before barricading himself into a bathroom while still armed with the knife. The injured officer, a veteran officer with over 10 years of experience, and Nashville Police Department Lieutenant called for emergency assistance and EMS to respond.
Numerous assisting agencies and Washington County EMS arrived and quickly transported the injured officer to a St. Louis hospital. Officers then engaged in what turned into approximately a five hour standoff with Underwood. Officers also evacuated this apartment complex and some surrounding residences to assure the safety of citizens in the area.
During the standoff, a Nashville Police Department detective obtained a search warrant and arrest warrant for Underwood and his apartment.
The Nashville Police Department received assistance from several surrounding municipalities, sheriff’s offices, Illinois State Police, EMS agencies and the Nashville Fire Department. Also responding was ILEAS for a SWAT team. ILEAS then took over the standoff where Underwood eventually came out of the bathroom and surrendered peacefully. Underwood was immediately placed under arrest and released to Nashville Police Department custody. He was transported to the Washington County Jail immediately after being taken into custody.
At the jail, Underwood was served with an arrest warrant that had previously been signed by a judge. A judge had previously set the bond at $500,000 with 10% to apply. Underwood was secured into the custody of the Washington County Jail staff and awaits further court proceedings.
The injured officer was treated and released from the hospital later the following morning. This officer is expected to make a full recovery and return to work in the near future. The Nashville Police Department thanked all assisting agencies for responding to assist the department with this incident and with taking Underwood into custody peacefully.
