Hillsboro Man Arrested for Attempted Burglary, Found with Homemade Rifle Suppressor

Jefferson Co., Mo. (KFMO) - A Hillsboro man was arrested early Wednesday after allegedly attempting to break into a home on the 1300 block of Gravois Road and being found in possession of multiple firearms, including a rifle equipped with a homemade suppressor.

55-year-old Joseph Hercules faces several charges, including first-degree attempted burglary, armed criminal action, unlawful possession of an illegal weapon, resisting arrest, and second-degree tampering with a motor vehicle. He is being held without bond at the Franklin County Adult Detention Facility. Franklin County deputies responded to the residence around 4:20 a.m. after the homeowner reported a man aggressively trying to force his way through the front door. The homeowner used a Ring doorbell camera to inform the suspect he was at the wrong house, but the man reportedly continued his efforts to enter. When deputies arrived, they located Hercules sitting in his vehicle in the driveway. A rifle was visible in the backseat. Despite being ordered out of the vehicle at gunpoint, Hercules resisted arrest but was subdued with minimal force.

A search revealed Hercules was wearing a tactical vest with two loaded pistol magazines. Inside the vehicle, deputies discovered a loaded pistol, the modified rifle, and other items. Investigators also determined that Hercules had entered the homeowner’s car, where he left another pistol and a pair of gloves.

Authorities continue to investigate the incident.