April 15th, 2026 Local News
Blackwell, Mo. (KFMO) - A St. Louis man is facing multiple felony charges after authorities say he held several people hostage inside a Dollar General store in Washington County over the weekend.
According to the Washington County Sheriff’s Office, deputies were dispatched Saturday, April 11, to the Dollar General in Blackwell after receiving a report of a man inside the store armed with a sharp handheld weapon and holding employees and customers hostage.
When deputies arrived, they discovered the doors were locked and observed the suspect inside the store with approximately five hostages positioned around him, apparently in an attempt to use them as a shield.
Law enforcement immediately began negotiations with the suspect while establishing a secure perimeter around the building. Additional agencies responded to assist as authorities developed a coordinated response plan.
During negotiations, the suspect agreed to release several hostages, who were safely escorted out the front of the store. Authorities say he continued to hold two female hostages for a period of time before eventually agreeing to release them as well.
After the final hostages were released, deputies attempted to take the suspect into custody. Officials say the suspect resisted arrest, prompting deputies to deploy a Taser to gain compliance. He was then taken into custody without further incident.
Authorities report that no victims were injured during the incident.
Michael Wayne Hawley of St. Louis has been charged with First Degree Robbery, six counts of Armed Criminal Action, seven counts of Kidnapping, Resisting Arrest, and Unlawful Use of a Weapon. His bond has been set at no bond.
The Washington County Sheriff’s Office also thanked several agencies that assisted with the response, including the Missouri State Highway Patrol, Missouri State Park Rangers, and the Potosi Police Department.