St. Louis Man Arrested After Making Threats Near Ste. Genevieve Schools

Ste. Genevieve, Mo. (KFMO) - A man from the St. Louis area is behind bars after making threatening statements near school property in Ste. Genevieve Wednesday morning.

According to the Ste. Genevieve Police Department, officers were contacted around 8:34 a.m. by School Resource Officers with the Ste. Genevieve County School District. The call came after a disturbing interaction between school staff and a man later identified as Robert Mertensmeyer. Authorities say Mertensmeyer had approached district staff members asking about a local cemetery. After being directed to other city offices for more information, he reportedly made alarming and threatening remarks directed at the community before leaving the scene. While the motive behind his statements remains unclear, officers took the threats seriously.

Thanks to the quick response of the school district’s resource officers, staff from Valle Catholic School, and local police, Mertensmeyer was located shortly afterward at Ste. Genevieve Catholic Church. He was taken into custody without incident. Police worked closely with the Ste. Genevieve County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office following the arrest. Mertensmeyer is currently being held without bond at the Ste. Genevieve County Sheriff’s Office. He has been charged with first-degree terroristic threat and possession of a controlled substance.

The investigation is ongoing, and no further details have been released at this time.