Disturbance Involving Firearm Leads to Bismarck School Lockdown, Arrest

Bismarck, Mo. (KFMO) - A disturbance call from a deactivated cellphone early Tuesday morning prompted a temporary lockdown at the Bismarck R-5 School and led to the arrest of a suspect now facing multiple felony charges.

According to the Bismarck Police Department, dispatchers received an open 911 call around 7:10 a.m. on November 4, during which a disturbance could be heard along with a statement about a firearm. The phone’s signal was traced to the area near the Bismarck R-5 School, prompting law enforcement to notify school officials, who immediately placed the facility on lockdown as a precaution. During the investigation, officers located the victim and suspect near Veterans Drive and Mulberry Street.

Authorities identified the suspect as Jessi Westhoff, who was taken into custody without further incident. Police say a firearm and knife used in the disturbance were recovered at the scene. Due to suspected narcotics use, Westhoff was first transported to Parkland Health Center in Farmington for medical evaluation before being booked into the St. Francois County Jail.

Westhoff was placed on a 24-hour hold while a warrant application was reviewed for Assault in the Second Degree, Unlawful Use of a Weapon, and Armed Criminal Action, which are all felony charges. The St. Francois County courts have since issued a warrant, setting bond at $75,000 cash or surety.