On the evening of January 2, 2026, shortly after 11:00 p.m., deputies with the Henry County Sheriff’s Office responded to a reported armed disturbance in the 200 block of SE 431 Road in rural Clinton.
Deputy Hysom responded alongside Missouri State Highway Patrol Trooper Groves. Additional responding agencies and personnel included another MSHP trooper, officers from the Clinton Police Department, Sheriff Brown, Captain Bilbruck, Lieutenant Kubilus, and Detective Swartz.
The suspect, Frederick Griffitt, age 35, of Clinton, was reported to be intoxicated, firing a firearm, and making threats toward occupants inside a residence, including threats to kill those inside. Multiple individuals secured themselves inside the home while law enforcement responded. Griffitt was later located at a nearby residence, where he refused lawful commands and actively resisted arrest before being taken into custody.
A search warrant was obtained and executed, resulting in the recovery of firearms, spent shell casings, live ammunition, and alcohol. Griffitt is a prior convicted felon and is prohibited from possessing firearms.
During booking at the Henry County Detention Center in the early morning hours of January 3, 2026, Griffitt continued to actively resist detention staff. During the incident, a detention officer sustained a shoulder injury and later received medical treatment.
Griffitt has been formally charged with multiple felony offenses, including Harassment in the First Degree (Class E Felony), Armed Criminal Action (Unclassified Felony), Resisting or Interfering with Arrest for a Felony (Class E Felony), Unlawful Possession of a Firearm (Class C Felony), and Assault in the Third Degree – Special Victim (Class D Felony). He is currently being held on a $50,000 cash-only bond and remains in custody at the Henry County Detention Center.
The Henry County Sheriff’s Office thanks the deputies, troopers, officers, investigators, and detention staff who responded and assisted throughout this incident. Their professionalism, restraint, and teamwork ensured the safety of the victims, the community, and fellow staff during a volatile and dangerous situation. We also appreciate the assistance of our partner agencies whose quick response and cooperation were critical to bringing this incident to a safe conclusion.
All individuals arrested are considered innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. The above arrests are allegations at this time.
