Man from Ozark Accused of Causing Police Standoff Reschedules Court Date

A man from Ozark who allegedly broke into an apartment and held a victim hostage for several hours, causing a police standoff, will be due in court in two weeks.

On Wednesday, 23-year-old Stanchez Sampson was in court, where his trial/plea setting was rescheduled to January 31.

Investigators say on February 7, 2023, he forced his way into an apartment on Petrus Circle and confronted the person inside the unit.

Sampson brandished a firearm during the incident, causing officers to reevaluate.

The victim was held hostage for several hours while police formed a perimeter around the area and attempted to negotiate with Sampson to come out.

Springfield Police Special Response was called to the scene to assist in getting him to surrender.

Sampson is facing charges of unlawful use of a weapon, fourth-degree domestic assault, third-degree kidnapping and violation of order of protection.