Attempted murder charges have been filed following a domestic disturbance at the Buttonwood housing addition in Aledo last week. 22-year-old Brody Esp of Aledo is being held in the Mercer County Jail.
Officers responded to the 400 block of SE 11th Ave last Wednesday. A press release from the City of Aledo’s PR firm Monday states “while officers were conducting their investigation and attempting to safely separate Esp from other persons inside the residence, he refused to cooperate.”
The release says “Officers attempted to place Esp under arrest for obstructing the duties of a police officer, and he physically resisted arrest by fighting with the officers on the scene.”
Officers were ultimately able to get Esp secured in handcuffs. However, during the process of detaining the suspect, Esp threatened to kill the officers and produced a semi-automatic handgun that was concealed on his person, firing one round in the direction of the officers, according to the press release. Officers were eventually able to gain control of the handgun from Esp. No injuries or damage to property occurred due to the handgun being fired.
Esp was transported to Mercy One – Genesis Hospital – Aledo for minor injuries he sustained during his arrest. He was released from the hospital on Sunday and was transported to the Mercer County Jail. Esp is facing four counts of Attempted Murder, Aggravated Discharge of a Firearm, Threatening a Public Official, and Resisting Arrest/Obstructing Duties of a Police Officer.
Esp appeared in Mercer County Circuit Court Monday where he was denied pre-trial release. A fitness evaluation has been ordered for the defendant. A status hearing is set for March 3.