Hardin man charged in hostage situation

Illinois State Police officials and the Hardin County Sheriff's Office are investigating a barricaded hostage situation that occurred on Sunday in rural Hardin County involving the Illinois State Police and an armed hostage taker.

The armed subject, Clarence Harley Smock, 36, Cave-In-Rock, was charged with aggravated unlawful restraint, aggravated discharge of a firearm and domestic battery, according to a release from ISP District 22 of Ullin. Smock is currently being held in the Massac County Jail with bail set at $100,000.

At about 1:27 p.m. the Hardin County Sheriff's Office responded to a "hostage barricade" call in the vicinity of rural state Route 1, Cave-In-Rock. Multiple law enforcement officers responded to the scene.

Preliminary investigative details revealed that a female placed a 911 call after escaping from an armed male subject inside a residence with three children. The victim reported the suspect had fired several gunshots inside the residence.

The Hardin County Sheriff's Office requested the assistance of the Illinois State Police. ISP Troopers from District 22 responded. Additional Troopers from Districts 13, 19, SWAT Officers, negotiators and investigators arrived on scene to assist. One child escaped and was taken into protective custody. Thirty minutes later Smock attempted to leave the residence in a vehicle and was apprehended without further incident. The two remaining children were also taken into police custody unharmed.

Multiple firearms were collected during a subsequent search warrant of the residence.

At this time, no motive has been determined and the investigation continues. Multiple law enforcement agencies were involved in the response including the Illinois State Police, Hardin County Sheriff's Office and Hardin County EMS.