Police in Illinois credited a son’s bravery for saving himself and his mother from a potentially deadly situation. Cahokia Heights Police received a 911 call from Thrifty Hardware and Home Center about 8:20 a.m. on February 23, 2026. When they arrived, they learned that a woman’s son, whose age is unclear, reportedly escaped from a hostage situation in an apartment across the street. The son’s unidentified mother remained inside with her ex-boyfriend, 28-year-old Johnny J. Turner Jr.
During the next several hours, police successfully negotiated with Turner, and both the victim and suspect left the apartment alive.
Cahokia Heights Police Chief Thomas Trice addressed the media in a news conference, calling the situation rare and “highly dangerous.” He explained that the woman’s son, who has physical and cognitive disabilities, ran to the hardware store on Jerome Lane, alleging he and his mother were held and beaten over a three-day period. Turner reportedly threatened their lives, but the son escaped anyway to try to save his mom.
Daniel Bertelsen, who owns Thrifty Hardware, told KSDK the son appeared upset. “He looked rough like he had been through trauma of course,” Bertelsen said. “His hair was messed up. He wasn’t functioning real great.”
He explained the son said Turner threatened to kill his mother if he tried to get help, but he did it anyway.
“We locked our front door so the sharpshooter could lay on the platform outside,” Bertelsen recalled to KSDK. “Armed vehicles came in towards the end. Fortunately, everything turned out the best it could with him surrendering.”
Trice said the suspect kept police in a standoff for several hours before ultimately surrendering. Emergency crews took the mother to an area hospital for treatment of serious injuries, and her son also was treated.
“She was hit with several different items, including a firearm. There were pipes found in the house that she was hit with, silverware and other utensils that were used, and dishware that were used in this assault,” Trice said.
According to the Belleville News Democrat, Turner faces charges that include aggravated kidnapping, aggravated domestic battery, aggravated unlawful use of a restraint, and aggravated assault using a deadly weapon.
What a terrifying situation but an incredibly brave son. His mom is so lucky to have him.
