Barnhart Man Sentenced to 25 Years for Vehicle Hijacking and Burglary

Jefferson Co., Mo. (KFMO) - On Monday, October 28, 33-year-old Steven Deering, of Barnhart, pled guilty in Jefferson County Court to charges of Vehicle Hijacking - Vulnerable Person and two counts of Burglary in the First Degree. Deering received a 25-year sentence for vehicle hijacking and an additional 15 years for each burglary charge.

The charges stem from a violent incident on March 22, 2024, in Barnhart. Authorities allege Deering assaulted an elderly woman at her home on Haven Hill Road before stealing her vehicle. He reportedly drove to a nearby home on Dry Creek Road, where he broke in and threatened the lives of three young children inside.

A Jefferson County Sheriff’s Deputy with SWAT training arrived at the scene shortly after Deering entered the home. The Deputy forced entry through the locked front door, confronted Deering, and took him into custody without incident. None of the children, the elderly woman, nor the Deputy sustained injuries. However, Deering had lacerations on his hands, reportedly from breaking a window to gain entry.