An investigation is underway in the case of a hostage situation in Hardin County.

On Sunday, Hardin County Deputies responded to a call of a hostage barricade near IL Rt. 1. A woman reportedly placed a call to 911 after escaping from an armed man who was inside the residence with three children, and it was also reported that a man had been firing shots inside the residence.

State Police Troopers, hostage negotiators, and SWAT officers were also called to assist. The suspect, 36-year old Clarence Smock of Cave-In Rock attempted to leave thirty minutes later and was arrested without incident.

Smock was charged with aggravated unlawful restraint, aggravated discharge of a firearm, and domestic battery. Smock is currently being held in the Massac County Jail on $100,000 bond.