ST. LOUIS, MO – A St. Louis woman is safe after being forced to defend herself against her ex-boyfriend in a terrifying incident on Saturday morning. Martez Hopgood (21) has been charged with first-degree harassment and non-consensual dissemination of private sexual images after allegedly threatening and stalking the woman.
According to local news, the incident began around 8:30 am when Hopgood confronted the woman on her porch while her son waited in a car nearby. He reportedly threatened her and made gestures suggesting he had a weapon. Fearing for her life, the woman drew her own firearm and shot Hopgood in the leg.
Security Camera Captures Ordeal
Police say a home security camera captured the entire incident, backing up the woman’s claims of self-defense.
“He ran up on me. He ran up on me. He ran up on me,” the woman can be heard saying on the video, visibly shaken after the ordeal.
History of Violence
Investigators revealed that Hopgood had a history of domestic violence against the woman, including a kidnapping incident just a few months prior. In that incident, captured on a Ring doorbell camera, Hopgood allegedly held the woman and her child hostage for hours before they escaped. However, those charges were inexplicably dropped by the St. Louis Circuit Attorney’s Office.
Justice Served?
Hopgood was treated for his gunshot wound and then booked at the St. Louis City Justice Center. He is currently being held without bond.
This case highlights the dangers faced by victims of domestic violence and the importance of self-defense training. It also raises questions about the decision to drop charges in the previous incident, which may have prevented this latest escalation.
Read the original story: Woman Shoots Ex-Boyfriend in Self-Defense Months After Judge Dropped Kidnapping Charges Against Him
