Man who fired rifle at police during high-speed chase sentenced to prison
KANSAS CITY, Mo. (KCTV) - The man who fired a rifle at Kansas City Police officers during a high-speed chase has been sentenced to spend to prison.
Jackson County, Missouri, Prosecutor Melesa Johnson announced on Friday, May 2, that Jason P. Keith, 39, of Kansas City, has been sentenced for his role in a high-speed chase during which he shot a rifle at police.
Court documents noted that Keith previously pled guilty to vehicle hijacking, armed criminal action, aggravated fleeing a stop and assault in the first degree. He was sentenced to 18 years behind bars.
“Violent assaults against our law enforcement officers will never be tolerated and will be met with swift consequences,” said Prosecutor Johnson. “I am especially proud of the assistant prosecutor who worked on this case, whose exceptional work resulted in what may be one of the fastest resolutions ever for a case involving multiple violent felonies. Our office is dedicated to ensuring dangerous individuals face justice, making our community safer for all.”
Court records revealed that the Kansas City Police Department ed the victim of an armed carjacking after their Nissan Rogue was stolen in South Kansas City on Feb. 12. The victim was able to give a detailed description of the suspect.
Later that afternoon, law enforcement officials said they found the stolen car at a gas station and attempted to stop the driver, later identified as Keith; however, he sped off. The vehicle was later spotted near E. 11th and Elmwood Ave. as officers again attempted to the driver.
This time, as investigators approached Keith, they said he pulled a rifle on them and fired two rounds. No one was injured, but Keith took off in the stolen vehicle again. Eventually, bean bag rounds were fired at him before he exited the vehicle and was taken into custody.
As of Friday afternoon, Keith remains behind bars in Jackson County. No further information has been released.
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