For Immediate Release
February 14, 2025
Jackson County Prosecutor Melesa Johnson today announced 13 felony charges against a Kansas City man in a carjacking, shooting, and car chase that took place on Wednesday. He has also been charged with two additional felonies in connection with another robbery that took place earlier this year.
Jason Keith has been charged with five counts of Armed Criminal Action, Vehicle Hijacking, two counts of Aggravated Fleeing a Stop or Detention, four counts of Assault in the 1st Degree or Attempt, and Unlawful Possession of a Firearm in the carjacking, car chase, and police shooting that took place Wednesday. *
He has also been charged with Robbery in the 1st Degree and Armed Criminal Action after detectives were able to connect the description and modus operandi used by the defendant in the carjacking with another armed robbery that took place at a liquor store on Jan. 31.
According to court records, Kansas City police made contact with a victim of an armed silver Nissan Rogue carjacking in South Kansas City on Feb. 12, who gave a detailed description of the defendant.
Later that afternoon, officers found the stolen vehicle at a gas station and attempted a felony car check, but the vehicle fled. Around 4 p.m., officers found the vehicle parked in the area around East 11th Street and Elmwood Avenue and attempted to contact the defendant. As officers attempted to approach him, the defendant brandished a rifle, pointed it at the officers, and fired two rounds in the direction of the officers. No one was injured. He fled back to the Nissan Rogue and a police pursuit was initiated onto I-70. The defendant initially ignored verbal commands to exit the vehicle and bean bag rounds were utilized. He exited the vehicle and was taken into custody.
*Charges are only accusations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until the defendant is either found guilty or pleads guilty.
Media Contact:
Jazzlyn Johnson
Director of Communications
Jackson County Prosecutor’s Office
415 E 12th Street
Kansas City, MO - 64106
(816) 929-1289
jazzlyn.johnson@jacksongov.org
https://www.jacksoncountyprosecutor.com