Jackson County Prosecutor Melesa Johnson announced a Kansas City man was sentenced today for his involvement in a high-speed chase and police shooting that occurred earlier this year.
Jason P. Keith pled guilty to Vehicle Hijacking, Armed Criminal Action, Aggravated Fleeing, and 1st Degree Assault. He was sentenced to 18 years in prison.
“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.”
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.
Assistant Prosecuting Attorney Devon Tarantino prosecuted the case on behalf of the state of Missouri.
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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