Man charged in Independence bar shooting that left a security guard injured
A man has been charged with his involvement in an Independence shooting during a Cinco de Mayo celebration where one security guard was injured.
Mekai G. Kelly-James faces one count of assault in the first degree, two counts of armed criminal action, two counts of unlawful use of a weapon and one count of unlawful possession of a weapon, according to a Jackson County news release.
Independence police were called around 8:45 p.m. to the Patio816, at 19700 E. Valley View Parkway, on reports of gunfire. There they found two security guards allegedly holding Kelly-James in front of a restaurant, according to the release.
Kelly-James was allegedly kicked out of the establishment after a fight inside involving him and other patrons. He then allegedly grabbed a firearm and opened fire in the air and towards security officers.
Security staff returned fire, according to the release, and one member of the security staff sustained a gunshot wound to the leg. The victim was able to disarm and detain Kelly-James.
At least 75 shell casings were found at the scene. Jackson County prosecutor Melesa Johnson said in the release that the weapon had been reported stolen and modified to function like an automatic weapon.
'Weapons like these have no place in Jackson County and we will continue to prosecute those who use them to endanger our community,' Johnson said in the release
Police are asking anyone with video footage of the incident to contact Crime Stoppers anonymously at 816-474-8477 or Independence Police Department's gun squad at 816-325-7330.
Kelly-James is being held without bond. If convicted, he could face up to 30 years in prison.
Hashtags

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles


CBS News
39 minutes ago
- CBS News
NYPD vehicles set on fire in Brooklyn parking lot, police say
NEW YORK - Several NYPD vehicles were set on fire overnight in Bushwick, Brooklyn, according to police. The fire broke out around 1:30 a.m. Thursday inside a gated NYPD parking lot near the corner of Central and Dekalb avenues. The FDNY responded and the flames have been put out. Several NYPD vehicles were set on fire overnight in Bushwick, Brooklyn, according to police. CBS News New York Police said eight vehicles were damaged. No injuries were reported. Police said this appears to be a case of arson. So far, there's no word on a description of a suspect or suspects. Anyone with information about the case is asked to call the NYPD's Crime Stoppers hotline at 1-800-577-TIPS (8477) or 1-888-57-PISTA (74782) for Spanish. You can also submit a tip via their website. All calls are kept confidential. Check back soon for the latest updates on this developing story.
Yahoo
4 hours ago
- Yahoo
Franklin police investigating armed robbery in Cool Springs
FRANKLIN, Tenn. (WKRN) — Franklin police are investigating an armed robbery in Cool Springs. Police said the armed robbery happened just before 8:30 p.m. at a fast food restaurant on Galleria Boulevard. They said the suspect who entered the business was described as 'a heavyset male wearing a colorful shaw and possible ski mask.' The suspect was seen leaving in a white Kia Soul with duct tape covering what police said 'appears to be a Tennessee license plate.' No one was injured. ⏩ Anyone with information has been asked to call the Franklin Police Department at 615-794-2513 or Crime Stoppers at 615-794-4000. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
4 hours ago
- Yahoo
Atlanta police searching for 3 suspects after deadly shooting
Atlanta police say a man was shot and killed outside a northwest Atlanta gas station on Wednesday night. Police responded to 1739 Martin Luther King, Jr. Dr. NW to reports of a shooting at approximately 9:45 p.m. When they arrived, they found a dead man lying on a sidewalk. Atlanta Police Homicide Commander Andrew Smith told Channel 2 that the victim was shot on the sidewalk near the Chevron gas station, then ran across the street, where he collapsed on that sidewalk and died. [DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks] Police said a group of men were arguing before the shooting. Homicide Unit Investigators are examining evidence and speaking to witnesses. Smith said police are looking for three Black men, one of them dressed in a white shirt and jeans, and the other two dressed in all black. Police urge anyone with information about this shooting to call Atlanta Crime Stoppers at 404-577-TIPS(8477). Tipsters can remain anonymous and be eligible for a cash reward. TRENDING STORIES: Manhunt underway for GA man accused of ramming truck into patrol vehicle, leaving deputy injured PHOTOS: These people vanished in Georgia. Now, the GBI is searching for them 'Senseless': Brothers, ages 13 and 14, accused of Clayton party shooting, posting it to social media [SIGN UP: WSB-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter]