07-05-2025
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.
