Excelsior Springs, Mo. — A 23-year-old man is facing felony charges after a road rage incident Tuesday escalated to gunfire along Highway 69 near McCleary Road, police said.
James M. Jamerson has been charged with armed criminal action and unlawful use of a weapon, according to the Excelsior Springs Police Department (ESPD). He is being held on a $100,000 bond. No injuries were reported.
According to ESPD, both Jamerson and the victim admitted to engaging in aggressive driving as they travelled north along Highway 69 between Liberty and Excelsior Springs. The confrontation culminated around 4:30 p.m. when the victim, who was driving in front of Jamerson, performed a “brake check.” In response, Jamerson allegedly fired a single shot into the victim’s vehicle.
Officers used city surveillance cameras strategically placed throughout Excelsior Springs to locate the suspect vehicle near the scene of the incident, which occurred near the Quick Trip on Highway 69. Witness identification further confirmed Jamerson as the suspect.
Police conducted surveillance at a residence where Jamerson was believed to be. As officers prepared to approach, Jamerson exited the house and attempted to leave in his vehicle. He was taken into custody on the street without incident. A search warrant was obtained, and officers recovered a SCCY 9mm pistol from Jamerson’s vehicle, which is believed to be the weapon used in the shooting.
This marks the second road rage-related shooting in Excelsior Springs within three months, raising concerns among local authorities.
ESPD Lieutenant Ryan Dowdy said he hopes it’s just an unfortunate coincidence, but the fact that there were two incidents so close together has the department on high alert. “I’m just thankful no one was seriously injured or killed,” said Dowdy.
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