A suspect has been identified and is facing multiple felonies following a shooting incident that took place on Friday, January 3, 2020 in Knob Noster.
According to a probable cause statement, Knob Noster Police officers responded to the report of shots fired in the 600 block of Elm Street at approximately 7:35 p.m. on Friday. Upon officer’s arrival, they found 39-year-old Quincy Thomas had suffered a single gunshot wound to his abdomen. He was transported to Research Medical Center for treatment of life threatening injuries.
The two suspects left the scene. One of the suspects, a Hispanic male, identified as 35-year-old Luis A. Lerma, of Marshall, was located in Saline County. Saline County deputies attempted to stop the vehicle and a short pursuit through Marshall ensued. The suspect allegedly jumped out of the moving car on Pinewood Circle. After an extensive foot and air search, authorities were not able to locate the suspect. A description of the second suspect has not been released at this time. The investigation is still underway.
Lerma is considered to be armed and dangerous. A warrant has been issued and Lerma has been charged with a Class A Felony for Assault in the First Degree or Attempt-Serious Physical Injury Special Victim, an Unclassified Felony for Armed Criminal Action, a Class E Felony for Unlawful Use of a Weapon-Discharging into a Home, Moving or Other Transportation and a Class D Felony for Endangering the Welfare of a Child Creating Substantial Risk.
Lerma’s initial court appearance is pending at Johnson County Circuit Court.