Marshall Man Charged in Knob Noster Shooting

A Marshall man, identified as 35-year-old Luis Lerma, is facing charges after a shooting that occurred in Knob Noster Jan. 3.
According to the Knob Noster PD,  officers responded to a residence in the 600 block of Elm Street in Knob Noster to reports of shots fired. Upon arrival, officers discovered a 39-year-old male victim with a gunshot wound to the abdomen. He was taken to an area hospital.

One of two suspects was later located in Saline County, and a Saline County deputy attempted to stop the vehicle, but a chase ensued through Marshall. The suspect later jumped out of the moving vehicle on Pinewood Circle and escaped, according to published reports. He is to be considered armed and dangerous, it was noted.

Saline County deputies, along with Missouri State Highway Patrol Troopers and Marshall police officers searched for the suspect after a brief foot chase, but were unsuccessful.

In addition, a K-9 Officer as well as a Highway Patrol helicopter helped with the search.

Lerma is facing charges of 1st degree assault, armed criminal action, endangering the welfare of a child and unlawful use of a weapon. Authorities are currently searching for him, and the Johnson County prosecuting attorney has issued a warrant for his arrest.