Woman in custody, charged following Tuesday midtown shooting

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (KQTV) -- The St. Joseph Police Department said one woman is in custody and has been charged in relation to a shooting on Tuesday at South 18th and Charles Streets.

Makia Shimer, 22, is in custody and has been charged with felony unlawful use of a weapon- shooting at or from a moving vehicle.

Around 6 p.m. on Tuesday, March 31, officers responded to the area in reference to a shots fired incident, following a possible fight.

According to the probable cause statement, Shimer allegedly walked to her 2019 white Hyundai Sonata when the fight ended.

She was reported to be alone in the vehicle when she later fired a handgun from within the vehicle outward towards bystanders. The potential target was the female she fought.

According to a probable cause statement, a 13-year-old male bystander sustained injuries and was transported to Mosaic Life Care for treatment. His injuries were determined to be minor, and he has since been treated and released.

A 9mm handgun and spent shell casings were located inside Shimer's vehicle, according to court documents.

"The shooting on an innocent child as a result of a reckless act is an outrage that strikes at the heart of our community," SJPD Chief Paul Luster said. "The charges filed today are the result of community cooperation and relentless, around-the-clock work by officers and detectives who refused to rest until the individual responsible was identified and brought to justice. If you harm members of out community, you will be pursued without hesitation and without pause."

Shimer is set to appear in front of Buchanan County Judge Rebecca Spencer at 8:15 a.m. on Monday, April 6.

The incident remains under investigation. SJPD said no other information is being released at this time.

Anyone with information that may assist investigators is encouraged to contact the St. Joseph Police Department at 816-271-4777 or submit an anonymous tip through the TIPS Hotline at 816-238-TIPS (8477).