A man was arrested Thursday morning after shots were fired near a Sedalia residence.
Rene Esparza, 44, of Sedalia, has been charged with first degree burglary, armed criminal action, stealing a firearm, unlawful possession of a firearm, unlawful use of a weapon and resisting arrest. He is at the Pettis County Jail on a $250,000 bond, cash or surety.
According to a Sedalia Police Department news release, officers responded to the area of West Third Street and South Grand Avenue for a report of shots fired. The caller told dispatch a suspect had shot at a residence, and when officers arrived on scene they discovered it was an apartment in the 300 block of South Grand Avenue.
The release states a suspect reportedly tried to force entry into the residence with the victim on the other side trying to keep the suspect out. The suspect caused damage to the door, cutting his own hands. He then retreated and fired two shots from a pistol.
While officers were investigating the incident, another shot was heard near Fourth Street and Grand Avenue. Officers ran toward the area and found a man, later identified as Esparza, hiding behind a bush with a gun at his feet, according to the release. The suspect was looking at the gun instead of following commands from officers, leading to his arrest after a long struggle.
The victim later identified Esparza as the shooting suspect and Esparza was taken to the Pettis County Jail.
The release also states Esparza is a felon and criminal gang member, and the pistol was reported stolen.
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