For further information please contact: Sergeant Paul Reinsch
(573) 751-1000
June 1, 2007
F070602

EMPHASIS: Shooting Suspect Taken Into Custody In Gasconade County


On June 1, 2007, at approximately 7:47 a.m., a subject, later identified as Martin L. Byers, 66, of Licking, MO, allegedly fired several shots at a vehicle occupied by relatives. The shooting occurred in Osage County on County Road 714.
Mr. Byers left the scene and later contacted the Osage County Sheriff’s Department and stated he was parked in his recreational vehicle at the roadside park on Highway 19 south of Hermann. Officers from the Missouri State Highway Patrol, Hermann Police Department, and the Gasconade County Sheriff’s Department responded to the scene. Northbound and southbound traffic on Highway 19 was shut down for several hours as the subject spoke to law enforcement authorities.
At approximately 11:41 a.m., Mr. Byers turned himself over to an officer of the Hermann Police Department and was later transferred to the Osage County Jail.
Mr. Byers has been charged with two counts of assault in the first degree and felony armed criminal action. The investigation is being conducted by the Osage County Sheriff’s Department and the Gasconade County Sheriff’s Department.
The charges for which Byers has been arrested are mere accusation and are not evidence of guilt. Evidence in support of the charges must be presented before a court of competent jurisdiction whose duty is to determine guilt or innocence.


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