Jason Keith
Jason Keith - Kansas City man sentenced after February police chase, shooting

Overview of the February 2025 Crime Spree

The incident began on February 12, 2025, when Keith hijacked a vehicle at gunpoint in South Kansas City. According to court documents, he approached a car dealership employee while concealing a rifle beneath a pile of hoodies. “I don’t want to kill you, man. Just give me the key fob,” he reportedly told the employee before fleeing in a silver Nissan Rogue.

The stolen vehicle was spotted later that day at a gas station. When police attempted a stop, Keith sped off, initiating a high-speed pursuit through urban neighborhoods.

Gunfire Exchange With Police

Around East 11th Street and Elmwood Avenue, officers attempted to intercept Keith. In response, he fired two rounds from a rifle at the officers from inside the moving vehicle. Thankfully, no one was injured during the exchange.

The chase continued onto Interstate 70, where law enforcement deployed bean bag rounds to disable the suspect’s vehicle. Keith eventually exited the car and surrendered to police without further incident.

A History of Violence and Theft

Keith’s criminal activity wasn’t limited to this one event. Prosecutors revealed that weeks prior, Keith was caught on surveillance footage allegedly stealing a firearm from a Bass Pro Shop in Kansas City, Kansas. He was also charged with stealing communications equipment from the Defense Information Systems Agency (DISA) in the days leading up to President Joe Biden’s Kansas City speech.

Moreover, investigators linked Keith to a liquor store robbery on January 31, 2025, in which he used a similar tactic—hiding a rifle under clothing to intimidate the clerk before robbing the business.

Charges and Sentencing

Keith faced multiple charges, including:

  • Vehicle hijacking

  • Five counts of armed criminal action

  • Four counts of first-degree assault on a law enforcement officer

  • Two counts of aggravated fleeing from law enforcement

  • Unlawful possession of a firearm

In a plea agreement, Keith admitted guilt to vehicle hijacking, armed criminal action, aggravated fleeing, and first-degree assault. Jackson County Prosecutor Melesa Johnson formally announced his 18-year prison sentence on May 2, 2025.

“Violent assaults against our law enforcement officers will never be tolerated and will be met with swift consequences,” Prosecutor Johnson emphasized. “Our office remains committed to public safety and ensuring justice for victims of violent crime.”

Public and Law Enforcement Reaction

The case has sparked renewed conversations in Kansas City about the dangers law enforcement officers face and the importance of prosecuting violent offenders swiftly.

Law enforcement agencies praised the officers involved for their restraint during the pursuit and their efforts to protect public safety without escalation, even under direct gunfire.

Conclusion

Jason Keith’s case serves as a stark reminder of the risks associated with armed criminal activity and the resilience of law enforcement officers. With an 18-year sentence now in place, authorities hope the resolution brings closure to the victims and deters similar violence in the future.

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