A man and his son were shot in Charleston, Missouri on July 4th at about 5:00 p.m. Charleston Police received several calls concerning gunshots and officers were dispatched to 102 West Ironbanks Road.
When the officers arrived, they saw that 39-year old Leroy Atkins and ten-year old Leroy Atkins Jr. had both sustained gunshot wounds. Leroy Atkins Jr. identified Mark Mowery as the man who shot him and his father.
The incident may have originated in Mowery’s irritation towards several children that were setting off fireworks.
“There were some children shooting fireworks and he was mad,” Charleston Director of Public Safety Robert Hearnes said. “I don’t know what caused him to go from being upset about the fireworks to shooting, but it’s just a very unfortunate incident and I don’t have an explanation for it.”
Hearnes also discussed the charges filed against Mowery.
“We’ve had a warrant issued for Assault 1st, which in Missouri is basically attempted murder,” Hearnes said. “Assault 1st, Armed Criminal Action, and Unlawful Use of a Weapon. We’ve talked to some more people that were at the scene and there will be some more charges pending.”
Mowery fled the area in a Chevy S10 pickup truck, but was later found in Cumberland County, North Carolina where he checked himself into a VA hospital. He is currently still in North Carolina, but will be transferred back to Missouri to face the charges filed against him.
Police have not yet found the gun that was used in the shooting.
