Man Fires At Vehicle In Franklin County Road Rage Incident

The Missouri State Highway Patrol arrested a De Soto man after he allegedly opened fire on a vehicle during a road rage incident Dec. 10 in Franklin County.

Thomas E. Karner, 32, has been charged with unlawful use of a weapon and first-degree property damage.

The victim told communications personnel that Karner brandished a firearm while traveling westbound on Interstate 44. 

A trooper stopped at the 251 mile marker to intercept the vehicles, but responded to Highway 100 after receiving information that both were heading westbound.

The victim told communications that Karner got out of his vehicle and discharged a gun. It shattered a window and caused damage to the framing of the window area. 

Based on the angle of the point of entry, the trooper determined the vehicle had been shot at while attempting to travel eastbound on Highway 100.

The victim said when Karner left his vehicle, he cut through the center median of Highway 100 near Highway M.

Karner had traveled onto Highway M and was out of sight.

Law enforcement canvassed the area, but were unable to locate him.

The victim took pictures of Karner, along with his license plate.

Karner was contacted by law enforcement and allegedly admitted to firing at the vehicle. Karner said he approached the victim’s vehicle at Highway 100 and Highway M to make contact. He said the victim struck him with his truck while attempting to travel eastbound on Highway 100, so he shot through the back window.