KANSAS CITY, Mo. — A Platte County man was charged with nine counts in connection with a shooting that took place Wednesday on the Centennial Bridge, Leavenworth officials said Friday.
The charges against Jason R. Westrem, 37, include one count of attempted first-degree murder, two counts of aggravated assault, one count of criminal discharge into an occupied vehicle causing great bodily harm, three counts of criminal discharge into an occupied vehicle, and two counts of aggravated child endangerment.
Officials held a 12:30 p.m. press conference to announce the charges. They did not provide any details about what may have motivated the shooting.
According to police, Westrem got out of his car on the bridge and started firing randomly at passing cars.
An active-duty Fort Leavenworth soldier hit the suspect with his car to stop the shooting.
Master Sgt. David Royer said he was just doing what anyone else would do in that situation.
Officials said he likely saved countless lives.
Another soldier was hit by the gunfire. Both the soldier and Westrem's injuries were not life-threatening.
