KC Reporter

SPRINGFIELD, Mo. – A Galena, Kansas man who shot at police officers during a high-speed pursuit from Joplin, Missouri into Kansas was sentenced in federal court today for illegally possessing a firearm.

Adam Everett Kastler, 36, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge M. Douglas Harpool to 13 years and six months in federal prison without parole.

On February 6, 2024, Kastler pleaded guilty to being a felon in possession of a firearm. Kastler admitted he was in possession of a Smith & Wesson 9mm semi-automatic handgun on February 23, 2023.

Joplin police officers spotted Kastler, who had outstanding arrest warrants, inside a Chevrolet Tahoe that was pulled over in a traffic stop on 7th Street. Kastler, who was in the passenger’s seat, pointed a firearm at the driver and said he would shoot him if he did not flee from the police. Instead, the driver got out of the vehicle and laid on the ground.

After the driver exited the vehicle, Kastler moved from the passenger’s seat to the driver’s seat and fled from the scene with officers in pursuit. Kastler drove through town at high speeds and ignored multiple stop signs. The pursuit continued into Kansas where deputies with the Cherokee County Sheriff’s Department assisted.

Officers observed Kastler shooting at them from his vehicle before he lost control and crashed. He was subsequently arrested. Officers found a loaded firearm on the center console and two spent shell casings on the driver's side floorboard. Additionally found were a methamphetamine glass smoking pipe with residue, three cell phones, and four open containers of alcohol.

Under federal law, it is illegal for anyone convicted of a felony to possess any firearm or ammunition. Kastler has prior felony convictions for distributing methamphetamine and aggravated domestic battery.

This case was prosecuted by Supervisory Assistant U.S. Attorney Randall D. Eggert and investigated by the Joplin Police Department, Cherokee County Sheriff's Department, and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF).

Project Safe Neighborhoods

This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), which aims to reduce violent crime and gun violence through collaboration between law enforcement agencies and communities they serve. On May 26, 2021, PSN launched an enhanced strategy focusing on fostering community trust and legitimacy; supporting community-based violence prevention organizations; setting focused enforcement priorities; and measuring results.

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