SPRINGFIELD, Mo. – Galena’s Adam Everett Kastler, 36, was dealt a 13-year-and-six-month sentence today for his brazen act of firing upon police during a high-speed chase that spanned Missouri and Kansas.
The U.S. District Judge M. Douglas Harpool imposed the term without parole on Kastler, who pleaded guilty to being a felon in possession of a firearm. Kastler’s transgression involved wielding a Smith & Wesson 9mm semi-automatic handgun on February 23, 2023.
The fateful pursuit began when Joplin, Mo., police stopped a Chevrolet Tahoe for traffic violations and discovered Kastler inside, along with outstanding warrants. A passenger in the car, fearing for his life, exited and surrendered to officers while Kastler took control of the wheel. Ignoring multiple stop signs, Kastler led law enforcement on a dangerous chase that ended when he lost control of the vehicle.
Cherokee County Sheriff’s Department deputies joined the pursuit as it crossed state lines into Kansas. After Kastler opened fire on officers from his moving vehicle, he crashed, leading to his arrest. Officers discovered the loaded handgun, spent shell casings, methamphetamine residue, and numerous contraband items.
Under federal law, felons are prohibited from possessing firearms or ammunition, a restriction Kastler has violated with prior convictions for meth distribution and domestic battery. This case was vigorously prosecuted by Supervisory Assistant U.S. Attorney Randall D. Eggert and investigated by local police departments and the ATF.
Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) coordinates efforts across law enforcement agencies to tackle gun violence. Kastler’s sentence is part of PSN’s commitment to safer neighborhoods through community engagement, strategic enforcement, and trust-building initiatives.
Related Federal Cases
- Kyle K. Kessler Sentenced for Illegal Firearm in High-Speed Chase · Kansas
- North Kansas City Felon Sentenced for Gunfire in Police Chase · Iowa
- KC Man Gets 9 Years for Gun & Wild Police Chase · Kansas
- Grandview Gunman Gets 15 Years: Armed Career Criminal Back Behind Bars · Kansas
- Murder Suspect Chase M. Murphy Nabbed in LeGend Operation · Kansas
Key Facts
- State: Missouri
- Agency: DOJ USAO
- Category: Drug Trafficking|Fraud & Financial Crimes|Violent Crime|Public Corruption|Weapons
- Source: Official Source ↗
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