News Summary
Two men, Clarence and Aaron Melbert, have been charged after a shooting incident escalated during a Facebook Marketplace transaction in Kansas City. The victim was shot while attempting to flee from an armed robbery. This incident has raised safety concerns regarding online sales, coinciding with a notable rise in violent crime in the area, including another unrelated shooting the same day that left one dead and one injured. Law enforcement urges the community to remain vigilant and report any information regarding rising criminal activities.
Kansas City: Two Men Charged After Facebook Marketplace Truck Sale Escalates into Shooting Incident
Clarence Melbert, 29, and Aaron Melbert, 31, are facing serious charges following a shooting that occurred during an alleged robbery linked to a Facebook Marketplace transaction in a Kansas City apartment complex parking lot on July 9. The incident left a victim injured and raised concerns about safety during online sales.
The Melberts reportedly arranged to sell a black Ford F-150 for $2,500. When the buyer arrived with cash in hand, Clarence Melbert allegedly pointed a gun at him and demanded that he exit the vehicle. Meanwhile, Aaron Melbert threatened the buyer with a knife as the robbery attempt unfolded. During the escalating confrontation, the victim attempted to flee but was shot in the arm and ear from behind.
Witnessing the shocking scene, the victim’s wife became involved and fired her own weapon in self-defense, ultimately assisting law enforcement in identifying the suspects. After the shooting, police were able to locate both Clarence and Aaron Melbert nearby.
Further investigation revealed that Clarence Melbert had sustained a gunshot wound to his arm during the incident. Aaron was taken into custody without resistance, and during the search of the crime scene, police recovered two firearms, several shell casings, and the knife used in the attempted robbery.
This shooting incident marks a significant moment in the ongoing issues related to violent crime in Kansas City. In a separate incident on the same day, police responded to a shooting in south Kansas City. This shooting, which occurred around 4:10 p.m. in the 11800 block of Winchester Avenue, resulted in a man being found dead and a woman suffering from serious injuries. Preliminary reports indicate that an argument among multiple individuals escalated to gunfire. This event marked the 87th homicide of the year in Kansas City, a notable increase compared to 79 homicides recorded by the same time last year.
Authorities are actively searching for suspects in the Winchester Avenue shooting but believe that this particular incident is isolated and not connected to the attempted robbery involving the Melberts.
In light of these incidents, police urge anyone with information regarding the shootings, including further details about the suspects involved, to come forward. Individuals can report tips anonymously through local police or the Greater Kansas City Crime Stoppers Tips Hotline at 816-474-TIPS (8477).
This string of violent encounters emphasizes the need for security measures during online transactions and the importance of community vigilance in combating rising crime rates in the area. As law enforcement continues to investigate and respond to these incidents, residents are reminded to remain alert and cautious when engaging in online sales or meetings with unknown parties.
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Additional Resources
- KCTV5: Woman Hurt Kansas City Shooting
- Wikipedia: Kansas City
- KSHB: 1 Person Shot to Death in Kansas City
- Google Search: Kansas City shootings
- Fox 4 KC: One Man Dead, Woman Hurt After Shooting
- Google Scholar: Kansas City crime rate
- KMBC: Kansas City Shooting Winchester Avenue
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Kansas City
- KCTV5: Fatal Shooting Under Investigation in South Kansas City
- Google News: Kansas City
Author: STAFF HERE KANSAS CITY WRITER
The KANSAS CITY STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREKansasCity.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Kansas City, Jackson County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as American Royal World Series of Barbecue, Dia De Los Muertos, and Planet Anime Kansas City. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Kansas City Chamber of Commerce and United Way of Greater Kansas City, plus leading businesses in healthcare, finance, and entertainment that power the local economy such as Children's Mercy Hospital, Government Employees Health Association, and AMC Entertainment. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREStLouis.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Missouri's dynamic landscape.
