Washington County Christmas Shooting

(Potosi) A Washington County man faces charges of first-degrtee assault, armed criminal action and unlawful use of a weapon for allegedly shooting a trespasser. According to a report from the Washington County Sheriff’s Office, Michael Mester, 63, of Richwoods, saw a man traveling on Highway 47 on an ATV Christmas day. Mester pursued the man in his truck and stopped him on the highway, he then pulled out a firearm. The report says Mester said “I should kill you for trespassing on my property.” He proceeded to shoot the man in the leg. The alleged victim’s brother spoke with Mester after the incident and gave a recording to the police. On the recording, the brother asked if Mester shot his bother in the leg and Mester replied “and” then said the victim was trespassing. The Washington County Sheriff’s Office booked a 100-thousand dollar bond was, of which has been posted in full by Mester. The court ordered Mester have no contact with the alleged victim and to not use firearms while out on bail.