A Thayer man was taken into custody late Sunday night after police say he fired multiple shotgun rounds outside his home while five children were inside.
According to a probable cause statement filed by the Thayer Police Department, officers were dispatched to a residence on January 12 around 9:34 p.m. after a report of a man outside with a rifle discharging rounds. Officer Joseph Nichol arrived to find no one outside but heard shouting from inside the home.
Police say Steven William Cason, who appeared heavily intoxicated, eventually came to the door wearing only shorts. A woman inside the home appeared frightened, and Cason admitted he had been drinking earlier in West Plains and had argued with her on the drive home.
While speaking with Cason, officers observed a van in the driveway with a shattered sliding door window and fresh glass on the ground. Shotgun pellet damage was visible on the vehicle. Assistant Chief Luke Martin recovered a Mossberg 20‑gauge shotgun from inside the residence, noting the barrel was still warm.
When confronted with the evidence, Cason admitted to firing the shotgun and shooting out the van window. Officers also documented a shattered garage door window, wall damage consistent with the firearm being thrown, and seven spent shotgun shells around the back door area.
Inside the home, officers found five children, all under Cason’s care at the time of the incident.
A records check revealed Cason is a convicted felon with an active probation violation warrant out of Pierce County, Georgia, making him prohibited from possessing firearms under Missouri law.
Cason was arrested and transported to the Thayer Police Department, where he invoked his right to counsel. He is being held on a $50,000 bond.
Prosecutors are reviewing the case for the following offenses:
- Unlawful Possession of a Firearm (Felon in Possession)
- Endangering the Welfare of a Child, 1st Degree
- Armed Criminal Action
