The Clay County prosecutor, Zachary Thompson said Monday afternoon that his office has charged the 84-year-old Andrew Lester with first-degree assault and armed criminal action.
Thompson’s office filed felony criminal charges of first-degree assault and armed criminal action against Lester. Additionally, a warrant has been issued for the man’s arrest, Thompson shared during a press conference.
When asked whether he believes the shooting was racially motivated, Thompson said nothing of that nature is clear in the probable cause documents. He said Yarl and Lester didn’t appear to have any interaction before the shooting.
“We understand how frustrating this has been but I can assure the criminal justice system is working and will continue to work,” he said during the news conference.
The prosecutor added that the maximum punishment for the assault charge is life in prison. The range of punishment for armed criminal action is between 3-15 years.
An arrest warrant has been issued and a bond has been set at $200,000. Lester has not been arrested.
