Boone County Man Facing Assault, Theft Charges

A Boone County man has been charged with theft by receiving and assault when a concerned citizen called in a tip of person pointing a gun at others.

According to the probable cause affidavit, a Boone County Sheriff’s Office deputy was flagged down by a concerned citizen. She told the officer she was walking near the tennis courts at the old junior high when she observed several juveniles playing with a handgun. The Harrison Police Department was notified and also dispatched to the scene.

When law enforcement approached the group, the group denied anyone had been playing with a gun. Officers noticed a bulge in the hand warmer pocket of the hooded jacket 18-year-old Niklas Walls was wearing. When asked, Walls stated it was “moonshine” and produced a jar of amber color liquid with a label reading Firefly Moonshine. A preliminary breath test was administered with a result of .06. Walls was taken into custody.

One of the juveniles at the scene confirmed Walls pointed a handgun at her, but stated he was “just doing it to be goofy.”

Upon further questioning, Walls admitted to having a hidden handgun in the truck he arrived in. The firearm was found in the dash with no cartridge but had a magazine with 15 rounds loaded. The gun was found to be stolen out of Texas. He admitted pointing the gun at the juveniles, but claimed he was just playing around.

Walls was charged with a felony count of theft by receiving a firearm; and misdemeanor charges of first degree assault, endangering the welfare of a minor and purchase, possession of intoxicating liquor by a minor.

Walls has been released from the Boone County Detention Center on $2,000 bond.

(From KTLO)