Fight with Independence police officers leads to federal gun charge

A 28-year-old man is facing a federal charge after allegedly fighting with Independence police officers investigating a traffic crash this week.

Prosecutors charged Jonathan J. Monshower with being a felon in possession of a firearm.

The officers encountered Monshower on Wednesday afternoon after the car he was driving struck a parked vehicle at Maple Avenue and Spring Street, according to court documents.

As an officer spoke to Monshower after he exited the car, the officer spotted the outline of a pistol tucked in Monshower’s waistband. When the officer grabbed the pistol, Monshower also grabbed it. The two men fell to the pavement as they struggled over the weapon, according to the allegations.

Monshower refused to stop fighting even after the officer pulled his weapon and pointed it at Monshower’s head, according to the documents. Another officer entered the fray and was able to get Monshower in custody.

Court records show that Monshower is on parole. He has prior convictions for assault of a law enforcement officer, endangering the welfare of a child and resisting a lawful stop.

This story was originally published October 23, 2015 at 8:21 AM with the headline "Fight with Independence police officers leads to federal gun charge."