From: Hannibal Police Department
Date: January 9, 2026
Phone: 573-221-0987 Fax: 573-221-3966
Contact: Lieutenant J.M. Grote
On Friday, January 9, 2026, at approximately 4:51am officers with the Hannibal Police Department responded to the 1400 block of Union St. for a report of gunshots being fired. During the investigation officers learned Matthew S. Shelton, 20 of Hannibal, was involved in an argument with a resident in the area. Shelton, armed with a handgun, fired several rounds in the air and fled in a vehicle. Officers located several spent shell casings at the scene. Approximately an hour later Shelton’s vehicle was located outside the city limits where it had been involved in a crash and stuck a utility pole. Officers were able to obtain Shelton’s location, and he was taken into custody without incident. The 10th Judicial Circuit Court of Marion County charged Shelton with Unlawful Use of a Weapon. His bond is set at $80,000.00 cash only. The Missouri State Highway Patrol investigated the traffic crash citing Shelton for Felony Leave the Scene of an Accident, Driving While Intoxicated, Careless and Imprudent Driving Involving a Crash, Possession of Marijuana and Fail to Provide Insurance. The Marion County Sheriff’s Office also provided assistance. No injuries were reported as a result of this incident.
A criminal charge is merely an allegation and the defendant is, of course, presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
