Jefferson County Man Accused of Shooting at Vehicle with Crossbow, BB Gun; Deputy Bit During Arrest

Jefferson Co., Mo. (KFMO) - A Jefferson County man is facing several felony charges after authorities say he fired a crossbow and a BB gun at a passing vehicle before resisting arrest and biting a deputy.

According to court records, John Winschel was arrested Monday after deputies responded to his residence in House Springs.

Investigators say the victim reported driving past Winschel's home when Winschel allegedly fired both a crossbow and a BB gun at the vehicle, causing damage. The victim told deputies Winschel then attempted to shoot him in the head with the BB gun.

When deputies arrived at the residence, a probable cause statement says Winschel stood up and attempted to pull a BB gun from his waistband. Deputies tackled him before he could retrieve the weapon, but authorities say he resisted arrest and bit one deputy on the knee during the struggle.

After obtaining a search warrant, deputies recovered the crossbow from the property.

Investigators also noted they had previously responded to two separate disturbances involving Winschel and the victim. According to court documents, the victim told deputies the incidents had become increasingly serious with each encounter.

Winschel has been charged with first-degree assault, third-degree assault, fourth-degree assault, armed criminal action, resisting arrest and second-degree property damage.

He is currently being held without bond as the case moves through the Jefferson County court system.