Man Who Allegedly Kidnapped, Shot Mother Of His Child Charged

Today, Pierce County Prosecutor Mark Lindquist charged Meko Jones, 37, with Assault, Kidnapping, Robbery and Unlawful Possession of a Firearm in the First Degree, and Attempting to Elude A Pursuing Police Vehicle. The defendant was arraigned today and bail was set at $500,000.

Around 7 a.m. on Friday, Jan. 4, the 27-year-old victim arrived at a local community college for class. She was confronted at gunpoint by the defendant, who is the father of her child. The victim had kept the defendant away from the child because he was on a long-term drug binge. The defendant took the victim to her car and pointed the gun at her stomach. She tried to grab the gun by the barrel and the defendant shot her. He then forced the victim into her car and shot at her head. She ducked and the bullet shattered the window.

The defendant forced the victim to drive to his mother’s house, where he held her at gunpoint for several hours, threatening to kill her, her family and their child if she contacted authorities. The defendant made the victim drive to an ATM, where he withdrew money from her account. After continued threats to kill her, he released the victim, who went to the hospital.

Tacoma Police officers saw the defendant driving in the area of South 19th Street and gave chase. The defendant sped away, lost control of the car and struck a fence. He ran from the car and was apprehended.

The defendant was previously convicted of Arson in the First Degree and is prohibited from possessing firearms.

Charges are only allegations and a person is presumed innocent unless he or she is proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.

- Pierce County Prosecutor's Office