Festus, MO – A 35-year-old woman from Higbee, Missouri, is facing multiple felony charges after allegedly chasing a man through the streets of Festus and firing a handgun at him — including in front of the Festus Police Department while officers were outside.

According to court documents, the incident began on the morning of Sept. 4, 2025 when the victim was sitting in a driveway on North Fifth Street. Montana Lynn Simmons, age 35, of Higbee, MO, allegedly ripped open the driver’s door while holding a handgun. The victim managed to close the door and drive away.

Festus Police say Simmons then pursued the victim in a 2006 Nissan convertible, firing at the victim’s car during the chase. The victim drove directly to the Festus Police Department, where Simmons allegedly drove past and fired again, striking the victim’s vehicle’s left quarter panel. Officers at the station reportedly heard the gunfire.

The Jefferson County Prosecutor’s Office filed four felony charges against Simmons on Thursday morning:

• Count I: First-degree assault, a Class B felony, for allegedly shooting at the victim. If convicted, Simmons would be required to serve at least 85% of her sentence before being eligible for parole.
• Count II: Armed criminal action in connection with the assault charge.
• Count III: Unlawful use of a weapon, for allegedly firing from a 2006 Nissan convertible while driving near North Fifth and Russell streets.
• Count IV: A second charge of armed criminal action related to the weapon use.

In a motion filed with the court, the State of Missouri has requested an arrest warrant and denial of bond, citing Simmons’ alleged willingness to fire a gun at the victim even in the presence of law enforcement. The motion describes her as a “clear danger to the victim” and the community, noting the incident occurred in a residential area and near a city park.

The Festus Police Department is located along a main thoroughfare surrounded by homes, and authorities emphasized the risk to public safety during the chase and shooting.

No injuries were reported. As of Thursday, an arrest warrant has been requested, and bond is opposed by the state.

Paul Barnard Editor

Paul Barnard is the editor of the Twin City News. Barnard Graduated from Norwich University, America's oldest private military college, with a B.S. in Communications and Media Technology. There he studied journalism and marketing. For years after, Barnard was in law enforcement and gained experience in the Special Investigations Unit and publishing all the department's press releases. As Barnard's family grew, he moved on to start Twin City News.

See Full Bio