By Phyllis Schaltenbrand
Shots rang out on quiet Tompkins Street in Historic St. Charles at approximately 12:24 am early Thursday morning.
Memoree VanMeer, 30, a resident of the 300 block of Tompkins was just getting out of her car when a former co-worker drove up and fired five shots at her in an apparent attempted murder. Multiple shots hit the woman in the leg and hip area. The shooter then drove off.
VanMeer’s husband heard the shots and pulled his wife from her vehicle. Police were called and Mrs. VanMeer was rushed to an area hospital where she is expected to recover from the gunshots she suffered during the attack. She is in serious but stable condition.
Warrants have been issued for the suspected shooter, Michael William Schreiner, 45, whose last known address was in New Haven, Missouri in Franklin County. Warrants have been issued by the office of St. Charles County Prosecuting Attorney, Jack Banas, charging Schreiner with; Assault First Degree, Armed Criminal Action and Shooting from a vehicle. When apprehended bond has been set at $1 million cash only.
It was reported Schreiner was driving a gray 2003 Ford Escort ZX2 with Missouri state license 884-EHA. He is considered armed and dangerous. St. Charles Police Detectives could not locate the subject at the address in New Haven. Police sources say apparently it has been some time since he has been there.
VanMeer was returning home from work at the time of the shooting. She is employed at KV Pharmaceutical in Maryland Heights. Schreiner was also employed at KV Pharmaceutical until about seven months ago when he was dismissed. It was reported VanMeer had served on a committee at work that was responsible for Schreiner being fired.
St. Charles Police Chief Tim Swope said, “We’re not sure what the motive was but anybody who comes in contact with Schreiner, especially other former co-workers need to be especially careful while the suspect is still on the loose. We contacted anyone we thought might be involved or have some contact with this subject.”
Schreiner has an arrest record dating back some 20 years for assault and harassment.
