7th St. officer-involved shooting deemed lawful, MSHP says
JOPLIN, Mo. — An investigation determines an officer-involved shooting in Joplin this year was lawful.
The Missouri State Highway Patrol wrapped up its investigation into the incident last week and returned the findings to the Joplin Police Department.
On February 9, several calls came in about a suspicious person near W 7th St. and S Sergeant Ave. Police say after responding an officer fired his gun and hit the man in the hand and wrist area.
The man was taken to the hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.
Officer involved shooting near 7th & Sergeant in Joplin, suspect under 96-hour hold
UPDATE
JOPLIN, Mo. — Joplin Police say the man who was wounded today by a JPD officer is undergoing a psychiatric evaluation.
In a statement, Joplin Police say the name of the suspect is being withheld at this time as he is undergoing a 96-hour mental health evaluation. His gunshot wound was not life threatening.
The officer was not injured in the struggle.
We spoke to the witness who called police this morning (2/9) when she saw a man who was acting strangely, try to step in front of a large truck on 7th Street during the busy morning traffic.
“It felt like a life threatening situation,” said JoAnn Smith, eyewitness. “So the gentleman had his hands in his pocket, which made me think that there was a gun possibly.”
As part of standard protocol, the Missouri Highway Patrol responded to the scene and is investigating the incident. The officer has been placed on administrative leave pending the outcome of that investigation. This action is also standard when an officer fires his service weapon.
UPDATE
JOPLIN, Mo. — A post on the Joplin Police Department’s Facebook page says at approximately 08:30 an officer was sent to a suspicious person call near 7th and Sergeant in Joplin.
During the incident, the officer discharged his duty weapon, striking the suspect.
Aid was immediately rendered and the suspect has been transported to a local hospital for treatment.
The officer was not injured during the incident. It is believed the suspect has a non-life threatening gunshot injury.
The scene is currently active and 7th Street is current blocked to westbound traffic.
There is no threat to the public at this time. Further details will be released as the investigation ensues.
ORIGINAL
Joplin police are on the scene of an officer involved shooting now on W. 7th Street.
Few details are available, but police have a portion of 7th Street blocked off near Sergeant.
This is a developing situation and we will update you as soon as more details become available.
