Chief: Police have had "previous interaction" with suspect

During a 10 p.m. news conference, Neosho Police Chief Dave McCracken told the media this was not the first time his department had dealings with the gunman who entered the First Congregational Church and killed three people Sunday. According to the Neosho Daily News article:

McCracken said authorities have interviewed a large number of people and have written statements "from about 40 people."

McCracken said his department did have previous interactions with the suspect, who remains in custody in the Newton County Jail.

"Normal reporting," McCracken said. "I am not prepared to say at this time. (The suspect) is probably in his late 40s."

McCracken added he was proud of the work his police officers, and those who assisted from the Newton County Sheriff's Department and the Missouri State Highway Patrol in the wake of tragedy.

"This was a tragedy as people were killed and injured, but it could have been a lot worse," he said. "I feel like our immediate action to intervene probably saved lives."