Joplin police officer dead, second in critical condition following shootout with suspect

An exchange of gunfire between Joplin police officers this afternoon resulted in the death of one officer, with another one in critical condition at a local hospital and a third officer is in serious, but stable condition.

The Joplin Police Department issued the following news release this evening:

On March 8, 2022, at 1332 hours, Officers responded to the area of 4th and Range Line in regard to a disturbance. 

Once on scene, officers contacted a subject who they identified as being involved in the disturbance. As officers attempted to take the subject into custody, he shot two officers and fled the scene in a stolen patrol car. 

Officers attempted to stop the fleeing suspect, who wrecked the patrol car and fled on foot to the area of 9th and Connecticut. 

Officers once again located the suspect, and he fired shots at officers, injuring one. An officer returned fire and struck the suspect. 

Three officers were transported with serious injuries. One officer succumbed to his injuries this afternoon. Another officer is in critical condition, and another officer is in serious but stable condition. 

A press conference will be held tomorrow at 9:00 AM CST on the second floor of City Hall, located at 602 S Main. Names are being withheld at this time. The suspect is deceased. 

There is no further threat to the public.