Officer identified who shot, killed Joplin man who murdered Cpl. Ben Cooper, wounded two officers

The Joplin Police Department has identified Captain William Davis as the officer who fired upon Anthony R. Felix, (pictured below) 40, Joplin, and killed him ending a shooting spree that resulted in the death of Corporal Ben Cooper and injuries to two other JPD officers Tuesday.

Following department policy, Davis has been placed on administrative leave, according to a JPD news release.

Davis was not injured.

The names of the other two officers who were injured will be released Thursday morning. During a press conference this morning, Police Chief Sloan Rowland said one officer remained in critical condition, while the other was in serious, but stable condition.

The news release said the Officer Memorial that is located in front of the police department will be moved into the department lobby by Thursday afternoon due to impending winter weather.

Cpl. Cooper was a veteran of 19 years of law enforcement, beginning his career in 2003 with the Joplin Police Department and serving for a brief time with a sheriff's office in Colorado. He served in the U. S. Army and was a husband and father of two children.

The circumstances leading to Cooper's death, the injuries to his fellow officers and finally to the death of Felix were outlined by Rowland during the press conference.

Officers were called to a disturbance being caused by Felix in the area of 4th and Range Line.

"As officers attempted to take the suspect into custody, he shot the officers and fled the scene in a stolen patrol car.

"Officers attempted to stop the fleeing suspect who fired shots from the stolen patrol car at the pursuing officers, striking one of the patrol vehicles and narrowly missing one of the officers in the car.

"The suspect wrecked the patrol car shortly thereafter and fled on foot in the area of 9th and Connecticut.

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

Rowland said the investigation is ongoing and is being conducted by the Missouri State Highway Patrol.