Second Joplin police officer dies from gunshot wounds, third officer shot in face, may require multiple surgeries

A second Joplin police officer has died as a result of injuries suffered during a shootout Tuesday.

Moments ago, during a press conference at City Hall, Police Chief Sloan Rowland said that Officer Jake Reed, who has been with the JPD since 2017.

"I'm sad to inform you, Jake will not recover from his injuries," Rowland said, noting that Reed was an organ donor. 

Cpl. Ben Cooper died Tuesday.

Rowland said that the third officer who was shot, Officer Rick Hirshey is in serious, but stable condition.

Hirshey chased the shooter, Anthony R. Felix, 40, Joplin, into the area of 9th and Connecticut, where Felix was attempting to steal a second car after wrecking the police car he had stolen during the initial confrontation when he shot Cooper and Reed.

Hirshey pulled his car in to block Felix' exit. Felix fired through the windshield striking Hirshey in the face, according to Rowland. "Rick will face some serious challenges in the the days and months ahead." Rowland said Hirshey may require multiple surgeries

The chief said that at that point Capt. William Davis, at great risk to his own life, was able to shoot and kill Felix.

(Photo: Sloan Rowland tells those attending a press conference at City Hall that Officer Jake Reed succumbed to his injuries.)

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