Monday, April 04, 2022

Joplin Police: Officer's bullet killed 2-year-old Clesslynn Crawford


(From the Joplin Police Department)

This press release is to update information concerning the officer involved shooting that occurred in Baxter Springs, Kansas on Saturday, March 26th, 2022. 

The Joplin Police Department felt it critical to update the public based upon recently preliminary findings. 

On March 26th, 2022, the Joplin Police Department responded to Baxter Springs, Kansas as part of a mutual aid request for assistance with an active threat and hostage situation relating to a domestic disturbance. 








An adult male, who was later identified as Eli Crawford, was barricaded in a travel trailer with his 2-year-old daughter, Clesslynn Crawford, and was actively shooting at law enforcement officers firing over 90 rounds. 

Crawford had shot and killed Taylor Shutte, the mother of Clesslynn Crawford, as Baxter Springs officers arrived on scene. 

The Joplin Police Department SWAT Team was activated and responded. After Joplin SWAT arrived on scene, the suspect continued firing at law enforcement officers. 

During the over two-hour incident, a member of the Joplin SWAT Team was involved in a shooting on scene. Following the conclusion of the incident, the officer was placed on routine administrative leave per department policy. 

Preliminary information has been found to show that Clesslynn Crawford was struck and killed by the round fired by the Joplin Officer. A separate internal investigation is ongoing. 

This is a horrific outcome to what had already started as a very tragic incident. Our heartfelt condolences go out to the families involved and the surrounding community. We ask that you pray for the victims and everyone involved.




***
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6 comments:

Anonymous said...

This news was released by the Kansas Bureau of Investigation just before the city council investigation. A mindless "Back the Blue" posture is looking less and less good for Joplin, some serious reforms are in order.

Dusty Roads said...

why did they cross state lines plenty of cops over there to handle it..the Joplin PD has been on a rampage thirst for payback

Anonymous said...

The father should have never had that child in such a situation. 100% on him

Anonymous said...

I still Back the Blue. They were put into a terroristic situation where bullets were flying at them, by a madman who killed his girlfriend. He was evil and is 110% for this tragedy.
Our Law Enforcement Officers put their life on the line everyday against people who want to kill them.
It is a tragedy that this child lost her life, but her own father is the one who put her life in jeopardy.
Those are the cold hard facts.

Anonymous said...

I am 100% confident the shooting of a 2yo girl was not part of their payback plot. I am hopeful that is not what your message is implying but still not the appropriate time to make such a comment. You should feel ashamed and make this right. Do better!

Anonymous said...

Probably due to the mutual aid request stated above. This is not on the officer. This is on the criminal who caused the incident.