Joplin R-8 releases statement on shooting of student

The Joplin R-8 School District released the following statement on the shooting of a student Thursday:

Based on our investigation of the events at 18th & Main St. around 4:00 p.m. on Thursday, Nov. 2, we understand that the suspect in the shooting was not a student of Joplin Schools or Joplin High School.

We are saddened to have learned that the juvenile who was injured in the shooting is a student at Joplin High School. 

We have reason to hope for a strong recovery for this student and are in contact with their family during this time. In order to respect the privacy of the family and obey district legal requirements, we will not be releasing any information about this individual’s identity.

We have received no indication or evidence that Joplin High School students were in possession of weapons during school or during the altercation itself.

We will continue to cooperate with the Joplin Police Department and Jasper County Juvenile Office as their investigations unfold. We remain committed to the safety of our students and staff at all times, and appreciate our local law enforcement’s quick responses to support us in that commitment.

The incident was addressed in a news release issued by the Joplin Police Department Thursday:

On November 2, 2023, at 4:02 p.m., the Joplin Police Department Emergency Communications Center received a 911 call reporting a shooting near 18th and Main Street in Joplin.

While officers were responding it was learned that one person had been struck by gunfire and individuals were fleeing the scene.

As officers arrived on scene, they began rendering aid to the shooting victim, secured the scene of the shooting, and initiated their investigation. The victim, who is only being identified as a juvenile male, was transported to a local hospital for treatment for a gunshot injury. It is believed to be a non-life-threatening injury at this time.

As officers were searching the area for the suspect in the shooting, an officer located the suspect near 16th and Sergeant Avenue, and he was detained without incident.

The name of the suspect is currently being withheld due to the suspect being a juvenile. He was transported to the Jasper County Juvenile Detention Center and turned over to the custody of juvenile authorities.

Detectives from the Joplin Police Department responded to the scene and are continuing with their investigation. If you have any information regarding this incident, you are encouraged to contact the Joplin Police Department at 417-623-3131.