Four teens arrested after early morning shooting at Grand Falls

(From the Joplin Police Department)

On September 2, 2026, around 02:59 a.m., the Joplin Emergency Communications Center began receiving 911 calls reporting gunshots at the Grand Falls, located at 5400 Riverside Drive. The reporting party advised that one subject was suffering from gunshot wounds. 

Joplin Police, Joplin Fire, and Newton County Ambulance responded.

When officers arrived, they encountered four subjects who were detained until the situation could be stabilized. The responding officers then located an adult male later identified at Devin Madison, 23, of Pittsburg, Kan. suffering from gunshot wounds to his leg. 

Due to his location, officers provided emergency medical aid to Madison and then carried him to awaiting medical personnel. Madison was then transported to a local hospital and remains in stable condition.

The initial investigation revealed that four subjects identified as Savannah Warner, 19, of Webb City, (third photo) Carter Montez, 19 of Joplin (top photo), Alysa Richards, 18, of Mt. Vernon, and Kaidence Wise, 19, of Lamar traveled together to Grand Falls after park hours had closed. 

Shortly after their arrival, Madison arrived in a separate vehicle.

Following Madison’s arrival, a verbal disturbance began between the individuals involved. While the verbal disturbance continued, Madison attempted to leave the area but was prevented from doing so. The verbal disturbance then escalated and became physical. 

During the physical altercation, Montez produced a firearm and several shots were fired during the altercation striking Madison in the leg.

As a result of the initial investigation, two firearms were seized and Warner, Montez, Wise, and Richards were all arrested and transported to the Joplin City Jail. 

Charges will be submitted to the Newton County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office on each of the suspects which will include 1st Degree Assault, 1st Degree Kidnapping, Armed Criminal Action, and Unlawful Use of Firearms.

At this time, evidence shows that this was an isolated incident, as most of the individuals involved were known acquaintances. There is not a public safety risk related to this event.

As this investigation remains open and active, the Joplin Police Department encourages anyone with information regarding this incident to contact Detective John Watkins at 417-623-3131 ext. 1603.