JPD Officer Involved Shooting; Suspect Dead

A “suspicious, combative” man is dead after he was shot by Joplin Police in the Roanoke neighborhood late Tuesday night. Police first shot the suspect with a taser, but it was ineffective. During the confrontation the officer fired their gun. That suspect, who has not yet been identified, was pronounced dead at the hospital. One Joplin Police officer was treated for minor injuries. The Highway Patrol is handling the investigation. KZRG will bring you more information as it’s available.

The full press release is below:

On August 13, 2019 at approximately 2120 hours Joplin Police Officers were dispatched to 901 W. Kensington Rd in reference to a suspicious person. The subject they encountered was combative with officers. Taser’s were deployed and were ineffective. The suspect continued to be combative with officers. During the confrontation a Joplin Police Officer fired their duty weapon striking the suspect. Fire and EMS were immediately dispatched to the scene. The suspect was transported to a local hospital where he was pronounced deceased. The Missouri State Highway Patrol has been requested to investigate the officer involved shooting. Identification of the suspect will be released when proper notifications have been made. More information will be released as it becomes available. As per department policy the officers involved will be placed on administrative leave pending the investigation.