Joplin Police officers shot after altercation with suspect
One officer dead, suspect also deceased
UPDATE: Joplin Police Chief Sloan Rowland says the officer killed Tuesday was Cpl. Benjamin Cooper. He leaves behind a wife and two daughters.
One Joplin Police Officer is dead and two others were injured Tuesday afternoon after an altercation with a suspect.
Joplin Assistant Police Chief Brian Lewis says it began at 1:22 PM, when officers first responded to the area of 4th and Rangeline Road in regard to a disturbance near the new Buckle store.
Once on scene, officers contacted a subject who they identified as being involved in the disturbance. As officers attempted to take the subject into custody, he shot two officers and fled the scene in a stolen patrol car.
Officers attempted to stop the fleeing suspect, who wrecked the patrol car and fled on foot to the area of 9th and Connecticut. Officers once again located the suspect, and he fired shots at officers, injuring one at that location. An officer then returned fire and struck the suspect.
In total, three officers were transported with serious injuries. One officer succumbed to his injuries this afternoon.
Another officer is in critical condition, and another officer is in serious but stable condition.
Names are being withheld at this time. The suspect is deceased.
There is no further threat to the public.
A press conference will be held Wednesday at 9:00 AM on the second floor of City Hall, located at 602 S Main St.
The Missouri State Highway Patrol is assisting with the investigation.
