Armed robber caught in Joplin

On November 14th, 2022, at approximately 10:30 pm, the Joplin Police Department received a 911 call for a report of an armed robbery that had just occurred in the 1500 block of west 20th Street.

The caller, who was working as a pizza delivery driver, was making a delivery and was confronted by a male suspect who pointed a gun at him and demanded the pizza, his phone, and all of his money. The victim was not harmed during the incident.

Officers immediately responded to the area and began conducting an investigation. It was determined the suspect was located inside a nearby address and officers began attempting to contact him. After numerous attempts, the Joplin Police Department SWAT team was activated and responded to the scene. Contact was eventually made, and the suspect was apprehended without further incident.

Evidence from the robbery was also located inside the residence. The suspect, Austin D. W. Bryant, was arrested, and on November 15th, the Jasper County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office filed charges for Robbery in the 1st Degree and Armed Criminal Action. His bond was set at $100,000 cash only.