Disturbance at Joplin Olive Garden over; “No injuries, no arrests and no danger.”

Joplin Police units were called to the Olive Garden at 3031 Hammons Boulevard regarding a reported disturbance by a person inside the restaurant.

Patrons were evacuated.

The building was surrounded by Joplin Police and Newton County deputy sheriffs.

The situation began a little after noon and came to an end after about an hour.

Joplin Police have said in a statement posted on Facebook:  “We have determined there is no danger to the community in the area of Olive Garden. No injuries, no arrests, again, no danger.”

The business re-opened at 2 p.m.

In a second statement, police said: “We responded to Olive Garden just after noon today for a report of a male waving a gun making threats and the restaurant already self-evacuating. Duquesne PD, Newton County Sheriffs Office, Missouri Highway Patrol, Joplin Fire, Newton county ambulance and others arrived as well to assist.

“We spoke to people exiting and employees and determined the restaurant was empty, with conflicting information on the whereabouts of the suspect and conflicting information on his actions, and if he even had a gun.

“With the suspect possibly inside alone, attempts to safely make contact failed. Officers carefully cleared the business and located nobody inside. We do not know who the male is that created the concerns. Anybody who was present that has information please call us 417-623-3131.

There were no injuries to anyone and no force used or damage caused. We are still investigating.”