JPD officers on desk duty following shooting at Oxford Apartments

(From the Joplin Police Department)

On November 30, 2015, at 9:16 PM, the Joplin Police Department responded to 3330 S. Texas, Oxford Apartments, in reference to a domestic assault.

The suspect had fled the scene prior to the arrival of officers. Officers were again called to this location at 10:37 PM in reference to a disturbance.

Upon arrival, officers were confronted with the same suspect from the earlier event and one officer was involved in a shooting.

The suspect sustained gunshot injuries and was transported by ambulance to Freeman Hospital where he continues to receive medical treatment. No officers were injured in this incident.

At the request of the Joplin Police Department, the Missouri State Highway Patrol responded to conduct the investigation. In accordance with standard practice, the officer involved in the shooting has been placed on administrative leave.

(Update)

The Missouri State Highway Patrol continues to investigate this incident.

The suspect remain hospitalized as a result of his injuries sustained in this event.

Officer Seth Lugenbell and Officer Brett Davis are removed from line-duty assignment pending administrative review. Department policy requires that any officer whose action(s) or use of force has seriously injured another person shall be removed from line-duty.

 This policy also covers involved officers. An involved officer is defined as an officer whose conduct was not the cause in fact of the injury but who was involved in the incident before or during the use of force.

This action protects both the officer's and the community's interest until the situation is resolved.