Portion of Range Line closed as SWAT team deals with gun-wielding Kansas City man

(From the Joplin Police Department)

Springfield Bomb Squad arrived and determined it was a replica grenade, Range Line is now opened back up. The arrested suspect is identified as Jeffrey N. Riley, 66, of Kansas City, Missouri. His arrest photo from today is attached.

On 7-21-2017 at 11:12am an employee of Fazoli’s, 4027 South Richard Joseph, called to report a male was in their parking lot and had pointed a handgun at them and made threats. Officers responded to the area. Upon their arrival, they could see the male going into Microtel, at 4101 Richard Joseph. Officers immediately entered the hotel and began searching for the suspect. As they located the suspect, he entered a room and closed the door. The room was contained and negotiations were attempted before Joplin SWAT was called to respond.

Attempts of negotiations continued and the SWAT team introduced gas into the hotel room. Eventually, a Joplin Detective who is also a Joplin SWAT Team Negotiator, was able to talk to the suspect into surrendering. At approximately 2:15pm, three hours after the incident started, the male followed commands, exited the room and was taken into custody without injuries to anyone. While the room was cleared by SWAT, a possible explosive device was observed in the room. Pictures were sent to the Springfield Bomb Squad and Ft. Leonard Wood. Neither agency was able to make a positive determination about the device. Out of an abundance of caution, the Springfield Bomb Squad is on their way to examine the device and determine if it poses any threat and how to deal with it accordingly.

Through the duration of the event, Range Line from I-44 to 44th Street was closed for the safety of passing motorists, and is still closed until the situation is resolved. The arrested male is a 66 year old from Kansas City, his identity is not being released pending the filing of formal charges with the Newton County Prosecutor’s Office.

We appreciate the assistance of MODOT closing the roadway, Joplin Fire, Metro Ambulance Service and Newton County Ambulance District for their aid to our officers dealing with the heat. We also appreciate Fazoli’s restaurant for accommodating us inside and outside their building throughout the operation.

Springfield Bomb Squad arrived and determined it was a replica grenade, Range Line is now opened back up. The arrested suspect is identified as Jeffrey N. Riley, 66, of Kansas City, Missouri. His arrest photo from today is attached.