Joplin man arrested for assault, three other felony charges after shooting at 1214 S. Connor

(From the Joplin Police Department)

On August 5th, 2019 at approximately 11:19 P.M. officers with the Joplin Police Department were dispatched to 1214 S. Connor Ave Joplin, MO about a disturbance with a weapon involved.

A caller reported that a male was pointing a gun at him. While on the phone with emergency dispatchers he reported that the suspect was in an SUV type of vehicle with Arkansas plate. The caller then reported he’d been shot then disconnected from the line.

Officers responded and contacted victim identified as Mark Kiefer, 38 of Joplin, MO with a gunshot wound to his arm. 

As officers on scene were assisting the victim, another officer located the suspect vehicle in the area 4013 S. HWY 43. The officer attempted to stop the suspect vehicle and it fled leading officers on a pursuit. During the pursuit the suspect discarded two pistols from the vehicle as he fled. 

The suspect identified as Paul Phillips age 31 of Joplin, MO was taken into custody with the assistance of Galena, KS Police Department and Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office.

The victim identified as Mark Kiefer age 38 of Joplin, MO was transported to a local hospital with a gunshot wound. Kiefer was later transported to a Springfield, MO hospital for further treatment. Kiefer is currently in stable medical condition. 

Paul Phillips has been arrested for 1st Degree Assault, Armed Criminal Action, Felon in Possession of Firearm, and Felony Resisting Arrest. Charges have been submitted to both the Jasper County Prosecutor's Office and the Newton County Prosecutor's Office. 

The Joplin Police Department would like to thank the Galena, KS Police Department and the Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office for their assistance in this case.