Joplin man charged in January 6 shooting outside Xscape Bar

(From the Joplin Police Department)

As the investigation of this shooting continued, Joplin Police Department Detectives were able to obtain information that the suspect in this case was Payton D. Harbin, age 33 of Joplin, Missouri. 

(Note: Jasper County Sheriff's Office news release can be found below.)

Through interviews and processing of evidence, it was determined that Harbin and another suspect had assaulted a female inside Xscape Bar by punching her multiple times. 

Witnesses intervened to stop the assault and Harbin left the bar. As one of the witnesses who stopped the assault left the business, he was confronted by Harbin. 

During the confrontation Harbin produced a handgun and fired multiple rounds, striking the victim in the abdomen and legs. Investigators submitted charges on Harbin to the Jasper County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office for the offenses of Assault in the 1st Degree, Armed Criminal Action, Unlawful Possession of a Firearm, and Assault in the 3rd Degree. A warrant was issued stipulating no bond. 

On January 31st , 2024, information was obtained that Harbin was in Webb City, Missouri. Through further investigation and follow-up, Payton Harbin was taken into custody with the assistance of the Webb City Police Department, Jasper County Sheriff's Office, U.S. Marshal’s Service, and Joplin Police. Harbin is currently in custody in the Jasper County Jail. 

The victim from the shooting is still recovering from his injuries. He is considered to be in stable condition at this point. The investigation in this case is still ongoing and further details may be released as they become available. 

If anyone has any information related to this case, we encourage you to contact Detective Andrew Moreno at 417-623-3131 x1648. We do appreciate the assistance from those who have contacted the Joplin Police Department and provided information to assist with this investigation.

Original news release

On January 6th, 2024, at 12:14 a.m., the Joplin Police Department Emergency Communications Center received a 911 call reporting a shooting outside of Xscape Bar at 532 S. Joplin Avenue. Multiple callers reported a male victim was shot at this location. Officers responded and located an adult male with multiple gunshot wound injuries. The victim was given aid and transported by EMS to a local hospital for treatment. He is currently listed in critical condition. 

It was determined the suspect in the shooting had fled the scene. No arrests have been made at this time. 

Detectives with the Joplin Police Department responded and took over the investigation. Investigators are asking for assistance from the public with this incident. If you have any information regarding the shooting or the suspect in this case, we ask that you please contact the Joplin Police Department at 417-623-3131. Further details will be released as the investigation continues.

(From the Jasper County Sheriff's Office)

On January 31st, 2024, members of the Jasper County Sheriff’s SWAT team assisted the United States Marshal’s Service and Joplin Police in apprehending and arresting a man wanted in reference to a shooting that had occurred in Joplin. 

Thirty-two year old Payton Harbin of Joplin was taken into custody at an address on Crestwood Dr. in Webb City, MO. Harbin was located after he was found hiding in an attic. 

Harbin was wanted for charges of first-degree assault, armed criminal action, felony unlawful use of a weapon, and unlawful possession of a weapon for a shooting that occurred inside Joplin, MO. 

Another male, Mason Wilson, 20 of Joplin, was also taken into custody for unrelated warrants after finding him hiding in the home. (Fail to appear traffic Carterville P.D. and Fail to appear theft Joplin P.D.