18th and Main shooting victim in serious condition at Mercy, gunman still at large

(From the Joplin Police Department)

On April 1st, 2024, at 8:18 pm the Joplin Police Department Emergency Communications Center received a 911 report of a shooting near 18th and Main Street in Joplin. 

Information was received that an adult male had been shot outside near this location and the suspect had fled the scene. Officers and EMS personnel arrived and began rendering aid to the victim, who was transported to Mercy Hospital for his gunshot injury. He was considered to be in serious condition. 

Through further investigation, information was received that the suspect may have fled to an address in the 1500 block of south Wall Avenue. Officers continued to follow up on the incident and obtained a search warrant for 1515 S. Wall Avenue. The warrant was served by the Joplin Police Department SWAT Team due to the violent nature of the incident and the threat of firearms. It was later determined that the suspect was not present at this location. 

Detectives with the Joplin Police Department responded and took over the investigation, which is still active at this time. The suspect is described as a black male in his 30’s with short black hair and was about 5’6” tall and 140 lbs. 

If anyone has any information regarding this incident, you are encouraged to contact Detective Rian Bolt at the Joplin Police Department at 417-623 3131 x1895. 

In commenting on this incident, Joplin Police Chief Richard Pearson says, “I want the public to know this was an isolated incident between people known to each other and there is no general threat to the public at this time."

As the investigation continues, further updates may be released as information becomes available