Joplin man arrested after two people shot at 1731 S. Annie Baxter Avenue

(From the Joplin Police Department)

On June 17th, 2024, at 8:26 p.m., the Joplin Police Department Emergency Communications Center received a 911 report of gunshots in the area of west 18th Street and south Annie Baxter Avenue. Officers responded and determined a shooting had taken place in and around 1731 S. Annie Baxter Avenue. 

Officers located a 19-year-old male victim with a gunshot wound to the abdomen in front of this address. A 20-year-old male victim was located inside the residence with multiple gunshot wound injuries to both legs. Aid was rendered on scene until the victims could be transported to area hospitals for further treatment. Both victims are considered to be in serious but stable condition. The suspect had fled the scene prior to officers arriving. 

As officers were checking the area they observed suspicious activity at 1515 W. 20th Street in Joplin. While at that location, Austin D.W. Bryant, age 19 of Joplin, was contacted and taken into custody for 3 Joplin Failure to Appear warrants. 

Through further investigation, it was determined Bryant was the suspect involved in the shooting at 1731 S. Annie Baxter Avenue. Bryant shot the victims while attempting to steal marijuana from one of them. 

Based on security concerns and the possibility of other involved suspects being at this location, the Joplin Police Department SWAT Team was activated and responded to the scene. 

On the morning of June 18th, a warrant for this address was obtained and no other individuals were located inside. Detectives with the Joplin Police Department responded and are actively investigating this incident. 

Austin D.W. Bryant remains in custody in the Joplin City Jail and charges for Assault in the First Degree (2 counts), Armed Criminal Action (2 counts), and Robbery in the 1st Degree are being forwarded to the Jasper County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office for review. 

The Joplin Police Department asks that anyone with information regarding this incident to please contact Detective Corporal Josh Hanes at 417-623-3131 x1693. Further details may be released as information becomes available.