UPDATE
March 11, 2022
JOPLIN, Mo. – Joplin Police Officers Jake Reed, Benjamin Cooper and Rick Hirshey were shot during the series of crimes committed by the suspect. Reed and Cooper did not survive. Hirshey was listed in serious but stable condition.
The gunman was identified as Anthony R. Felix, 40. He was fatally shot by Capt. William Davis.
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March 8, 2022
JOPLIN, Mo. – Three Joplin police officers were shot Tuesday afternoon following a response to a disturbance call. Assistant Police Chief Brian Lewis said officers responded about 1:30 p.m. to a disturbance and exchanged gunfire with a suspect. Two officers were struck in that confrontation. The suspect fled the scene and gunfire was exchanged again, injuring another officer and the suspect.
Jasper County Coroner Randy Nace confirmed that a police officer and the suspect were killed. The names have not been released to the public at this time.
Following the initial encounter, a pursuit ensued where the third officer was shot.