FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
At approximately 12:40 a.m. on Nov. 4, Sgt. Ryan Russell of the Springfield Police Department was on patrol just west of Kearney and Glenstone when he discovered a vehicle crash near the intersection, and one of the drivers involved had left the scene. Sgt. Russell quickly located the suspect and conducted a traffic stop south of the intersection. As the officer attempted to make contact, the suspect got out of the car and displayed a handgun, then immediately ran southbound. The officer followed him on foot while attempting to negotiate with him.
The suspect traveled east, then north through the K-Mart parking lot, crossed Kearney, and into the Walmart parking lot. The suspect continued walking north then east through the Walmart parking lot while continuing to display a handgun. Additional officers responded to the area, and continuous negotiation attempts ensued. In an effort to safely take the suspect into custody, officers deployed less-lethal weapons multiple times—but they were unsuccessful.
The suspect continued to move south and crossed Kearney again toward the Rest Haven Court where he pointed his gun at the officers. At that time Sgt. Russell and Officer Thomas Gross fired their duty handguns-striking the suspect. Officers at the scene moved forward to secure the suspect and administered CPR, but the suspect died at the scene.
Investigators are still working to positively identify the suspect. Anyone who may have witnessed any of the activity is encouraged to contact 417-864-1810 to give a statement.
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Case number: 15-44203
Media Contact: Lisa Cox, Public Affairs Officer
417-864-1786
[email protected]
Release authorized by: Chief Paul Williams