FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
A suspect was shot and killed on Nov. 25 after attempting to take a Springfield police officer's gun. The suspect has been identified as Magnum E. Phillips, 23, of Springfield. His next of kin have been notified.
At approximately 9:01 p.m., Officer Kolby Helms responded to a possible domestic disturbance at 2260 N. Golden #78. Upon his arrival, Officer Helms made contact with Phillips, who was armed with a knife, in a bedroom of the home. Officer Helms attempted to negotiate with Phillips, but he refused to comply with commands to drop the knife. Phillips then approached Officer Helms with the knife and attempted to take the officer’s handgun. Phillips was shot when the officer's gun was fired during the ensuing struggle, and he died as a result of his injuries.
Phillips had a lengthy criminal history that included convictions for unlawful use of a weapon, domestic assault, burglary, drug possession. Phillips was on parole at the time of this incident.
Officer Helms has been placed on administrative leave, per department policy, while the SPD conducts the investigation into the shooting. Once complete, the results of that investigation will be submitted to the Greene County Prosecuting Attorney for review.
# # #
Case number: 15-47472
Media Contact: Lisa Cox, Public Affairs Officer
417-864-1786
[email protected]
Release authorized by: Chief Paul Williams