FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 9, 2020
Officer Struck by Vehicle Outside of Police Headquarters
On June 9, 2020, at approximately 9:30 a.m. officers were notified of a white male at the front entrance of Springfield Police Headquarters (321 E Chestnut Expressway) causing a disturbance and urinating on the front door. Officers contacted him and asked him to leave.
He then got into a white SUV, drove away, then circled back through the parking lot, heading toward the front entrance of Police Headquarters.
He accelerated directly toward the officer who was standing in front of the building. The officer attempted to get out of the way, but it appears the driver intentionally struck the officer who became trapped under the vehicle. The vehicle continued forward with the officer still trapped and struck a concrete bollard.
A second officer yelled at the driver to stop and get out of the vehicle and when he refused and continued to drive forward, the officer fired shots striking the suspect and stopping the vehicle.
Both the officer and the suspect were sent to the hospital to be treated for their injuries.
The suspect has been identified as 28-year-old Jon Tyler Franklin Routh.
The injured officer is Officer Mark Priebe, a 21-year veteran of the Springfield Police Department.
The lobby at headquarters is closed until further advised. Citizens may conduct regular business at the South District Station (2620 W. Battlefield Rd.) until 7:00 p.m. today.
Chief Williams updates media on the incident at Springfield Police Headquarters (Facebook Live): https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=547224219255724
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Media Contact Jasmine Bailey, Public Affairs Officer
[email protected]
(417) 864-1786
Release authorized by Chief Paul Williams