UPDATE: The suspect is now named and charged:
- Phillip Smith is charged with:
- Armed Criminal Action
- Felony Fleeing (vehicle)
- DWI-D (drugs)
- 1st Robbery
- 1st Tampering
ORIGINAL: JOPLIN, Mo. — Shortly after 9:45 PM Monday night Joplin Police responded to reports of gunfire in the North Heights Neighborhood.
Sgt Jason Stump of the Joplin Police Department tell us tonight that it was a home invasion burglary. A white male was reported to have kicked in a door at a residence. Entered the home, stole keys and a handgun. And then left the area in the victim’s silver pickup truck.
Sgt Stump says the vehicle was quickly located by Joplin Police officers. What followed was a short pursuit that ended at E. and North Wall, as the reported stolen pickup stopped. The suspect male would not exit the vehicle initially so non-lethal, beanbag rounds, were deployed by police.
The male was taken into custody. EMS evaluated the suspect and he was taken away in a police cruiser. He will be spending the night in the Joplin City jail.
We will have more information Tuesday on charges and his identity.
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