Investigation continues into officer-involved shooting that killed Springfield man

(From the Springfield Police Department)

Springfield police officers were dispatched to the 1500 block of West Lee, at approximately 3:55 p.m. on June 4, after a 911 caller stated she observed a white male steal a delivered package from a neighbor’s porch. The caller gave a description of the suspect and stated that he ran from her location.

Officers began searching the area for the suspect and observed him fleeing on foot near the intersection of Fort and Dale. As officers pursued the suspect on foot, he produced a handgun and fired the weapon at the officers.

The suspect then ran into an alley behind 2109 N. Fort where he was contacted a second time by one of the officers. The suspect presented a threat with the firearm and refused to comply with verbal commands from the officer. The officer fired his duty weapon striking the suspect. The officer then secured the suspect and rendered aid. Officers and paramedics conducted lifesaving procedures but the suspect died at the scene. No officers or citizens were injured in this incident.

The deceased suspect has been identified as Joshua S. Stanford, 40, of Springfield. Next of kin notifications have been made for the suspect.

Detectives continue to investigate the officer-involved shooting and ask anyone who has information about this incident to contact the Springfield Police Department at 417-864-1810 or to make an anonymous call to Crime Stoppers at 417-869-8477.