Springfield Police investigate officer-involved shooting of suspect who drove away car, dragging officer with him

(From the Springfield Police Department)

On April 9, 2019, at approximately 3:30 p.m., Springfield police officers were dispatched to 2422 W. Division to check the well being of an unresponsive male who was sitting in a van.

When officers arrived they observed the described male subject in the van. Officers contacted the male subject and during their investigation learned that the van was stolen.

Officers advised the subject to step out of the vehicle, but the subject suddenly drove away dragging one officer beside the vehicle. A second backup officer fired his duty weapon striking the suspect. The first officer was able to free themselves from the vehicle and received minor injuries.

The male suspect fled the area in the stolen vehicle and was later observed by an officer near the intersection of Jefferson and Calhoon. 

The suspect ran from the vehicle and was apprehended by officers after a short foot pursuit. The suspect was transported by ambulance to a local hospital and is being treated for non-life threatening injuries.

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 make an anonymous call to Crime Stoppers at 417-869-TIPS (8477).