UPDATE 5:58 pm: We've updated this story in a new post that can be found here, including the identity of the officer and suspect in the case.
UPDATE 10:30 am: Springfield's police chief, Paul Williams, has released a statement following the shooting of a police officer early this morning. Williams said, "our police department has been struck by a tragic incident this morning. The health of our injured officer and the privacy and support of his family are our primary concerns."
According to Williams, just before 1:30 this morning, patrol officers noticed suspicious activity in the area of Glenstone and Chestnut and began to question several subjects. At that time, a Springfield police officer was shot and received serious injuries, he said. The officer is currently hospitalized in serious, but stable condition.
While conducting a search of the area, "officers encountered a male subject who has been taken into custody for questioning. However, the investigation is still ongoing, and we are not naming him a suspect at this time," Williams said.
"We sincerely appreciate the many who have reached out to our department, expressing their concerns and offering their prayers. Additional messages can be shared with the SPD on Twitter (@sgfpolice) or Facebook (SGF Police – Springfield, MO) using the hashtag “#PrayersforSPD” or by email at SPDmail@springfieldmo.gov," Williams said.
He said more information will be provided later today.
Here's a sample of some of the Twitter messages being shared today using #PrayersforSPD:
#PrayersforSPD God bless our police! I hope the officer who was shot recovers soon!
— Amber Stogsdill (@MirithOStogsdil) January 26, 2015
UPDATE 9:20 am: A person is in custody after a Springfield police officer was shot early this morning.
Springfield Police spokesperson Lisa Cox says they currently have one subject in custody for questioning.
"A male was hiding in the fenced-in auto lot just east of Panda Express near Glenstone and Chestnut," she said.
According to the department, his involvement with this morning’s officer-involved shooting is not yet confirmed. She said "our search for the shooter continues."
7:30 am: There are reports of a Springfield police officer being shot on the city's east central side.
According to city officials, the officer was shot when he responded to a check person call around 1:30 am. He's in serious but stable condition at a local hospital. At last report, the suspect in the shooting was still at large.
The manhunt is focused on an area southeast of Glenstone and Chestnut Expressway, according to Springfield Police spokesperson Lisa Cox. She says the shooting occurred near that area. According to Cox, businesses in that area should be aware that Springfield police might be contacting them this morning to search for the suspect who is believed to be male.
She says they have little information about the suspect at this time. We'll bring you more information as it becomes available.
