Suspect identified after allegedly assaulting Joplin officer

Joplin Police have released more details about an officer-involved shooting that happened over the weekend.

It all began around 11:15 PM Saturday night, when officers contacted three individuals in the west alley of 9th and Connor.

During the contact, a male, later identified as 34-year-old Michael C. Yarga, of Joplin, fled on foot and officers pursued.

In the area of 10th and Chestnut, Yarga allegedly turned and assaulted one of the pursuing officers. A second officer then discharged his firearm, striking Yarga.

Yarga was transported to a local hospital for treatment of the gunshot wound. He remains in stable condition at the hospital and is under law enforcement guard.

On Monday, the Jasper County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office filed charges against Yarga for Assault in the 3rd Degree-Special Victim (Class D Felony) and Resisting/Interfering with Arrest, Detention or Stop (Class A Misdemeanor). He was denied bond.

The officer who was assaulted was treated and released from a local hospital.

The police officer that fired his weapon has been placed on administrative leave per department policy.

The names of officers involved in the incident are still being withheld at this time. Further updates may be released as they become available.