Arrest made after alleged armed robbery shooting at Joplin motel

A homeless man has been taken into custody following an alleged attempted armed robbery shooting at a Joplin motel Friday morning.
Joplin Police say around 10:15am, they received reports of a disturbance with shots being fired at the Super 7 Motel at 3031 S. Rangeline Road.
Police arrived to find the suspects had fled the scene, but during the initial investigation, it was found that the victim, and an adult male, were in one of the rooms with a female.
At one point there was an altercation with other male suspects that resulted in the suspects stealing property from the victim at gunpoint.
Immediately following the robbery, there was an exchange of gunfire between the victim and at least one suspect.
During a search of the area, they located and detained 44-year-old Joshua J. Gauerke, who is listed as homeless.
Robbery in the 1st Degree, Armed Criminal Action, and Felony in Possession of a Firearm charges are being submitted to the Jasper County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office.
No one was injured but police are still investigating the incident.
If anyone has information regarding this incident, we encouraged them to please contact Detective Corporal Rusty Comer at 417-623-3131 x1637 or rcomer@joplinmo.org.