High speed pursuit in Joplin ends in officer-involved shooting

On December 17, 2025, at approximately 0406 hours, a Joplin Police Officer observed a possible impaired driver southbound on Main Street.

The officer attempted to stop the vehicle on Glendale Road, and the vehicle failed to stop.

A pursuit was initiated and the driver continued Westbound on Glendale.

The vehicle then spun out and came to a stop facing Eastbound on Glendale as the Officer pulled up and stopped, exiting the patrol vehicle and giving verbal commands to the driver.

The driver of the vehicle drove at the officer and shots were fired at the suspect vehicle. The suspect vehicle continued East bound on Glendale to South Main Street, where officers successfully stopped the vehicle at 50th and Main, taking the suspect into custody, after the suspect rammed a second officer’s patrol vehicle.

The suspect was transported to a local hospital with minor injuries. No officers were injured during the incident.

Per department policy, the officer has been placed on paid administrative leave. The Missouri State Highway Patrol has been requested to assist with the investigation.

Further details may be released as they become available.