(AP/KTTS News) — A Joplin Police officer is on paid leave after a shootout with a man who barricaded himself inside a home in Baxter Springs, Kansas.
The Joplin SWAT team was activated to help after the man opened fire on law enforcement.
The Cherokee County, Kansas, Sheriff’s Office says police got a call Saturday night from a woman asking for help.
37-year-old Eli Crawford shot and killed 27-year-old Taylor Shutte as she left the home.
He then went back inside and shot and killed their 2-year-old child.
Crawford exchanged shots with law enforcement for hours before he was found dead inside the home.
Joplin Police say one of their officers was involved in a shooting at the scene.
The officer is now on paid leave per department policy.
No officers were hurt.
Press Release
On March 26th, 2022 the Joplin Police Department responded to Baxter Springs, Kansas as part of a mutual aid request for assistance with an active threat and hostage situation.
An adult male was barricaded in a residence and actively shooting at law enforcement officers.
The Joplin Police Department SWAT Team was activated and responded.
After Joplin SWAT arrived on scene, the suspect continued firing at law enforcement officers.
During the operation, a member of the Joplin SWAT team was involved in a shooting on scene.
No officers were injured during the incident.
Following the conclusion of the incident, the officer was placed on routine administrative leave per department policy.
The Joplin Police Department is actively cooperating with the Baxter Springs Police Department, Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office, and the Kansas Bureau of Investigation as part of the ongoing investigation.
At this time, no further information will be released.
