(KTTS News) — A Springfield Police officer is on administrative leave after shooting a wanted man.
Police and members of the U.S. Marshal’s Fugitive Task Force tried to arrest Roberto Esquivel Wednesday afternoon at a home in the 1500-block of West Florida near Kansas Expressway.
But Esquivel pointed a gun at police and tried to run.
He was shot once.
He’s expected to recover.
Esquivel is wanted on first-degree statutory rape, first-degree child molestation, first-degree statutory sodomy, and first-degree child molestation charges in Webster county.
On 10/19 at 4:30 pm, the US Marshal Fugitive Task Force responded to 1511 Florida to arrest Roberto Esquivel, wanted on warrants out of Webster County for 1st Deg. Statutory Rape, 1st Deg. Child Molestation, 1st Deg. Statutory Sodomy & 1st Deg. Endangering Welfare of a Child.
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— Springfield PD (@SGFPolice) October 20, 2022
Press Release
On Oct. 19, 2022, at 4:30 p.m., members of the U.S. Marshal Fugitive Task Force responded to 1511 W. Florida to arrest Roberto Esquivel. Esquivel was wanted on warrants issued by Webster County, Missouri, for First Degree Statutory Rape, First Degree Child Molestation, First Degree Statutory Sodomy, and First Degree Endangering the Welfare of a Child.
Esquivel was observed by officers leaving the residence.
As they attempted to contact him, he fled on foot back toward the home.
Officers chased Esquivel and during the foot pursuit, he pointed a gun at the officers.
A Springfield police officer assigned to the task force fired a shot at Esquivel, striking him once.
Esquivel was transported to the hospital and is expected to recover from his injuries.
Per Springfield Police Department policy, the officer involved in the shooting has been placed on administrative leave pending the results of both an internal and criminal investigation.
The Springfield Police Department’s Criminal Investigation Division is investigating this incident.
This case will be presented to the Greene County Prosecutor for review and determination of any criminal charges.
Detectives are asking anyone who has additional information about this incident to contact the Springfield Police Department at 417-864-1810 or provide information anonymously to Crime Stoppers at 417-869-TIPS (8477).
