SPRINGFIELD, Mo. (KY3) – A woman sustained gunshot wounds after an incident with a police officer in West Springfield on Tuesday morning.
Officers responded to the Fast N ‘Friendly in the 500th Street of West Chestnut Expressway after an officer identified a stolen car around 5 p.m. The officers then fired in response to her.
“The driver fled in the vehicle and hit an officer as she was driving from the parking lot,” Chief Paul Williams told a news conference. “At that point, three separate officers shot at the vehicle.”
She escaped detention, despite multiple gunshot wounds. Officers later found Thrift in Commercial Street.
“Police received a call from 911 saying there was a woman with a gunshot wound,” Williams said.
Investigators say the gunshot wounds did not appear to be life-threatening. Police Chief Paul Williams says Thrift was wanted on several warrants. She is being admitted to hospital.
The officer sustained minor injuries in the incident.
Officers located the vehicle Tuesday afternoon. Police Chief Paul Williams said the vehicle was stolen.
Chief Williams said the incident Tuesday brings back memories of other officers hit by cars this year, including Officer Mark Priebe in June.
“For me personally yes,” he said. ‘And Deputy Lieutenant Westbrook of the sheriff in Greene County was also recently hit by a vehicle. So it always comes into play. I’m sure it’s run through the head of officers too. But fortunately in this case, no serious injuries were the result of the actions of the suspect who actually drove and wanted to hit a police officer. ‘
Williams said two investigations will now take place, including a criminal investigation. He said it would look into the incident itself and the actions of officers.
“We also have an administrative inquiry that will look at the policies, practices, actions and behaviors of the officers related to our policy procedures and standard guidelines.”
Williams said the investigations will take place separately and at the same time. He also said that the officers concerned were put on administrative leave until the investigation was completed.
Police are still searching for information.
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