Officer on leave as investigation continues in shooting

A St. Joseph Police Department officer involved in the Jan. 31 shooting incident is on administrative leave as an investigation continues.

The move is a routine procedure for shooting incidents involving officers, officials said Monday. The Missouri State Highway Patrol’s Division of Drug and Crime Control is investigating the incident that happened just before 10 p.m. on Jan. 31 at Price Chopper, 2219 N. Belt Highway.

A police officer responded to an alleged shoplifting incident and attempted to make an arrest. One person involved in the incident produced a weapon, resulting in the officer firing his gun. No one is believed to have been injured, police said, and the suspects fled the scene.

Anyone with information about the suspects or the incident should contact the Missouri State Highway Patrol at 816-387-2345 or the St. Joseph Police Department at 816-271-4777.