The Springfield Police Department is investigating a shooting that took place Oct. 19 when an officer shot a fleeing criminal suspect.
At 4:30 p.m. members of the U.S. Marshal Fugitive Task Force responded to 1411 W. Florida to arrest Roberto Esquivel. Esquivel was wanted on warrants issued by Webster County for first-degree statutory rape, first-degree child molestation, first-degree statutory sodomy and first-degree endangering the welfare of a child.
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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 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.
The officer involved in the shooting has been placed on administrative leave pending the results of both an internal and criminal investigation, per Springfield Police Department policy.
The Springfield Police Department’s Criminal Investigation Division is investigating this incident. The 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 417-869-8477.
