Shooting at Mo. gas station kills 5, including police officer

SPRINGFIELD, Mo. (KOLR/AP) - Five people, including a police officer and gunman, are dead after a shooting at gas station in Springfield, Missouri.

Police said the officer was shot and killed while responding to a shooting at a Kum & Go gas station on the east side of town.

Police began receiving reports of someone firing shots from a car at approximately 11:24 p.m. on Sunday, March 15.

Shortly after the initial call, police received another stating a car crashed into the Kum & Go and the driver went into the convenience store and started shooting.

The car eventually crashed into the gas station and convenience store.

Springfield Police Chief Paul Williams said when two of his officers, Josiah Overton and Christopher Walsh, arrived the suspect started shooting at them.

Both officer were hit by gunfire.

Officer Walsh was rushed to a a hospital where he later died.

Officer Overton suffered a non-life threatening injury and is being treated at a local hospital.

Chief Williams said other officers who entered the store found three people and the gunman dead.

Another individual in the store also suffered a gunshot wound. They were transported to a local hospital where they are being treated.

It’s believed the gunman turned the gun on himself.

At this time police are investigating this as a homicide.

Chief Williams said both officers showed significant bravery and were heroic in their actions.

Officer Walsh was with SPD for three and a half years and was a U.S. Army veteran who remained active in the Army Reserves.

Officer Overton has been with the department for two years.

The Springfield Police Department has asked for thoughts and prayers for the officers’ families and colleagues.

Copyright 2020 CBS. All rights reserved. The Associated Press also contributed to this story.