Police investigate a deadly officer-involved shooting at Springfield park on Wednesday

SPRINGFIELD, Mo. (KY3) - Police are investigating a deadly officer-involved shooting at a Springfield park Wednesday.

The shooting happened at Watkins Park in the 2000 block of West High around 1:45 p.m. Police identified the victim as Justin M. Barker, 33, of Springfield.

Investigators said the officers contacted Barker in the middle of the park when they arrived. They say he proceeded to draw a handgun from his waistband. The officers ordered him to drop the gun. Investigators say he instead pointed the handgun toward the officers. The officers fired several times, striking him.

The officers performed life-saving measures until paramedics arrived. Barker died at the scene.

The department placed the four officers on administrative leave pending an internal investigation.

The Springfield Police Department’s Criminal Investigation Division is investigating this incident. Detectives are asking anyone with additional information to contact the Springfield Police Department at 417-864-1810 or make an anonymous call to Crime Stoppers at 417-869-TIPS (8477).

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