UPDATE Two Charged In Walmart Officer Involved Shooting Incident
By: Priscilla Mace
Updated: March 14, 2013
JOPLIN, MO--- The investigation is currently underway into the shooting involving a Joplin police officer. John Gage, 24, of Joplin, has been charged with the assault of a law enforcement officer. Tyeler Whetstone, 22, was also arrested and charged with possession with the intent to sell illegal drugs.
It happened just before 11:00pm, Monday night, when two undercover Joplin officers heard an argument at the Walmart on 15th and Range Line. When the suspects responded, John Gage and Tyeler Whetstone got into a pickup truck and attempted to hit officer David McGough with the vehicle.
Officer McGough fired at the pair who fled the scene in the truck. The truck was stopped by a Duquesne officer at 9th and Range Line. The pair was taken into custody. Both received injuries from the gun shots. Gage was shot in the shoulder and a shot struck Whetstone in the finger. They were treated.
Officer McGough and Corporal Trevor Duncan are on administrative leave during a mandatory investigation of the shooting.
