Tragedy averted at Walmart in Springfield, MO as heavily armed man taken into custody

The Springfield Police Department says it responded to a call of an active shooter at the Walmart Neighborhood Market at Republic Rd., near Golden Ave., Thursday evening.

The Springfield Police Department arrived on scene within three minutes of the call. Police stated that a young white male, appearing to be in his twenties, pulled up to the Walmart, where he donned body armor and military fatigues. Police say the man had both a rifle and a handgun and over 100 rounds of ammunition.

Police then say the man walked into the Walmart Neighborhood Market where he grabbed a cart and began pushing it around the store. Police say the man was recording himself walking through the store via a cell phone.

The store manager at the Neighborhood Market pulled a fire alarm, urging people to escape the store.

Police say the man then made his way out an emergency exit where a former firefighter held the man at gunpoint until Springfield Police arrived on scene and detained the man.

An off-duty firefighter at my local Walmart held an armed 20 year old with 100 rounds of ammunition and a bulletproof vest at gunpoint until police arrived.

Talk about a good guy with a gun.

America needs more of this.@FOX2now @kytv @KTTSNews @jennybethm @JackPosobiec

— Bradley Cooper (@BradleyCooperMO) August 9, 2019

The Springfield Police Department could not confirm the nature of statements said by the man to those inside of the Walmart, but they do confirm that the man had loaded weapons, and over one hundred rounds of ammunition.

Lieutenant Mike Lucas said it was clear the man’s intent was to cause chaos, saying in part, “His intent was not to cause peace or comfort…He’s lucky he’s alive still, to be honest.”

Police located the man’s vehicle and are investigating the possibility of more firearms inside the vehicle.

The suspect’s name has not yet been released by police.