Tributes Paid to 'Hero' Police Officer Killed in Missouri Gas Station Shootout

Tributes have been paid to a Missouri police officer who died from his injuries after being shot by a gunman who opened fire inside a gas station in Springfield.

Police Officer Christopher Walsh, 32, died along with three civilians after a gunman began shooting inside a Kum & Go gas station and convenience store at around 11:43 p.m. on March 15.

The suspect is said to have previously opened fire in the area of Battlefield Road and Lone Pine Avenue, as well as at 2100 S Ingram Mill and at Sunshine and Highway 65.

After crashing his vehicle outside the gas station, the suspect ran inside and opened fire at customers and employees.

Officer Walsh, along with Officer Josiah Overton, were the first to arrive at the scene and were immediately fired at by the suspect.

"Both of these officers showed significant bravery and were heroic in their actions," Springfield Police said in a statement.

When backup arrived, they managed to pull the two injured officers out of the store. Police later found three others dead from suspected gunshot wounds, as well as one injured victim.

The gunman, identified as 31-year-old Joaquin S. Roman, was also found deceased from an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound.

Walsh was taken to a nearby hospital for treatment, but later died from his injuries.

Springfield Police Chief Paul Williams has now paid tribute to the officer, who had been with the department since 2016.

"Chris died a hero, rushing in without regard to his own safety to protect members of his community. His courageous actions serve as an example to us all," Williams said in a statement.

Walsh was assigned as a patrol officer after graduating with the 68th Academy. He was also an Army veteran, active in the U.S. Army Reserves for 10 years. He is survived by his wife and daughter.

Overton sustained non-life-threatening injuries and is being treated at a local hospital.

Elsewhere, the Springfield Police Officers' Association and the Springfield Police Department have set up a fundraiser in order to help support the family of the fallen officer.

Those wishing to donate to the cause can do so by dropping it off at Metro Credit Union (Downtown) 447 S. Campbell Ave, Springfield, MO 65806. Due to the current coronavirus outbreak it has been requested that donations be dropped off via the drive-thru or overnight dropbox.

"Officer Christopher Walsh was a father, husband, veteran and community hero, who laid down his life to save another," a joint statement read. "To focus the fundraising efforts for Officer Walsh's family, the Springfield Police Officers' Association has worked with Metro Credit Union to set up a relief fund.

"All donations made to this account will be for Officer Walsh's family and will assist in providing a blanket of protection for his loved ones."

The three victims have been identified as Kum & Go employee Troy D. Rapp, 57,
46-year-old Shannon R. Perkins and Matthew J. Hicks-Morris, 22.

The fourth victim, who has not been named, remains in critical condition at Mercy Hospital.

The gunman's motive is not known. Springfield Police have been contatced for further comment.