Police Search for Suspect After Exchange of Gunfire Near Heritage Park

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. — St. Joseph police were searching for a suspect late Saturday night after officers exchanged gunfire with a person near Heritage Park.

According to the St. Joseph Police Department, the incident began around 8:50 p.m. Saturday. Police described the individual as a “suspicious person” and said the person fled the area following the exchange of gunfire.

No law enforcement officers were injured during the incident. Police had not released a description of the suspect as of late Saturday night.

A large law enforcement presence remained in the area around the St. Jo Frontier Casino as the search continued. People inside the casino reported they were being allowed to leave the property but were not being permitted to re-enter.

Authorities told reporters there was no immediate threat to the public, although officers continued working in the area for several hours.

Initial information regarding the direction the suspect fled was conflicting, with reports indicating both north and west of the scene. Police had not released additional details regarding the suspect’s location or identity.

The situation remained active into early Sunday morning. St. Joseph Community Alert will update this story as additional information is released so please be sure to follow for more.