Update: The Springfield Police Department said Christopher Walsh is a Springfield native who graduated from Glendale High School before attending Ozarks Technical Community College. He served with the Springfield Police Dept. since 2016 and was assigned as a patrol officer after graduating with the 68th Academy. He’s also an Army veteran who was active in the U.S. Army Reserves for 10 years. He’s survived by a wife and daughter.

The other victims are: 57-year-old Troy D. Rapp of Springfield, who worked at Kum & Go; 46-year-0ld Shannon R. Perkins of Springfield who worked for WCA Waste Corporation; and 22-year-old Matthew J. Hicks-Morris of Springfield who was a customer in the store. Another victim is in critical condition at Mercy Springfield.

Police Chief Paul Williams said Walsh "rushed in without regard to his own safety to protect members of his community. His courageous actions serve as an example to us all."

In a statement, the Springfield Police Department said, "Both of these officers showed significant bravery and were heroic in their actions. We ask that you respect their families’ privacy at this time. We ask for your thoughts and prayers for the officers’ families and the members of the Springfield Police Department."

Original Story: There’s been a mass shooting in Springfield overnight. Five people were killed, including Springfield Police officer, Christopher Walsh.

SPD Chief Paul Williams said officers were dispatched after reports of a shooting in the area of Battlefield and Lone Pine at 11:24 last night. While enroute, there were other reports of shootings in the 2100 block of Ingram mill and in the area of Sunshine and Highway 65. Officers Christopher Walsh and Josiah Overton were called to the Kum and Go at Chestnut and 65 around 11:45 p.m.

"Callers reported a vehicle had crashed at the scene and an armed suspect had entered the store and began shooting customers and employees," said Williams. Officer Josiah Overton and Officer Christopher Walsh were the first to arrive and were immediately fired upon by the suspect, both being struck by gunfire."

The suspect, who has not been identified, was found dead of an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound. Three people who were in the store were also killed.

Walsh had been with SPD for 3 1/2 years and was a U.S. Army veteran. Overton has been with the police department for two years. Overton suffered non-life threatening injuries.

The police department continues investigating multiple crime scenes, according to Williams. He said they believe the suspect is the same in all of the shootings.

He asks the public to avoid the area of Chestnut and 65.

