By Police1 Staff
SPRINGFIELD, Mo. — A man taken into custody Monday in the shooting of a Springfield police officer was formally charged with the crime Wednesday.
The Springfield News-Leader reports 32-year-old Joshua Lee Hagood has been charged with first-degree assault on a law enforcement officer, armed criminal action and unlawful possession of a firearm.
Hagood was taken into custody two days prior after an extensive manhunt following the shooting of 30-year-old Officer Aaron Pearson, who was shot in the head while attempting to stop a man and woman for ‘suspicious behavior.’ He is currently in serious condition at a local hospital.
Initially, officials had only taken in Hagood for questioning, and claimed their “search for the shooter continues.”
Hagood was found hiding in a lot near where Pearson was shot. He was reportedly carrying a handgun holster, but no firearm. Police later found a gun hidden about 35 yards where the suspect was discovered.
According to the report, Hagood has an extensive criminal history. He was a suspect in a recent burglary where a gun was stolen, which is believed to be the same weapon found by police on Monday. He was also arrested hours before the shooting for suspected shoplifting, but was released to a hospital. The suspect also has a prior conviction for assaulting a police officer.
The Springfield community has rallied behind the officer in the days since the shooting – sending messages of support via social media and setting up fundraisers online and through local businesses.
Springfield Police Spokeswoman Lisa Cox told the News-Leader that those who wish to make a donation can do so through the Missouri Fraternal Order of Police Foundation.