3 arrested after Wednesday shooting

Three individuals were taken into custody after shots were fired Wednesday morning in a Jefferson City neighborhood that has been the site for several gun-related incidents.

Just before 11 a.m., Jefferson City police officers responded to the area of Monroe and Dunklin streets after several calls of shots fired. According to the callers, three males left the scene on foot after firing a weapon at another man who fled in a different direction.

As more information came in, officers obtained descriptions of the suspects and approached them in a church parking lot in the 500 block of Monroe Street. Two suspects immediately surrendered. After verbal commands by officers, the third suspect did, as well, and a firearm was recovered from that suspect. All three were taken into custody without incident.

As of Wednesday afternoon, police were attempting to locate the victim, although they had identified him, along with a number of witnesses to the crime.

The names of the suspects were not released pending the filing of formal charges.

Officials with the Jefferson City Public School District were in contact with police and a decision was made to lock down the Jefferson City Academic Center and Simonsen 9th Grade Center, both on East Miller Street. However, the all-clear came almost as soon as the lock-down was initiated.

This area of Monroe, going south from East Dunklin Street toward East Atchison Street, has been the scene of four shootings since October 2015. No one died from wounds in any of the cases.

Because of four incidents and several gunshot reports in the area, the police department's community action team has been working in the area to try and make things safer for residents.

"Our officers have been in the neighborhood talking with residents to improve relationships and it has been paying off," said police Capt. Doug Shoemaker. "We have very good cooperation from residents who are just wanting to make their neighborhood a safe place and that's what we all want."