Thursday shooting ruled as self-defense

DAR File Photo

One person was wounded and two people of interest have been detained in relation to a self-defense shooting.

According to a press release from Poplar Bluff Police Chief Mike McClain, at approximately 4:39 p.m., Thursday police were dispatched to the general vicinity of Main and Pershing Streets in regards to a shooting.

According to Lt. Josh Stewart, Trevor Ashcraft was walking on Main Street when a vehicle pulled up and two individuals — one of whom was a juvenile — exited and assaulted Ashcraft. Upon being attacked, Ashcraft fired his pistol, and the juvenile was struck in the leg.

Following reports of an alleged shooting, officers with the Missouri State Highway Patrol were on the scene.

DAR/Jonathon Dawe

“There was a third individual in the vehicle who got video of the entire incident,” Stewart explained. “Fortunately, we were able to view that video, and it was pretty clearly a case of self-defense.”

Stewart went on to explain that after consulting with the prosecuting attorney’s office, the decision was made not to pursue charges against Ashcraft.

The juvenile who was shot was transported to Poplar Bluff Regional Medical Center, and then transferred to a Trauma-One facility with non-life-threatening injuries.

According to a witness who was near the scene at the time of the incident, at least two shots were fired just south of 1529 N. Main Street.

Stewart noted it is possible the two individuals who assaulted Ashcraft could face charges, but that determination has not yet been made.

This story was updated at 12:25 p.m. July 12.