PBPD continues investigation into drive-by shooting

The Poplar Bluff Police Department is continuing to investigate a drive-by shooting that left one person with non-life threatening injuries Sunday afternoon.

The suspect, Easton Scott Kirchner, 17, of the 700 block of Mill Street, turned himself into the police at around 6:45 p.m. Sunday.

Detective Joshua Stewart said officers were familiar with Kirchner and had a contact with his guardians. One of the officers contacted them, which Stewart said he believes helped lead Kirchner to turn himself in.

At this time, Stewart said, it sounds as though the shooting was in connection to a dispute with the victim’s brother.

“Apparently, from my understanding, there is some dispute with the victim’s brother,” Stewart said. “But I don’t know to what extent.”

Stewart said he’s still in the process of interviewing and pursuing leads, but it looks as though Kirchner and the victim were the only ones in the area of North Eighth Street when the shooting occurred at about 5:30 p.m.

“We’ve talked to the victim, there wasn’t anyone else involved, but the investigation is still ongoing,” Stewart said. “We’re still pursuing leads as far as through surveillance and different things like that just trying to complete the case itself. I’m going to interview with a few other people who kind of have some tie-ins with the dispute just to get their side of the story.”

Kirchner was allegedly driving a black Nissan Murano when he drove past the victim’s residence and shot.

The victim received two wounds, one bullet grazed him but the other entered his right arm. Stewart said the bullet hit and broke bone, causing injuries. The victim initially received treatment locally, but Stewart didn’t know if he had to be transported to another facility later.

Kirchner was booked in the Butler County jail on Sunday, Sept. 29, on suspicion of discharging a firearm, armed criminal action and first-degree assault.