Terror in streets of Missouri - 2 Dogs- 4 Humans Shot

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Three members of Immanuel Lutheran Church in Joplin who were on their way to St. Louis for a meeting were among those shot early today in Joplin.

The three were on their way to St. Louis for a meeting about the church's Comfort Dog ministry. The two dogs in the van were shot as well. A bullet grazed one dog while the other was sustained a gunshot wound and is currently in surgery.


Police responded to a call at 5:08 a.m. today about a possible shooting at a duplex at 1810 S. Connecticut Ave. Police said there were no victims at the scene. The suspect, Tom S. Mourning II, 26, was driving south on Connecticut Avenue when police prepared to stop his vehicle.

As the suspect drove, he allegedly fired shots at a van from Immanuel Lutheran Church that was stationed near 32nd Street and Connecticut Avenue.

The suspect also allegedly fired multiple shots at an oncoming white pickup truck with two adults inside near 32nd Street and Texas Avenue, police said.

Police said a motive for the shootings has yet to be determined. There appears to be no relation between the suspect and the victims, and the shootings appear to be "random," police said.

"As rounds were being fired, they (police) continued to stay with that suspect, continued to pursue that suspect even though they knew the suspect was actively firing his weapon," Police Chief Matt Stewart said.

UPDATE: Names of shooting victims released | News | joplinglobe.com