Death of police officer takes toll on town of St. Joseph

By: Lauren Goldstein; Staff Writer
St. Joseph- The death of a police officer sent shockwaves through the quiet town of St. Joseph last night. A shooting rampage killed a police officer and the gunman and injured three others near 22nd and Frederick Streets in St. Joseph yesterday.

A police officer was responding to the scene, in which a gunman stood on the steps in front of the Calvary Baptist Church firing at cars as they drove by. The police officer, Bradley Thomas Arn, 28, was killed when bullets hit his back window seven times, striking him in the back of the head and killing him. Another office (unknown name, will research further) shot and killed the gunman after responding to an emergency call by witnesses.

The gunman was seen walking down several street blocks near 22nd street before the shooting, wearing camouflage and carrying a backpack. Officials were not able to find identification. A white male with a Mohawk, he had pockets full of ammunition, a shotgun loaded on his back and a knife on his belt.

The unidentified gunman fired his high powered rifle directly at the car of a police officer who was responding to the scene. (Will attribute this to the police.)
St. Joseph resident Jack Martin, 56, was critically injured. Valerie Sharp, 28, and Kenny Cordonier, a firefighter were injured, treated and released.

A fellow officer (research to find his name, even though not available) stated that the police force was in shock and he said it was the “First massive shooting of its kind in St. Joseph, things like this just do not happen in St. Joseph.” St. Joseph’s has not lost an officer on the force since 1991. The officer was struck and killed by an automobile. (Further research done here and it will be confirmed.) (Will include a sidebar on history of police shootings in area.)

(Research to find out the name of this police officer) said, “Officers are shocked to say the very least, having been through this before you go through the shock, don’t believe it. You say it happens to other police departments not us. Then you go through the anger stage. Right now we are in the process of employing counselors to talk with police officers who are in need.

At the hospital police officers were seen on their hands and knees praying. Later, Mike Herder, a commander (research further, to obtain more information from him) was visibly shaken. (Would insert quotes from him)

Officer Arn, a six-year veteran of the St. Joseph Police Department, leaves behind a wife and two three years old twin daughters. Funeral arrangements are still being discussed. (Research further to find funeral arrangements)