St. Joseph Police respond to recent Walmart gun incidents

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (News-Press NOW) -- St. Joseph law enforcement is taking steps to ensure that stores like Walmart remain safe for the community following recent events. 

So far this year, Walmart Supercenters across St. Joseph have experienced two incidents involving firearms being discharged on the premises, one at the North Belt Walmart in February and, most recently, a negligent discharge at the South Belt location on Tuesday.

While Missouri is an open carry state, police say they're working closely with Walmart security and increasing patrols to help prevent future incidents and ensure the community feels safe.

"We have officers routinely scheduled at both Walmart's, South Belt and North Belt," said Sgt. Richard McGregory with the St. Joseph Police Department. "This particular incident is still under investigation, so I can't go into much detail, but it does raise questions about gun safety. Missouri is an open carry state, and you can conceal with or even without a permit but as police, we want to make sure our citizens are carrying those weapons properly in secure holsters."

For citizens who choose to carry, SJPD is reminding the public about the importance of keeping firearms safely stored, ensuring the safety is engaged and keeping guns out of the reach of children, no matter the location. 

Local law enforcement emphasizes that Walmart is not considered a dangerous place and reassures the community that officers will continue patrolling shopping centers across the city. 

"It may seem like there's an increased presence at Walmart now, but we've always had officers scheduled out there daily across different shifts," McGregory said. "Wherever people are in public, we want them to feel safe, and that starts with maintaining a strong presence of officers out on the streets."

The Tuesday, July 15 incident remains under investigation, but police believe it was likely accidental and not something that could have been predicted. Still, they are urging the public to practice proper gun safety at all times and to educate children about the seriousness and dangers of firearms.