Joplin police respond to suicide attempt in Planet Fitness parking lot

A man from Chanute, Kansas with multiple warrants out for his arrest shot himself in the parking lot of Planet Fitness in Joplin. Following the incident the Joplin Police Department issued the following release:

On May 11th, 2023, at 12:24 a.m. officers with the Joplin Police Department received information that an individual with multiple warrants was inside a vehicle in the Planet Fitness parking lot at 2113 S. Geneva Avenue.

The suspect, Andrew L. Hegwald, age 36 of Chanute, Kansas, had active felony warrants out of Neosho County, Kansas for Statutory Rape and Child Molestation.

Officers responded to the area and located Hegwald inside the vehicle on the parking lot. As they attempted to make contact, Hegwald retrieved a handgun and fired one round resulting in a self-inflicted gunshot wound.

Hegwald was given medical aid and transported to Freeman Hospital where he is currently listed in critical condition. Next of kin has been notified. The investigation is still ongoing at this time and further details may be released as they become available.