Sheriff's deputy shot; Arkansas man dead

JOPLIN, Mo. - A 28-year-old man from Arkansas was found dead after allegedly exchanging gunfire with sheriff's deputies in southwest Missouri.

Jasper County authorities say Kenneth Ashburn, of Bella Vista, Arkansas, died Thursday afternoon about a mile east of the Missouri Southern State University campus in Joplin.

The sheriff's office said it's unclear if Ashburn died of a self-inflicted gunshot wound or if he was killed by deputies. An autopsy is planned for next week.

The Joplin Globe reports Deputy Justin Henry, a seven-year veteran, was discharged from the hospital Thursday night after being shot in the leg.

Henry and three other deputies were investigating a stolen vehicle on the property when they exchanged gunfire with Ashburn, who was later found dead inside a shed.

 

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