SPRINGFIELD, Mo. (AP) — More than 100 people have gathered in Springfield to show their support for a police officer who was seriously injured in a shooting earlier this week.
Residents and representatives with businesses packed into a room at the Springfield Police Officers Association headquarters on Thursday night to help organize fundraisers for officer Aaron Pearson.
Police say Pearson suffered a “career-ending” brain injury after being shot Monday. His sister-in-law tells the Springfield News-Leader family members are thankful for the support the community has shown Pearson.
Joshua Lee Hagood is accused in shooting Pearson in the head while Pearson and two other officers were checking suspicious activity.
Hagood pleaded not guilty Thursday. A judge has denied bond for Hagood and ordered a public defender be appointed for him. Online court records early Friday didn’t list one yet for Hagood.