Man With Long Criminal History Charged With Gravely Injuring Springfield Police Officer:
By Kathee Baird
January 28, 2015
SPD Officer Aaron Pearson
Springfield, Mo- The Springfield police officer who was shot in the head early Monday morning suffered “career ending” injuries and the man accused of causing those injuries is no stranger to the law.
Officer Aaron Pearson was responding to a suspicious activity call about 1:30 a.m. near Division and Glenstone. Officer Cooney noting suspicious activity in a van near Glenstone and Division followed the van when it quickly turned on to Pythian Street.
The officer noted that a man and a woman inside the van exited the vehicle on Brower Street and called for backup, according to charging documents.
A woman identified as Laurie Borghi walked to officer Cooney…..the man took off on foot through the yard of houses and out of sight. When Pearson attempted to stop Joshua Hagood near O’Reilly Auto Parts near Chestnut and Glenstone to question several gunshots ripped through night.
Two witnesses who heard the gunfire told investigators they saw a man running eastbound after Pearson was shot.
Another woman who was in the van identified the man as Joshua Hagood, according to the probable cause statement.
Hagood, 32, was found hiding in a fence enclosed car lot not far from the shooting. When he was taken into custody he had a gun holster but not a weapon—that was found about 35 yards from where he was hiding. That weapon was stolen in a burglary in Republic a few days before officer Pearson was shot, according to charging documents.
Joshua Hagood (courtesy GCSO)
Borghi told investigators that she took “J” to Bass Pro Shops the day before and he bought ammunition for the gun. Police found a receipt for the ammo inside the van.
Hagood, was arrested several hours before the shooting for allegedly shopliffting from a Wal Mart. He was also found to be in possession of drugs. He was taken to Cox North for treatment of some kind and released. He has a long criminal history, including assault of a law enforcement officer for which her served time, and is charged as a persistent offender. He could face up to life in prison if he is convicted in this case.
Pearson will receive his full salary while he recovers. That will be a long and expensive rehabilitation and recovery.
We would like to extend our deepest appreciation for the community support which Officer Pearson, his entire family and the Springfield Police Department have gratefully received during this devastating time, said Police chief Paul Williams. “Countless community members, business owners and law enforcement agencies have inquired about ways to help the Pearson family, and there will be announcements about a variety of opportunities people may participate in, including fundraising events, in the coming weeks.”
The following businesses (the list continues to grow) are pitching in to help Pearson and his family:
• A GiveForward.com fundraiser account has been set up by several high school friends of Amanda, Aaron Pearson’s wife. As of Wednesday afternoon, almost $3,500 had been raised for the family. Visit www.giveforward.com/fundraiser/3dj1/love-for-officer-pearson-and-family
• Don Wessel Honda will donate $50 for every car sold Saturday. They will also be selling donuts to employees and customers next week for $1. Don Wessel Honda is at 3520 S. Campbell Ave. Call 417-882-3900 or visit wesselhonda.com.
•Car Fi in Springfield and Nixa will donate $5 for every system sale that occurs between now and Saturday. This includes all audio systems, videos, remote starts, automotive glass tine and any bolt on truck accessory over $100 that is purchased. Car Fi is at 1600 S. Glenstone Ave. in Springfield and 1252 North Bryan Drive in Nixa. Visitcar-fi.com.
•Island Green Golf Club is donating 20 percent of green fees Wednesday. According to the golf club’s Facebook page, Officer Pearson played many rounds of golf there last summer. Island Green Golf Club is at 169 Country Club Drive in Republic. Call 417-732-7622.
•CrossFit Provision is hosting a special Hero WOD (Workout of the Day) at 9 a.m. and 10 a.m. Saturday to raise money for Pearson and his family. You do not have to be a CFP member to participate; $5 donations are accepted with all proceeds going to the Pearson family. For every dollar donated, CrossFit Provision will match up to $250. CFP will also be selling $1 raffle tickets during the WOD with half of that money going to the winner and the other half going to the Pearson family. CrossFitProvision is at 425 W. Plainvew Road. Call 417-893-0237.
•Straight Edge Barber is donating 10 percent of proceeds from all haircuts through Feb. 7. Pearson and his son were regular clients at the barber shop.
Included with men’s haircuts: before and after shampoos, straight razor neck shave with hot shave cream and a style. Kids’ cuts for age 15 and under are $12. Men’s cuts are $15. Military/law enforcement discount is $12. Women’s cuts are $25. Straight Edge Barber is at 1839-B E. Independence Ave., Studio 24. Schedule by phone, 417-379-5474 or online at 417straightedge.com.
•Applebee’s at 1855 East Primrose is having a Pancake Breakfast All-You-Can-Eat Fundraiser 7-10 a.m. Feb. 7. Cost is $5 with $4 going directly to the Missouri FOP Foundation fund for Pearson and his family. Tickets can be purchased in advance or at the door. Call 417-883-4700.
• Tax-deductible donations can be made through the Missouri Fraternal Order of Police Foundation, a 501 C3. The primary account location is Commerce Bank at 2770 W. Republic Road, but donations are accepted at any Commerce Bank location.
Checks can also be sent to: Missouri FOP Foundation, 2101 W. Chesterfield Blvd. C100-91, Springfield, MO 65807. Write “Springfield Police” in the memo line. Donations will go to the family.
• The Springfield Police Officers Association is organizing a meeting Thursday to rally support for officer Aaron Pearson, according to the group’s Facebook page. If you are a business owner and want to help the group do drives to raise money for Pearson and his family eamil Springfieldpoa@gmail.com.
“The support has been overwhelming,” said police spokeswoman Lisa Cox. “We also have a lock box at the police station where people can drop off cash or checks.”
The station is located at 321 E. Chestnut Expressway.
Copyright 2015 Stone County Chronicle
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