Boyd arrested in area shooting

The Lamar Police Department received a call from Cox Barton County Hospital at approximately 8 p.m. on Thursday, May 28, regarding the report of a gun shot victim. The victim, Bryan Townsend, age 24, of Lamar, was transferred to a Joplin hospital, where he was to undergo surgery for non life threatening wounds.

Phillip Boyd Jr., 18, Lamar, was taken into custody for the shooting.

The incident occurred at 1204 Grand, in Lamar.

The Lamar Police Department, as well as the Barton County Sheriff’s Office and city utility workers, scoured the area for evidence as the investigation continued.

At this time, the weapon had not been located. If anybody locates a gun do not touch it and please contact the Lamar Police Department at 417-682-3546.

On Friday, May 29, the Barton County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office filed charges against Boyd, following the investigation by the Lamar Police Office, assisted by the Ozark Drug Enforcement Team and the Barton County Sheriff’s Office.

Boyd has been charged with Assault in the 1st Degree, Armed Criminal Action and Unlawful Use of a Weapon. He is currently being held in the Barton County Jail without bond.

According to the Probable Cause Statement that was filed on Friday, May 29, “On May 28, 2020, Bryan Townsend was taken to Cox Barton County Hospital with multiple gunshot wounds to his legs. Officers responded and discovered Townsend and Cody Haggard had been at 1204 Grand, where Phillip Boyd had shot Townsend”.

It went on to say, “Officers responded to 1204 Grand and located several witnesses along with Boyd at the residence. Witness interviews were conducted and it was discovered that Townsend went to the residence to assist Haggard in getting belongings since he was moving out. While Haggard was gathering belongings Townsend was belittling resident Brenden Loveall’s choice of company he kept and had been choosing to associate with. Phillip Boyd found Townsend’s actions and words to be disrespectful and displayed a firearm. Mouthing took place between Boyd and Townsend and Boyd first discharged the firearm in the floor of the home several times and then into the legs of Townsend. Boyd then fled from the scene and Townsend was taken to the hospital for treatment.”

An interview was attempted with Boyd at the Barton County Jail, where he requested to speak to his lawyer.