Man shot in Springfield was burglary suspect, police say

Police say a man was shot Thursday afternoon in south Springfield after breaking into someone's apartment.

The man was still in the hospital on Friday with serious injuries, according to Springfield Police Department spokeswoman Jasmine Bailey.

Bailey said police have identified the shooter, but that person has not been arrested as detectives continue to investigate the incident, which occurred at about 4:30 p.m. at the Essex Place Apartments on Battlefield Road.

Bailey said three people broke into an apartment there and assaulted two of the residents.

At some point during the encounter, police say one of the burglary suspects was shot in the stomach.

Police said Friday they were still looking for other suspects.

The names of those involved in the shooting have not been released, and criminal charges had not been filed as of Friday morning.

Ben Blaque works at nearby Friends karaoke bar and witnessed part of the encounter.

He said he heard what sounded like seven gunshots and then walked over to the area north of his business, where he saw a young man standing over another man with a rifle. 

Blaque said the man on the ground appeared to have been shot. 

Police arrived a short time later, Blaque said, and detained the man with the rifle. 

Blaque said there were other people involved in the incident, including some who ran away. He also said he heard shouting about a possible robbery. 

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