The Missouri State Highway Patrol has released an update on the investigation into the death of a Clinton Police officer that occurred Tuesday night.

A press release from the Patrol says that at approximately 9:22 p.m., on Tuesday, March 6, Clinton police officers were dispatched to 306 West Grandriver Street for a 911 call. Henry County 911 operators could hear two women arguing and advised the officers of the line being open.

Upon the officers’ arrival they contacted a female, Tammy Widger, of Clinton, MO. Ms. Widger advised there was not a problem and there wasn't anybody else in the residence.

Mug Shot Nov 2017
Mug Shot Nov 2017
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After confirming with address of the residence with dispatch, officers entered the house where they encountered the suspect, identified as 37-year old James E. Waters, of Clinton.

Waters reportedly began firing at the officers and subsequently killed Officer Ryan Morton, and wounded two additional officers. The wounded were taken to an area hospital for treatment.

Officer Nathan Bettencourt is in stable condition, recovering from gunshot wounds and surgery at a Kansas City-area hospital. Officer Nicholas Kasper was also treated for gunshot wounds and was released from the hospital earlier Wednesday.

Members of the Bates County Tactical Team and members of the Patrol's SWAT Team entered the residence to remove Officer Morton.

Just after midnight on Wednesday, March 7, members of the SWAT Team and the Bates County Tactical team entered the residence to apprehend Waters. Sgt. Bille Lowe said it took 15 - 20 minutes from the first "officer down" call to get inside the residence to him.

They located the suspect in the bathroom, deceased from a gunshot wound. Further investigation revealed the phone number from the original 911 call came from an address in Windsor, MO, and not the residence of the officer-involved shooting.

Autopsies on Morton and Waters are pending.

The incident is still under investigation by the Missouri State Highway Patrol, Clinton Police Department, and the Henry County Sheriff’s Department. There is no further information at this time.

Officer Ryan Morton
Missouri State Highway Patrol
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