Springfield police: Man killed after pulling gun on officers

A southwestern Missouri man was killed by police officers after pointing a handgun at them at a park, police said.

Springfield police were called Wednesday afternoon to Tom Watkins Park (northwestern Springfield) after reports of a man making suicidal statements.

Officers were talking to 33-year-old Justin M. Barker of Springfield, who said he had a gun and began to draw it from his waistband, according to a news release from police.

Officers ordered Barker to drop the gun but instead, he pointed it at officers, who shot him several times, police said.

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The four officers involved in the shooting are on administrative leave pending an internal investigation.

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