Disturbance causes evacuation at Olive Garden; Building surrounded

UPDATE: Capt Trevor Duncan of the Joplin Police Dept told Shannon Becker live on scene the disturbance was a man who was a patron, caused a disturbance. There were conflicting witnesses he had a gun and/or displayed it.

As police arrived and the building was evacuated the male and his party appeared to have left, or they exited before police arrived through a back door.

He was not located. His identity is unknown.

No one was injured. No arrests were made. Business is back to normal at the restaurant. Everyone could return at 1:05 p.m. as the building was cleared.

Capt Duncan said if anyone had information to contact their non-emergency line 417-623-3131 .

JOPLIN POLICE STATEMEMT: "We responded to Olive Garden just after noon today for a report of a male waving a gun making threats and the restaurant already self-evacuating. Duquesne PD, Newton County Sheriffs Office, Missouri Highway Patrol, Joplin Fire, Newton county ambulance and others arrived as well to assist. We spoke to people exiting and employees and determined the restaurant was empty, with conflicting information on the whereabouts of the suspect and conflicting information on his actions, and if he even had a gun. With the suspect possibly inside alone, attempts to safely make contact failed. Officers carefully cleared the business and located nobody inside. We do not know who the male is that created the concerns. Anybody who was present that has information please call us 417-623-3131 . There were no injuries to anyone and no force used or damage caused. We are still investigating."

JOPLIN, Mo. (KOAM) — About 12:15 p.m. Joplin Police were alerted to a disturbance at the Olive Garden in Joplin.

Capt Will Davis tells KOAM’s Shannon Becker a male caused a disturbance.

JPD, Duquesne Police, Missouri State Highway Patrol Troopers and Newton County Deputies arrived surrounding the building and everyone was evacuated.

Capt Davis said this is an active situation. Many elements are unknown so they ask everyone to avoid the area.

Police are currently performing a contain and call out on a bullhorn.

Watch for updates.