BRANSON, Mo. — The Branson Police Department has released the name of the person who died after an officer-involved shooting Tuesday, February 28.

During a press conference in Branson, Police Chief Eric Schmitt said wanted suspect Randall Wesolek Jr. of Taney County was found at a gas station on West 76 Country Blvd by BPD officers.

Wesolek was told to exit his car and a struggle began. Wesolek produced a gun and officers fired their weapons, according to the press release from BPD.

Officers began life-saving measures but Wesolek succumbed to his injuries.

“This is a tragic situation and our thoughts and prayers go out to all of the involved persons and their families,” said Chief Schmitt. “We understand this incident will have long-lasting impacts for all involved, as well as our community. Please remember that regardless of the circumstances of this incident, this community values human life. We should remember to give respect as we move forward. It is crucial that a thorough, fair, and impartial investigation of this incident be completed. We will provide you information on how this process will proceed,” Chief Schmitt said.

One sergeant and two patrol officers fired their weapons and all have been placed on administrative leave, which is standard procedure for officer-involved shootings.

For one man, he said he comes to the gas station where the shooting was every single day, including Tuesday night. 

“I was coming around the corner and gunshots went off,” said the man who lives nearby. “Then I took off running. It was just a scary moment, honestly. You don’t expect that being right by your house.”

Police said people should not be alarmed.

“These are officers that are out there proactively serving this community on a daily basis,” said Schmitt. “They all know instances like this can occur. Our last one of these was way back in 2006. That is a testament to our training and the care of the officers we have out there protecting everybody.”

An investigation is being performed by MSHP and an internal investigation will be performed by BPD after MSHP’s investigation concludes.

No officers were injured, according to the BPD statement.