06/05/2026
Officer-Involved Shooting Investigation
EUREKA, MO — The Eureka Police Department is releasing preliminary information regarding an officer-involved shooting that occurred on Thursday, June 4, 2026, at approximately 7:55 p.m. in the 1500 block of Cascade Street, located within the Windswept Farms Subdivision.
Eureka officers responded to the residence after receiving a report of a domestic disturbance. Upon arrival, officers made contact with the caller and encountered the caller’s husband, identified as 35-year-old Joshua Smith, who was armed with a firearm.
As officers worked to move the caller and her young child to safety, Smith began firing multiple rounds from inside the residence toward officers. Several nearby residences and vehicles were struck by gunfire. Officers returned fire while continuing their efforts to protect the caller, the child, and nearby residents.
Due to the time of day, the active nature of the neighborhood, and the close proximity of surrounding homes, officers were faced with an extremely dangerous and rapidly evolving situation that presented an immediate threat to the caller, her child, responding officers, and members of the surrounding community.
After the initial exchange of gunfire, Smith exited the residence armed with a semi-automatic handgun and ran directly toward officers. Officers fired their weapons, and Smith sustained a fatal gunshot wound. He was pronounced deceased at the scene.
The caller and her young son were not injured. The involved officers were evaluated at the scene and were not physically injured. The involved officers have been placed on administrative leave, as is the standard practice.
Due to the size and complexity of the scene, and because Eureka officers were directly involved, the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office was contacted and requested to serve as the lead investigating agency. The Eureka Police Department will fully cooperate with the independent investigation.
We are grateful that no additional citizens or officers were injured during this extremely dangerous incident. We also appreciate the support, patience, and understanding of our community as investigators continue working to determine the facts and circumstances surrounding what occurred.
Because this remains an active and ongoing investigation, additional information will be released when appropriate.
