SPRINGFIELD, MO – A dog has been rescued by police after his owner was shot dead in the parking lot of a Missouri Walmart.
On Wednesday, at 12:21 p.m., Springfield Police were dispatched to the Walmart Neighborhood Market at 1320 S. Glenstone after a 911 caller reported that a male subject had been shot. When officers arrived, they found a male in front of the business who had suffered a gunshot wound.
The male received medical attention on scene but succumbed to his injuries. The victim was identified as Tanner L. Stichka, a 33-year-old male from Springfield, MO. Mr. Stichka’s next of kin has been notified. The Springfield Police Department identified a suspect in the case as Robert D. Weiser, a 45-year-old male from Bentonville, AR. Weiser was arrested and booked into the jail for 2nd Degree Murder.
Later, police realized that Stichka’s dog Zeke was still in his vehicle and rescued him.
“We’ve received several questions about a dog, named Zeke, that belonged to the victim from yesterday’s incident at the Walmart on S Glenstone. About an hour and a half after the shooting, we got a call about Zeke in a hot car,” the Springfield Police Department said. “When officers arrived, the door was unlocked and they were able to remove him and transport him to a local vet. SPD Officer Victoria Myers sat with Zeke before he was able to be admitted for the night. While at the vet, a good samaritan donated $100 for Zeke’s care. This morning Officers Adamson and Bashioum picked up Zeke and took him to his regular vet where he is waiting to be picked up by family. Thank you to our community for your care and concern! Zeke is doing well.”
The case will be reviewed by the Greene County Prosecutor’s Office to determine if charges will be filed. Detectives continue to investigate and are asking anyone who has information about this incident to contact the Springfield Police Department at 417-864-1810.
This incident marks the thirteenth homicide investigated by SPD in 2021.