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JOPLIN (AP) - A southwest Missouri man is dead after his motorcycle was hit from behind by a Newton County deputy who was responding to an emergency call.

The Joplin Globe reports 33-year-old Cory Sheppard was southbound on Gateway Drive about a mile south of Joplin when Sgt. David Trimble struck him from behind just before 9 p.m. Friday.

Sheriff Ken Copeland says Trimble was driving with his vehicle's full lights and sirens on when he hit Sheppard's motorcycle. Trimble, a nine-year veteran of the department, has been placed on paid administrative leave, but Copeland says the incident looks like a tragic accident.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol is investigating the crash.