Wednesday, May 31, 2023

Aurora-Marionville Police Department seeking suspect in string of auto thefts


(From the Aurora-Marionville Police Department)

This is Kenny Wilson.

A few important facts on Kenny.

- If he shows up at your house or business and asks to have access to a motor vehicle to test drive, we highly recommend not allowing it and you should call the police. We have reason to believe he intends to steal your property.

- Kenny is suspected of several vehicle thefts around the area. If you know his whereabouts, please notify AMPD and let us know. He is known to frequent Aurora, Marionville, Crane, Republic, and the Springfield area including Marshfield.

Springfield Police stop funeral donation scam


(From the Springfield Police Department)

Today, officers made contact with and cited several individuals standing on traffic islands and medians at Campbell and Battlefield holding signs indicating they were collecting donations for the funeral of a juvenile, which was confirmed by officers as a scam.
 
Not only are these types of activities in violation of Springfield city ordinances, but we would also like to remind the public that you should not give cash to any individual without verifying the cause.

Republic Police seeking to identify trailer theft suspect


(From the Republic Police Department)

In the early morning hours of 05/31/2023 an unknown suspect driving a black Nissan Frontier extended cab pickup stole a 14 ft trailer (LICENSE NUMBER: 05L-7SW MO) from a parking lot of a local apartment complex in the City of Republic. 

The Republic Police Department is seeking any information that can help lead to the identification of the suspect or possible location of the stolen trailer. Contact Detective R. Stewart 417/732-3913.
























Two arrested in connection with Purdy R-2 School break-in


(From the Purdy Police Department)

On the night of April 22 2023, at 1:12 A.M., two suspects broke into the Purdy R-2 School located at 201 Gabby Gibbons Drive.

The two suspects were able to gain access into one of the main offices through the ceiling, where they located a set of keys, allowing them to unlock several doors within the school building.








The two suspects remained inside of the school building for approximately four hours, during which time, a large amount of cash, a Championship Ring, two ballcaps and a few other items were stolen.
The two suspects were also able to gain access to the keys to one of the school vehicles, which they stole from the school parking lot.

The suspects later returned to the school in the stolen vehicle and abandoned it in the parking lot.
The suspects then left the scene on foot.

The two suspects were identified as a 19 year old male and a 16 year old juvenile, both from Purdy.

An affidavit of probable cause has been submitted to the Barry County Prosecuting Attorney seeking Felony charges of: Burglary in the Second Degree, Stealing- $750 or More and Stealing a Motor Vehicle for the 19 year old suspect.








The juvenile has been referred to the Juvenile Court on the same charges.

Some of the stolen property was recovered and was returned to the school.

The investigation was conducted by the Purdy Police Department, the Barry County Sheriff's Department and the Barry County Juvenile Office.

Tuesday, May 30, 2023

Sheldon man injured in boat explosion on Stockton Lake

 A Sheldon man was injured in a boating accident 11:10 a.m. Monday at the State Park Marina on Stockton Lake.

According to the Highway Patrol report, Justin C. Million, 40, Sheldon, returned to his 1997 Seadoo PWC after a short break. When he attempted to start the boat, it exploded, ejecting him.

Million was treated for minor injuries at Cox Barton County Hospital, Lamar.

Monday, May 29, 2023

Springfield man killed in crash on 65

A Springfield man was killed in a one-vehicle accident 10:40 p.m. Sunday on U. S. 65 six miles north of Branson.

According to the Highway Patrol report, a 2019 Nissan Frontier driven by Bobbie G. Sullivan, 66, Springfield, traveled off the right side of the roadway, overcorrected, traveled off the left side of the roadway and overturned.








Sullivan was pronounced dead at the scene at 10:55 p.m.

The fatality was the 41st this year for Highway Patrol Troop D.
 

Springfield, Republic residents suffer serious injuries as car goes airborne, lands on top

Two Springfield residents were injured in a one-vehicle accident 1:13 a.m. today on Highway N two and a half miles north of Republic.

According to the Highway Patrol report, a 2011 Dodge Avenger driven by Alan R. Livingston, 29, Springfield, ran off the roadway, struck an embankment, went airborne and overturned on its top.

Livingston and a passenger, Alexis R. Zaragova, 23, Republic, were treated for serious injuries at Cox South Hospital, Springfield.

Sunday, May 28, 2023

Free fishing days scheduled at Roaring River State Park


(From Missouri State Parks)

The Missouri Department of Conservation has designated the weekend after the first Monday in June as Free Fishing Days in Missouri. Missouri residents and nonresidents alike will be able to fish without state permits from 6:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. June 10 and 11, at Roaring River State Park.

Anglers who fish the trout parks during free fishing weekend will not be required to purchase a daily tag. However, all other fishing regulations, such as size and daily limits, remain in effect.

For more information, contact 417-847-3742. Roaring River State Park is located 7 miles south of Cassville on Highway 112 in Barry County.

Saturday, May 27, 2023

Taney County Dissolution of Marriage Petitions

Shelia J. Combs vs. Randall J. Combs
Rebekah Osmond vs. Michael Osmond
Melinda Coulter vs. Billy J. Coulter
Tabitha A. Roberts vs. Brandon R. Roberts
David Hilton vs. Marie Beers
Rebecca L.Williams vs. Brandon C. Williams







 

Stone County Dissolution of Marriage Petition

David H. Peters vs. Lynette Peters
 











Polk County Dissolution of Marriage Petitions

Emma R. Creed vs Ceth A. Creed
Caleb A. Winckler vs. Markie C. Winckler
Janis K Wheeler vs Charles W. Wheeler
Rosie M. Johnson vs. Thomas E. Richardson
Jordan Smiley vs. Summer Smiley







 

Lawrence County Dissolution of Marriage Petitions

Michael E. Moore vs. Kayla R. Weekerly-Moore
Deborah G. Powell vs. Bryce D. Powell
Buddy R. McLaren vs. Shirley McLaren
Angel L. Himes vs. Brandon K. Himes
Neal H. Starks vs. Marsha L. Starks
Heather M. Myddelton vs. Travis R. Myddelton






 

Greene County Dissolution of Marriage Petitions

Brittany R. Perry vs. Brett M. Perry
Michael W. Coberley vs. Ceejae S. Coberley
Andrea Salazar Alvarez vs. Rodolfo Milan Castillo
Amanda Bates vs. Brannon Bates
Cody N. Dickinson vs. Stephanie F. Dickinson
Alexander P. Brown vs. Mariah J. Brown
Lea Harper vs. Kyle Harper
Cory A. Emmons vs. Rachel M. Emmons
Heidi M. Gilmartin vs. Christopher W. Gilmartin
Stephen W. Grindstaff vs. Aleha E. Grindstaff
Ryan P. Nelson vs. Bailey D. Nelson







Jordan Woody vs. Amber Williams
Jeri M. Hoffman vs. Jon M. Hoffman
Amanda J. Burks vs. Lawrence M. Burks
Houston Deckard vs. Bailey Deckard







Colin Reichert vs. Makenzy Lynn Tarwater
Dustin Williams vs. Brittany Williams
Susan C. Barnwell vs. Delmar D. Barnwell
Clay G. Loveall vs. Sarah M. Ebert
Amanda K. Spurlock vs. Matthew L. Spurlock

U. S. Bankruptcy Court Petitions- Springfield

 

Christian County

Martha Christin Enciso

Greene County

Angela LaRee Burklen
Joseph Louis Blottenberger, Jr.
Mallory Brooke Gold
Peter James Wahl
Barbara Ann Lee
Debra Kay Garcia
Paula Nicole Cook
Matthew Christopher Burnett
Shelby Lee Wilson
David Jae Ernst Gaddy
Truman Eli Haynes








Pulaski County

Kenneth Wayne Martin, Jr.

Taney County

April Kathleen Franks








Webster County

David Paul Waxler and Rebecca Jean Waxler

Wright County

Jeremy Randall Bradshaw
Clinton Gabriel Robertson and Jessica Elizabeth Robertson


Cassville woman, 9-year-old injured in collision on 39

Two people were injured in a two-vehicle collision 10:36 p.m. Thursday on MO 39 two miles south of Shell Knob.

According to the Highway Patrol report, a 2017 Ford F350 driven by Tylen G. Layton, 29, Copan, Oklahoma, and a 2013 GMC Sierra driven by Sheila R. Mumford, 53, Cassville, met in the middle of the roadway and sideswiped.

Mulford was treated for moderate injuries and a passenger in her car, a 9-year-old girl for minor injuries at Mercy Springfield.

Seven people injured in Taney County collision

 Seven people were injured in a two-vehicle accident 4:15 p.m. Thursday on Route F, one mile west of Bull Creek in Taney County.

According to the Highway Patrol report, a 2017 Hyundai Sante Fe driven by Judy A. Agee, 70, Ottumwa, Iowa, failed to yield at a flashing yellow light and pulled into the path of a 2018 Nissan Murano driven by Elizabeth A. Hilgers, 50, Kirbyville.








Agee and two passengers in her vehicle, Arlo L. Agee, 74, Ottumwa, and Vicki L. Agee, 74, Branson, were treated for serious injuries at Cox South Hospital, Springfield.

Hilgers and three passengers in her vehicle, Joshua L. Rayburn, 20, David C. Downey, 29, and a 17-year-old boy, all of Kirbyville, were treated for minor injuries at Cox Branson.

Eagle Rock man airlifted to Cox South after ATV slams into tree

 An Eagle Rock man was injured in a one-vehicle accident 8 a.m. Friday on private property near Farm Road 1180 one mile west of Eagle Rock.

According to the Highway Patrol report, a 2005 Bombarder ATV driven by Larry W. Ray, 61, Eagle Rock, struck a tree, ejecting Ray.

Ray was airlifted to Cox South Hospital, Springfield, with serious injuries.

Friday, May 26, 2023

I-44/Freistatt Branch Bridge west of Mount Vernon open to traffic


(From MODOT)

TRAFFIC ALERT: I-44/Freistatt Branch Bridge West of Mt. Vernon OPEN to Traffic

Where: I-44 bridges over Freistatt Branch at Mile Marker 41 west of Mt. Vernon

When: As of Friday, May 26

Details: These bridges closed in mid-March while contractor crews rehabilitated the bridges. Crews replaced the bridge deck/driving surface with a new concrete surface. In addition, the contractor added new approach pavement, new permanent striping and made substructure repairs.








This work was part of a three-year project to improve 25 bridges within 15 miles of I-44 across the Southwest District. Of the 25 bridges in the project, known as the I-44 Corridor Bridge Bundle, seven (7) are mainline I-44 bridges, five (5) are I-44 overpass bridges and the remaining bridges are on adjacent routes over various features. Sixteen (16) bridges will be replaced and nine (9) bridges will receive major rehabilitation work.

More information about this project can be found on the project website – I-44 Corridor Bridge Bundle.

Thursday, May 25, 2023

Springfield man charged with assault after allegedly intentionally hitting motorcycle with car


(From the Springfield Police Department)

On May 22, 2023, at 5:59 p.m., officers responded to 2300 E. Bennett in reference to a motor vehicle crash involving a motorcyclist and a white SUV. The white SUV left the scene immediately after the accident and was not located. The motorcyclist was transported to a local hospital with life-threatening injuries.

On May 23, 2023, members of the Traffic Unit located the white SUV and conducted a traffic stop. They identified the driver as Dea A. Brewer, 45, from Springfield. Brewer was arrested on unrelated warrants from Taney County and booked into the Greene County Jail.

On May 23, 2023, the Violent Crime Unit discovered Brewer and the motorcyclist knew each other and Brewer intentionally struck the motorcycle with his vehicle, which led to the motorcyclist losing control of the motorcycle.








On May 24, 2023, the Greene County Prosecutor’s Office reviewed the case and Brewer was charged with 1st Degree Assault and Armed Criminal Action. Brewer is being held in the Taney County Jail with no bond until his extradition to the Greene County Jail.

The Greene County Prosecutor’s Office cautions that the charges contained in the felony complaint are merely allegations and that the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty in court.

Detectives are asking anyone with information about this assault to contact the Springfield Police Department at 417-864-1810 or to contact Crime Stoppers anonymously by phone 417-869-TIPS (8477) or online at P3tips.com.

Wednesday, May 24, 2023

Mount Vernon woman charged with threatening gun violence at Aurora Mercy Hospital


(From the Aurora-Marionville Police Department)

Late last week, the Aurora Mercy Hospital received several threats that included threats of committing gun violence at the hospital.

AMPD was contacted by Mercy who wanted to protect their patients and staff. We immediately initiated an investigation. 

Using various techniques and technology, we located the suspect, Alicia Stotts, 34, Mount Vernon, and placed her into custody. She is innocent until proven guilty.

Our colleagues at the hospital are busy saving lives. This type of behavior and these types of threats will be taken seriously and will result in arrest. 

The 1st amendment does not protect threatening speech designed to cause fear of a major incident. We will not take any chances by assuming threats are not real.

Springfield man killed in motorcycle-deer collision

A Springfield man was killed and his wife injured in a motorcycle-deer collision 12:02 a.m. on Farm Road 141 three miles north of Springfield.

According to the Highway Patrol report, a 2011 Harley Davidson motorcycle driven by James J. Brackney, 53, Springfield, struck a deer in the roadway. Both he and his passenger, Brandi A. Brackney, 46, Springfield, were ejected.

Dr. Brian Draper pronounced James Brackeny dead at Mercy Springfield at 1:07 a.m.








Brandi Brackney was treated for serious injuries at Cox South Hospital, Springfield.

The fatality was the 40th this year for Highway Patrol Troop D.

Tuesday, May 23, 2023

Five Springfield, Branson residents sentenced for sexually exploiting multiple children


(From the U. S. Attorney for the Western District of Missouri)

Four Springfield, Mo., residents and a Branson, Mo., woman were sentenced in federal court today for engaging in a child exploitation enterprise that victimized at least three children.

Kevin Grant McMillan, 36, of Springfield, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Stephen R. Bough to life in federal prison without parole.








Angela Marie Brown, 39, Christine Marie Rossiter, 36, and Amber Marie Baley, 38, all of Springfield, and Casie Dee Rice, 52, of Branson, Mo., also were sentenced in separate appearances today. Brown was sentenced to 12 years in federal prison without parole. Rossiter was sentenced to 10 years in federal prison without parole. Baley was sentenced to eight years in federal prison without parole. Rice was sentenced to four years in federal prison without parole.

Baley and Rossiter were also sentenced to spend the rest of their lives on supervised release following incarceration. Each of the defendants will be required to register as a sex offender upon their release from prison and will be subject to federal and state sex offender registration requirements, which may apply throughout their life.

Each of the five defendants pleaded guilty to engaging in a child exploitation enterprise from Jan. 1, 2017, to Nov. 6, 2019. They admitted to engaging in a series of felony violations, including the sexual exploitation of minors and receiving and distributing child pornography. Those felony violations, constituting three or more separate incidents and involving more than one minor victim, comprise a child exploitation enterprise.








The federal investigation began in May 2019 when the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children notified law enforcement that McMillan had uploaded three files of child pornography through his Gmail account. The Springfield Police Department was also investigating McMillan in a separate case involving an 8-year-old victim, identified in court documents as Jane Doe 2. Springfield investigators identified additional Google accounts that contained child pornography.

On Nov. 6, 2019, law enforcement officers executed a search warrant at McMillan’s residence, where they contacted a second, 15-year-old victim, identified in court documents as Jane Doe 1, and a 17-year-old minor. Officers seized five laptops, two hard drives, an Apple iPad, a cell phone, and seven USB/micro SD cards. A forensic analyst found images of child pornography depicting Jane Doe 1, Jane Doe 2, and a third victim, a toddler identified in court documents as Jane Doe 3. There were a total of 27,542 pornographic images and videos of subjects whose age is difficult to determine and child erotica. There was a total of 682 images and videos of bestiality pornography. There were 111 videos and images of child exploitive animated pornography located on the devices.

Both Brown and Rossiter were living with McMillan at his Springfield residence in the spring of 2019, while the three of them were in a relationship together. McMillan was not interested in a traditional relationship, but planned on dominating several girlfriends, who would be in a submissive role. He also wanted to live the “nudist lifestyle.”

Investigators found MMS messages between McMillan and Brown. McMillan told Brown he wanted to drug and sexually assault Jane Doe 1 (who was 13 years old at the time). Brown said she would be interested in assisting him in drugging and raping children and adult women. 

McMillan also sent Brown sexually explicit images of Jane Doe 1, Jane Doe 2, and Jane Doe 3. They exchanged incest-related pornography, bondage pornography, bestiality pornography, child pornography, and child erotica. 

They also had conversations about having sexual contact with children and about having children together and impregnating them. Investigators found Facebook conversations in which McMillan and Brown extensively discussed engaging in sexual contact with other individuals, including children.

Investigators found SMS and MMS messaging between McMillan and Rossiter. McMillan and Rossiter exchanged bestiality pornography, incest-related pornography, and bondage pornography. In a Facebook conversation between March 2019 and May 2019, they extensively discussed engaging in sexual contact with other individuals, including children. 

In April 2019, they discussed McMillan wanting to have sexual contact with a 13-year-old minor male, identified in court documents as John Doe. Rossiter admitted that she received nude images of Jane Doe 2 and Jane Doe 3 from McMillan, and McMillan described sexual activity he wanted to engage in with Jane Doe 2 and Jane Doe 3.








Baley, who dated McMillan on and off again between 2012 and 2019, admitted to sending him nude images of Jane Doe 2. MMS conversations between Baley and McMillan repeatedly discussed getting Jane Doe 2 to engage in sexually explicit conduct.

Rice, who lived with McMillan for a short time in 2019, admitted that he sent child pornography to her via Google and that she received and sent child pornography to others through Facebook. In one email, Rice talks about their interest in children and then describes a sexual encounter where Rice would hold a female minor down while McMillan had sex with her.

This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Ami Harshad Miller. It was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations, the Southwest Missouri Cyber Crimes Task Force, and the Springfield, Mo., Police Department.

Monday, May 22, 2023

Four arrested in Branson ATM cash grab


(From the Branson Police Department0

In the early morning hours of Friday, May 19, 2023, Branson Police Officers responded to an ATM alarm at Branson Bank, located at 4675 Gretna Rd. 

The officers discovered the suspects had stolen a vehicle at a local apartment complex and used it to force open the ATM resulting in the theft of over $36,000 in cash and over $60,000 worth of damage.








 Police attribute teamwork and quick investigative work that led to the out-of-state arrests the same day as the crime.

Over the course of the investigation, detectives discovered a group of suspects out of the Houston, Texas area who were involved in similar crimes across the nation. Further investigation identified a rental car of interest. Branson Police coordinated with the rental car company and other law enforcement jurisdictions to determine the location of car and to initiate the stopping of the vehicle. The suspected vehicle was safely stopped in Texas on May 19, where law enforcement found a large amount of cash and the four suspects who Police believe committed the Branson crime, two of which had felony warrants for their arrests, one of which for a similar crime in the Chicago, Illinois area.

Arrested were:

Deaunjae Kayvonne Lampkins, 22, of the Houston, TX region.

Vinson Eeshawn Gonzales, 23, of the Houston, TX region

Nathaniel Cameron Waits, 23, of the Houston, TX region.

Bryce Malik Jones, 26, of the Houston, TX region.






 

“I am very proud of the excellent and expedited work of our officers that led to the arrest of these suspects within hours of the crimes in Branson,” said Branson Police Chief, Eric Schmitt. “This case highlights our Department’s dedication and serves as notice to those considering committing crimes here. While Branson has a ‘small town’ atmosphere, the Police Department has the capabilities and drive to successfully pursue and apprehend criminals, wherever they may flee,” said Chief Schmitt.

The Branson Police Department expresses its appreciation to the other agencies and entities that assisted with this investigation, especially to the Mid-States Organized Crime Information Center, Avis Car Rental and the Montgomery County, TX, Sheriff’s Office who were all vital to the successful apprehension of these suspects.

Cassville Police searching for missing man


(From the Cassville Police Department)

Missing person, last seen at 7:00 AM yesterday (Sunday, May 21) morning. 

If anyone has any information or has seen this subject, please call Barry County E911 at (417) 847-3121 or you can message our page. 

Please note, this is an active investigation. There is not believed to be any threat to the public. Cassville PD Case #23-0946.







Springfield man killed in car-motorcycle collision

A Springfield man was killed in a two-vehicle accident 7:59 p.m. Saturday on MO 215 in Brighton.

According to the Highway Patrol report, a 2003 Suzuki GSXR1000K motorcycle driven by Jordan A. Langdon, 28, Springfield, failed to yield at an intersection and struck a 2017 Ford Explorer driven by Thomas A. Smith, 29, Bolivar.








Langdon was pronounced dead at the scene at 8:20 p.m.

The fatality was the 38th this year for Highway Patrol Troop D.

Saturday, May 20, 2023

Pierce City man suffers serious injuries in crash

 A Pierce City man was injured in a one-vehicle accident 3:04 p.m. Friday on Route PP three miles east of Pierce City.

According to the Highway Patrol report, a 2002 Ford F250 driven by Trevor W. Davis, 30, Pierce City, traveled off the right side of the roadway, returned to the roadway, crossed the center line and traveled off the left side of the roadway.

Davis was treated for serious injuries at Freeman West Hospital, Joplin.

Tuesday, May 16, 2023

Springfield man stabbed to death, police have suspect


(From the Springfield Police Department)

On May 13, 2023, at 10:49 p.m., officers responded to Cox South Hospital in reference to a male being treated for stab wounds. During the initial investigation, officers discovered the victim, Stephen Meyle, 37, from Springfield, had initially been dropped off at Cox North Hospital at approximately 3 a.m. on May 13, 2023, and was later transported to Cox South Hospital due to his life-threatening injuries.

On May 15, 2023, Springfield Homicide Detectives conducting the follow up investigation determined the stabbing happened at 1017 E. Commercial Street. They processed the crime scene and collected evidence.






 

On May 16, 2023, Meyle succumbed to his wounds and died at the hospital. Meyle’s family has been notified.

A potential suspect has been identified and located, but no arrest has yet been made as further information is being gathered prior to submitting the case to the Greene County Prosecuting Attorney for review and consideration of charges.






 

Detectives are asking anyone with information about this assault to contact the Springfield Police Department at 417-864-1810 or to contact Crime Stoppers anonymously by phone 417-869-TIPS (8477) or online at P3tips.com.

This is Springfield’s sixth homicide investigation in 2023.

Springfield rapper pleads guilty to weapons charges


(From the U. S. Attorney for the Western District of Missouri)

A Springfield, Mo., man who was part of a local rap group pleaded guilty in federal court today to illegally possessing firearms, one of which has been linked to several recent shootings.

Jardell Carlin Williams, 19, pleaded guilty before U.S. Chief Magistrate Judge David P. Rush to two counts of being an unlawful user of a controlled substance in possession of a firearm.








By pleading guilty today, Williams admitted he was in possession of a Glock .40-caliber semi-automatic pistol when a vehicle, in which he was a passenger, was stopped by Springfield, Mo., Police Department detectives on Feb. 15, 2022.

Williams also admitted that he was in possession of a C3 Defense 5.56-caliber semi-automatic pistol when a vehicle, in which he was a passenger, was stopped by detectives with the Greene County, Mo., Sheriff’s Department on Oct. 23, 2022. According to the plea agreement, the AR-style pistol was tentatively identified as having been used in three shooting incidents in the Kansas City, Mo., and Kansas City, Kansas, areas.

Williams admitted to regularly smoking marijuana, which remains a controlled substance under federal law, since he was in high school. He estimated that he smoked about a gram of marijuana each day.








Under federal statutes, Williams is subject to a sentence of up to 25 years in federal prison without parole. The maximum statutory sentence is prescribed by Congress and is provided here for informational purposes, as the sentencing of the defendant will be determined by the court based on the advisory sentencing guidelines and other statutory factors. A sentencing hearing will be scheduled after the completion of a presentence investigation by the United States Probation Office.

This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Stephanie L. Wan. It was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Greene County, Mo., Sheriff’s Department and the Springfield, Mo., Police Department.

Saturday, May 13, 2023

Monett Police searching for missing woman

 

(From the Monett Police Department)

The Monett Police Department is asking for assistance locating Angelica Miranda age 46 of Monett.

Angelica’s family reported that she did not return home this morning. 

If you have seen Angelica or have any information on her location, please call the Monett Police Department at 417-235-4241.













Friday, May 12, 2023

Aurora/Marionville police officers prevent suicide

(From the Aurora and Marionville Police Department)

Early this morning around 2:00am, AMPD officers Sheyenne and Cope responded to a disturbance at a commercial business in Marionville. It was reported a subject was having a mental health episode and was acting strangely.

Officers arrived and kept a safe distance to determine what was happening. A male subject was found lying on his back in the gravel parking lot. Keeping a safe distance, officers were trying not to startle the man who they could see was holding an item, but they could not determine what the item was.







 
Using good approach tactics and cover, Cope and Sheyenne moved in closer to the subject and determined he had a handgun in his mouth as he lyed in the gravel. Verbal contact was was made with the subject who was obviously suicidal. He eventually dropped the handgun (later identified as a loaded 9mm) and he was successfully taken into custody for a 96 hour (civil commitment) hold and transported to a medical facility. The firearm was safely secured by our officers.

“Using our training and our brains when dealing with someone suffering a mental illness saves lives. Rushing up to this man could have caused this to end much differently. Instead, our officers planned, communicated, kept a safe distance, and assessed the situation in a smart and tactical way. By protecting themselves and by keeping their calm, they were able to bring this potentially deadly situation to a peaceful conclusion. I’m proud of these officers for how well they performed in this intense and dangerous situation. We are blessed to have Cope and Sheyenne on our team.” ~ Coatney 800

Thursday, May 11, 2023

Kids fish free at Roaring River State Park May 20


(From Missouri State Parks)

Youth ages 15 and younger have the chance to fish all day for free Saturday, May 20, at Roaring River State Park.

A section of the river from the first low-water crossing upstream toward the hatchery will be specially designated for youth to fish in throughout the day. Adults will not be allowed to fish by themselves in this area. 








Parents and guardians are welcome to help the children as needed, but only one pole between the helper and the youth may be used at any time. Volunteers will be present to help upon request. A free lunch of hot dogs, chips and drinks will be provided by the park concessionaire in the lower section of the CCC Lodge.

Fishing hours are from 6:30 a.m. to 8:15 p.m. The event will be held rain or shine, assuming conditions are deemed safe.








This is a joint event held in conjunction with the National Park Trust’s Kids to Parks Day. For more information about Kids to Parks Day and to see a complete list of associated events, visit Kids to Parks Day | Missouri State Parks (mostateparks.com)

For more information, contact 417-847-3742. Roaring River State Park is located 7 miles south of Cassville on Highway 112 in Barry County.

For more information on state parks and historic sites, visit mostateparks.com. Missouri State Parks is a division of the Missouri Department of Natural Resources.

Monday, May 8, 2023

Aurora man charged with domestic assault, unlawful use of a weapon


(From the Aurora-Marionville Police Department)

As a result of Saturday’s incident in the Prospect Mobile Home Park, Anthony Perez of Aurora has been charged with Domestic Assault, Unlawful Use of a Weapon, and Armed Criminal Action.

All charges are mere accusations until fully adjudicated in the court of law.








Original news release

Earlier today (Saturday), AMPD was called to the Prospect Mobile Home Park for a report of a domestic disturbance in progress and that the suspect was armed with a firearm.
 
As officers arrived, the victim ran from the house to our arriving officers. After making sure she was safe, AMPD began to engage the suspect.
 
Ultimately, the suspect disarmed himself and resisted arrest. After a brief struggle, he was successfully apprehended. Our staff nor the suspect was seriously injured. The suspect was subsequently transported for medical clearance and then taken to the Lawrence County Jail. The firearm (a handgun) was seized. The victim was not seriously injured during the incident.

Springfield/Greene County saturation patrol nets one DWI arrest, arrest on felony warrant


(From the Springfield Police Department)

On May 5, 2023, a day when there is an increased likelihood for impaired driving, the Springfield Police Department and Greene County Sheriff’s Office only made one DWI arrest during a saturation patrol focused on arresting impaired drivers.

The Springfield Police Department would like to thank the community for keeping themselves and their neighbors safe on the road by utilizing ride-sharing services and designated drivers, and ultimately making the choice to not drive impaired.








During the saturation patrol, officers used marked patrol vehicles to enforce hazardous moving violations commonly associated with intoxicated driving.

There were 63 vehicles stopped during this patrol. In addition to the one driver arrested for driving while intoxicated, two individuals were arrested on outstanding warrants including one felony and one misdemeanor. Additionally, 52 citations and 31 warnings were issued.








As a reminder, consequences of impaired driving include jail time, loss of driving privileges, sentencing to use ignition interlocks and increased insurance rates. Financial losses include attorney fees, court costs, lost time at work, and the potential loss of a job.

Always have a plan for how to get home. Drunk driving is not worth the consequences. If you drink and drive, you lose.

Saturation patrols are funded through a grant from the Missouri Department of Transportation Traffic and Highway Safety Division.

Sunday, May 7, 2023

Cassville man injured after his motorcycle hits dog

A Cassville man was injured in a one-vehicle accident 5 p.m. Saturday on MO 86, two miles west of Cassville.

According to the Highway Patrol report, a 2005 Harley Davidson motorcycle driven by Christopher M. Coates, 64, Cassville, struck a dog and overturned ejecting Coates.

Coates was treated for moderate injuries at Mercy Hospital, Rogers, Arkansas.

Arkansas man flown to Mercy Springfield after motorcycle crash on 37

A Gentry, Arkansas man was injured in a one-vehicle accident 7:25 p.m. Saturday on MO 37 four miles south of Washburn.

According to the Highway Patrol report, a 2015 Indian motorcycle driven by Keith Williams, 68, Gentry, traveled off the right side of the roadway and through a fence.

Williams was airlifted to Mercy Springfield to be treated for serious injuries.

 

Saturday, May 6, 2023

Aurora-Marionville Police Department handles domestic dispute involving gun


(From the Aurora-Marionville Police Department)

Earlier today, AMPD was called to the Prospect Mobile Home Park for a report of a domestic disturbance in progress and that the suspect was armed with a firearm.
 
As officers arrived, the victim ran from the house to our arriving officers. After making sure she was safe, AMPD began to engage the suspect.







 
Ultimately, the suspect disarmed himself and resisted arrest. After a brief struggle, he was successfully apprehended. Our staff nor the suspect was seriously injured. The suspect was subsequently transported for medical clearance and then taken to the Lawrence County Jail. The firearm (a handgun) was seized. The victim was not seriously injured during the incident.

The suspect is innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

“It cannot be understated how expertly our staff handled this situation. With the information they had, and the observations they made as they rushed to the house, this could have ended much differently. Instead, our officers ran toward a potentially deadly situation, made sure the victim was safe, and skillfully engaged the suspect without the need for more escalated force. These policemen are the best in the business.”~ Chief Coatney

Springfield man killed in motorcycle accident


(From the Springfield Police Department)

On May 5, 2023, at 9:02 p.m., officers responded to a motor vehicle crash at Battlefield and Kimbrough.

Benjamin Turner, 23, from Springfield was driving a black 1998 Triumph Sprint motorcycle westbound on Battlefield from National when a white Toyota Tundra pulled eastbound onto Battlefield from a Kum & Go. 







The motorcycle swerved to the left to avoid hitting the Tundra and hit the concrete median. Turner and his motorcycle then hit an eastbound blue Toyota 4Runner driven by Kiteria Smith, 28, from Kissee Mills.

Turner was transported to a local hospital where he was pronounced deceased. Turner was wearing a motorcycle helmet during the crash. Turner’s family has been notified.








Anyone with any information about the crash is encouraged to contact the Springfield Police Department.

The circumstances of this crash are under investigation. This is Springfield’s 14th fatal motor vehicle crash in 2023.

Friday, May 5, 2023

El Dorado Springs man killed, Camdenton man seriously injured in head-on collision on 54

An El Dorado Springs man was killed in a two-vehicle collision 12:06 a.m. today on MO 54 four miles west of El Dorado Springs.

According to the Highway Patrol report, a 2018 Peterbilt tractor-trailer driven by Matthew A. Trandum, 33, Camdenton, crossed the center line and struck a 2008 Chevrolet Silverado driven by Clinton T. Stacy, 30, El Dorado Springs head on.

Stacy was pronounced dead at the scene by Vernon County Coroner David Ferry.








Trandum was treated for serious injuries at Mercy Joplin.

The fatality was the 33rd this year for Highway Patrol Troop D.