Springfield Police investigate officer-involved shooting

(From the Springfield Police Department)

On. Nov. 21, 2024, at 12:06 a.m., Springfield police officers responded to check the well-being of a man with a firearm who was making suicidal statements near Golden Avenue and Division Street.

When officers arrived, the man pointed a firearm at officers and citizens. He continued walking west toward Ohara Avenue and Division Street. 

While officers were talking to him, the man again pointed the firearm at the officers. An officer fired their duty weapon at the man, hitting him once. Officers immediately took him into custody, and he was transported to the hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. No officers or citizens were injured.

The officer involved in the shooting incident has been placed on administrative leave pending an internal investigation. The results of a concurrent criminal investigation will be presented to the Greene County Prosecutor’s Office for review.

Springfield man charged with murder in connection with June 5 shooting

(From the Springfield Police Department)

The Springfield Police Department investigated the June 5 homicide of Darryl Douglas, 60, and the case was presented to the Greene County Prosecutor’s office.

Aaron Altic, 34, was charged with 2nd degree murder, armed criminal action, unlawful possession of a firearm, and resisting arrest. Altic is being held at the Greene County Jail with no bond.

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.

Previous Release

On June 5, 2024, at 6:07 a.m., Springfield police officers responded to report of a shooting at 803 S. Douglas.

Officers arrived on scene and located Darryl Douglas, 60, from Springfield, with a gunshot wound. Douglas was transported to a local hospital. On June 23, 2024, Douglas died from his injuries at the hospital. Douglas’ family has been notified.

Detectives continue to investigate and ask anyone with additional information about this incident to contact the Springfield Police Department at 417-864-1810 or make an anonymous call to Crime Stoppers at 417-869-TIPS (8477) or online at p3tips.com.

This is Springfield’s third homicide investigation in 2024, which includes the fourth victim for the year.

Springfield man dead following collision caused by juvenile running stop sign

(From the Springfield Police Department)

On Nov. 14 at 6:04 p.m., officers with the Springfield Police Department responded to a two-vehicle crash at the intersection of Kellett Avenue and Talmage Street.

A juvenile was driving south on Kellett Avenue in a gold 1997 Buick Century with Matthew Hill, 34, from Springfield. Nicholas Brady, 22, from Springfield, was driving a white 2003 Chevrolet S-10 west on Talmage Street, with Jayde Campbell, 22, from Springfield. 

While traveling southbound on Kellett Avenue, the juvenile disobeyed a stop sign and hit Brady's westbound vehicle. This caused Brady's Chevrolet S-10 to roll and come to rest on its passenger side.

Hill, Brady, and the juvenile were transported to the hospital for non-life-threatening injuries. Campbell died at the scene and her family has been notified.

The circumstances of the crash are part of an ongoing investigation. Anyone with information is asked to contact the Springfield Police Department at 417-864-1810 or the tips hotline at 417-869-TIPS.

This was Springfield’s 21st fatal motor vehicle crash in 2024.

Springfield man indicted for sexual exploitation of two child victims

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

A Springfield, Mo., man was indicted by a federal grand jury today for the sexual exploitation of two child victims.

Connor Wilson Zacha, 28, was charged in a three-count indictment returned by a federal grand jury in Springfield.

Today’s indictment alleges that Zacha used a minor, identified as Jane Doe 1, to produce child pornography from Nov. 1, 2022, to Nov. 15, 2023. The indictment also alleges that Zacha used another minor, identified as Jane Doe 2, to produce child pornography from Oct. 1, 2023, to April 18, 2024.

The indictment also charges Zacha with one count of transporting a minor (Jane Doe 2) across state lines for the purpose of engaging in criminal sexual activity.

The charges contained in this indictment are simply accusations, and not evidence of guilt. Evidence supporting the charges must be presented to a federal trial jury, whose duty is to determine guilt or innocence.

This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Ami Harshad Miller. It was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations and the Greene County, Mo., Sheriff’s Department.

Springfield Police investigate fatal car-motorcycle collision at Grant and Sunshine

(From the Springfield Police Department)

On Oct. 20, at 6:14 p.m., officers with the Springfield Police Department responded to a two-vehicle crash at the intersection of Grant Avenue and Sunshine Street.

Andrew Carroll, 25, from New Orleans, Louisiana, was riding a green 2009 Kawasaki Ninja motorcycle west on Sunshine Street. Darian Dark, 28, from Springfield, was driving a silver 2010 Honda Pilot east on Sunshine. Dark made a left turn to go north on Grant Street at Sunshine Avenue and Carroll collided with the Honda in the intersection.

 

Carroll died at the scene. Carroll’s family has been notified.

The circumstances of the crash are part of an ongoing investigation. Anyone with information is requested to contact the Springfield Police Department at 417-864-1810 or the tips hotline at 417-869-TIPS.

This was Springfield’s 20th fatal motor vehicle crash in 2024.

Springfield man sentenced for sexual exploitation of a child

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

A Springfield, Mo., man was sentenced in federal court today for the sexual exploitation of a child.

Ricky Lane Bowers, 27, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Roseann A. Ketchmark to 17 years in federal prison without parole. The court also sentenced Bowers to 20 years of supervised release following incarceration.







On July 25, 2023, Bowers pleaded guilty to the sexual exploitation of a minor. Bowers admitted that he had been in contact with a man who was arrested in Texas, who had sent Bowers images and videos of child sexual abuse. Bowers also admitted that he had taken pornographic photos of a child victim and sent them to the man in Texas.

Investigators seized Bowers’s cell phone that he used to communicate with the Texas defendant. Forensic examiners found files of child pornography on the cell phone, as well as evidence of images and videos of the child victim whom Bowers used to produce child pornography.

This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Stephanie L. Wan. It was investigated by the Greene County, Mo., Sheriff’s Department, Homeland Security Investigations, the Springfield, Mo., Police Department and the Southwest Missouri Cybercrimes Task Force.

Springfield man charged with second-degree murder

(From the Springfield Police Department)

The Springfield Police Department Homicide Unit identified Jimmy W. Nunnery, 51, from Springfield, as the suspect in the Oct. 9 homicide of 59-year-old Bryan A. York.

On Oct. 16, 2024, the case was presented to the Greene County Prosecutor’s Office. Nunnery was charged with 2nd degree murder with no bond.

 

On Oct. 17, 2024, the Springfield Police Department received information that led to the arrest of Nunnery in Jackson, Tennessee.

Detectives continue to investigate and ask anyone with additional information about this incident to contact the Springfield Police Department at 417-864-1810 or make an anonymous call to Crime Stoppers at 417-869-TIPS (8477) or online at p3tips.com.

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.

Previous release:

Springfield, Mo. – On Oct. 9, 2024, at 10:15 a.m., Springfield police officers were flagged down in the 1800 block of E. Bennett Street in reference to a well-being check of a man under the bushes at 1824 E. Bennett St.

 

Officers found Bryan A. York, 59, from Springfield, deceased. York’s family has been notified.

During the investigation, it was discovered that York had injuries consistent with an assault that resulted in his death.

Detectives continue to investigate and ask anyone with additional information about this incident to contact the Springfield Police Department at 417-864-1810 or make an anonymous call to Crime Stoppers at 417-869-TIPS (8477) or online at p3tips.com.

This is Springfield’s 10th homicide investigation in 2024, with the 12th victim for the year.

Suspect in July 5 deaths of two Springfield residents arrested in Mississippi

(From the Springfield Police Department)

On Oct. 14, 2024, the Springfield Police Department’s Crime Stoppers received tip information that led to the arrest of Jeffrey Garrett, 40, from St. Louis, in Waynesboro, Mississippi.

Garrett is charged with two counts of 1st degree murder and two counts of armed criminal action and will be held with no bond.

Detectives continue to investigate and ask anyone with information about this incident, to contact the Springfield Police Department at 417-864-1755 or make an anonymous call to Crime Stoppers at 417-869-TIPS (8477) or online at p3tips.com.

 

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.

Previous release

The Springfield Homicide Unit identified Jeffrey Garrett, 39, from St. Louis, as the suspect in the July 5 homicide of 46-year-old Jack Osborn and 44-year-old Melissa Smith (previously identified as Melissa Evans).

On July 9, 2024, the case was presented to the Greene County Prosecutor’s Office. Garrett was charged with two counts of 1st degree murder and two counts of armed criminal action with no bond.

Garrett is not currently in custody.

Detectives continue to investigate and ask anyone with information about Garrett’s location or this incident, to contact the Springfield Police Department at 417-864-1755 or make an anonymous call to Crime Stoppers at 417-869-TIPS (8477) or online at p3tips.com.

  

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.

Previous release

On July 5, 2024, at 3:12 a.m., Springfield police officers responded to the report of two people shot at 1634 W. Chestnut St.

Officers located Jack Osborn, 46, with a gunshot wound at the residence. Osborn died on scene. The second victim, Melissa Evans, 44, also had gunshot wounds. Evans was transported to a local hospital where she later died. The families of Osborn and Evans have been notified.

There is no suspect information at this time.

Detectives continue to investigate and ask anyone with additional information about this incident to contact the Springfield Police Department at 417-864-1810 or make an anonymous call to Crime Stoppers at 417-869-TIPS (8477) or online at p3tips.com.

This is Springfield’s fifth homicide investigation in 2024, which includes the sixth and seventh victims for the year.

Investigation continues after multiple people shot, one death in Springfield parking garage

(From the Springfield Police Department)

On Oct. 13, 2024, at 2:12 a.m., Springfield police officers were sent to the Heer’s Parking Garage at 230 N. Campbell Ave., in reference to multiple people shot during a disturbance.

Officers located two men with gunshot wounds in a vehicle at the intersection of McDaniel Street and Campbell Avenue. Officers located another man with gunshot wounds at the intersection of Olive Street and Campbell Avenue. All three men were transported to local hospitals.

 

One of the men, identified as Klayton Hagan, 18, from Springfield, died at the hospital. Hagan’s family has been notified.

Springfield Police Department Homicide Detectives have identified and located all parties involved in this incident. No arrest has been made at this time, pending further investigation.

Once the investigation is complete, the case will be forwarded to the Greene County Prosecutor’s Office for review, and a decision will be made regarding the filing of criminal charges.

Detectives continue to investigate and ask anyone with additional information about this incident to contact the Springfield Police Department at 417-864-1810 or make an anonymous call to Crime Stoppers at 417-869-TIPS (8477) or online at p3tips.com.

This is Springfield’s 11th homicide investigation in 2024, with the 13th victim for the year.

Springfield Police investigate E. Bennett Street homicide

(From the Springfield Police Department)

On Oct. 9, 2024, at 10:15 a.m., Springfield police officers were flagged down in the 1800 block of E. Bennett Street in reference to a well-being check of a man under the bushes at 1824 E. Bennett St.

Officers found Bryan A. York, 59, from Springfield, deceased. York’s family has been notified.

During the investigation, it was discovered that York had injuries consistent with an assault that resulted in his death.

 

Detectives continue to investigate and ask anyone with additional information about this incident to contact the Springfield Police Department at 417-864-1810 or make an anonymous call to Crime Stoppers at 417-869-TIPS (8477) or online at p3tips.com.

This is Springfield’s 10th homicide investigation in 2024, with the 12th victim for the year.

Republic man sentenced for fentanyl trafficking, illegal firearms

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

A Republic, Mo., man was sentenced in federal court for illegally possessing fentanyl to distribute and several firearms following two instances in which he fled from law enforcement officers.

Tonikko Fewell, 35, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge M. Douglas Harpool to 16 years in federal prison without parole.

On April 22, 2024, Fewell pleaded guilty to two counts of possessing fentanyl with the intent to distribute, one count of possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug-trafficking crime, and one count of being a felon in possession of a firearm.

On Aug. 16, 2021, law enforcement officers executed a search warrant at Fewell’s residence. Fewell drove by his residence while officers were executing the search warrant. Officers attempted to conduct a traffic stop, but Fewell dropped off a female passenger and quickly sped away at speeds over 100 miles per hour. Officers discontinued the pursuit over public safety concerns.

Officers searched Fewell’s residence and found approximately 588 grams of fentanyl, $3,420 in cash, and an Anderson .223-caliber semi-automatic rifle, which had been reported stolen, with a fully loaded 40-round magazine. Officers also found a Jimenez Arms 9mm semi-automatic pistol that had been reported stolen and a Walther 9mm semi-automatic pistol in a vehicle parked at the residence.

On Dec. 8, 2021, a Springfield, Mo., police detective attempted to conduct a traffic stop of an orange Cadillac Fewell was driving. The detective did not pursue the vehicle, but shortly afterward saw the vehicle had been involved in a three-car accident at the intersection of Commercial Street and National Avenue. The detective searched the vehicle and found 54 grams of fentanyl and $4,232 in cash. Fewell, a passenger, and their 2-year-old daughter were transported to the hospital for treatment.

Under federal law, it is illegal for anyone who has been convicted of a felony to be in possession of any firearm or ammunition. Fewell has a prior felony conviction for unlawful use of a weapon.

This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney James J. Kelleher. It was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Springfield, Mo., Police Department, the Greene County, Mo., Sheriff’s Department, the Republic, Mo., Police Department, and the Christian County, Mo., Sheriff’s Department.

Driver dies in motorcycle crash on Chestnut Expressway

(From the Springfield Police Department)

On Oct. 5, at 11:50 p.m., officers with the Springfield Police Department responded to a motorcycle crash in the 2700 block of W. Chestnut Expressway.

Raymond Lindgren, 42, from Fordland, and Heather Maggard, 40, from Springfield, were riding a 2022 Harley Davidson motorcycle west on Chestnut Expressway. Lindgren lost control of the motorcycle, went off the roadway to the north, and hit a utility pole. Both Lindgren and Maggard were transported to a local hospital.

Lindgren died at the hospital from his injuries. Lindgren’s family has been notified.

The circumstances of the crash are part of an ongoing investigation. Anyone with information is requested to contact the Springfield Police Department at 417-864-1810 or the tips hotline at 417-869-TIPS.

This was Springfield’s 19th fatal motor vehicle crash in 2024.

8-year-old dies at Springfield hospital following ATV crash

(From the Springfield Police Department)

On Oct. 3, at 11:19 p.m., officers with the Springfield Police Department responded to an ATV crash at the intersection of Jean Street and Missouri Avenue.

Bryon Heard, 29, and Je’Bryia Heard 8, both from Springfield, were riding a Kazuma ATV, west on Jean Street. They crossed Missouri Avenue and struck a utility pole on the southwest corner of the intersection. Je’Bryia was riding behind Bryon on the ATV when it crashed into the utility pole. 

Both Bryon and Je’Bryia were transported to the hospital for treatment. Je’Bryia died at the hospital. Next of kin has been notified.

The circumstances of the crash are part of an ongoing investigation. Anyone with information is requested to contact the Springfield Police Department at 417-864-1810 or the tips hotline at 417-869-TIPS.

This was Springfield’s 18th fatal motor vehicle crash in 2024.

Springfield Police Department arrests two drunk drivers during saturation patrol

The Springfield Police Department arrested two impaired drivers during a five-hour saturation patrol on Friday, Sept. 20. Officers used marked patrol vehicles to enforce hazardous moving violations commonly associated with intoxicated driving.

There were 24 vehicles stopped during this patrol. In addition to the two drivers arrested for driving while intoxicated, 20 citations 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.

Ozark man sentenced to 25 years for meth conspiracy

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

An Ozark, Mo., man and a Springfield, Mo., man have been sentenced in federal court for their roles in a conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine.

Robert Jason Smith, 48, of Ozark, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge M. Douglas Harpool to 25 years in federal prison without parole. Smith was sentenced as a career criminal due to his prior felony convictions.

In a separate but related case, Aaron A. Keltner, 41, of Springfield, was sentenced on Thursday, Sept. 26, to 21 years and 10 months in federal prison without parole.

On Feb. 15, 2024, Smith pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine. Smith admitted that he sold 25.17 grams of methamphetamine to a confidential informant on June 22, 2021. The next day, law enforcement officers conducted a traffic stop while Smith was driving a black GMC pickup. An officer searched the truck and found a small black backpack on the rear floorboard behind the driver’s seat. Inside the backpack was a Ziploc bag that contained 217.98 grams of methamphetamine and $4,000 in cash. The officer found another backpack, which contained hundreds of rounds of assorted handgun, rifle, and shotgun ammunition, in the bed of the pickup.

Officers executed a search warrant at Smith’s residence the same day, on June 22, 2021. In the master bedroom, officers found a Ziploc bag that contained 53.86 grams of methamphetamine as well as a Taurus .22-caliber semi-automatic pistol under the mattress.

Smith told investigators he purchased a pound of methamphetamine each week from a co-defendant who was working with Keltner, for which he paid $5,000, and a pound of methamphetamine every two or three weeks from a separate source of supply.

According to court documents, Smith is responsible for the distribution of more than 12 kilograms of methamphetamine.

Smith has 13 prior felony convictions, six of which were for selling drugs.

Smith is the first defendant to be sentenced in this case. Two co-defendants have pleaded guilty and await sentencing. Two co-defendants are scheduled for trial.

Keltner, who was charged separately, pleaded guilty on March 11, 2024, to his role in the drug-trafficking conspiracy and to being a felon in possession of a firearm.

According to court documents, Keltner regularly coordinated trips to acquire 14 to 16 kilograms of methamphetamine from Oklahoma per trip, using women to make the trips for him. He would then divide up the methamphetamine for re-distribution.

Keltner admitted that he was in possession of an Anderson Manufacturing AR-15 style .223/5.56mm semi-automatic rifle, a Savage Arms .223-caliber bolt-action rifle, and a Marlin .22-caliber bolt-action rifle. The firearms were found by law enforcement officers when they executed a search warrant at Keltner’s residence.

Under federal law, it is illegal for anyone who has been convicted of a felony to be in possession of any firearm or ammunition. Keltner has numerous prior felony convictions, including for the distribution, delivery, or manufacture of a controlled substance.

This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jessica R. Eatmon. It was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Christian County, Mo., Sheriff’s Department, the Springfield, Mo., Police Department, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Drug Enforcement Administration, and the Greene County, Mo., Sheriff’s Department.

Springfield man dead following crash on Chestnut Expressway

(From the Springfield Police Department)

On Sept. 24, at 2:41 a.m., officers with the Springfield Police Department responded to a single-vehicle crash at 1020 E. Chestnut Expy.

Jonathan L. Koontz, 31, from Springfield, was driving a Honda Navi motorcycle south on Hampton Ave., crossed Central St., and continued onto the parking lot of Ozarks Technical Community College. Koontz hit a curb in the parking lot, continued through landscaping and hit a retaining wall.

Koontz died at the scene. Koontz’ family has been notified.

The circumstances of the crash are part of an ongoing investigation. Anyone with information is requested to contact the Springfield Police Department at 417-864-1810 or make an anonymous call to Crime Stoppers at 417-869-TIPS or online at p3tips.com.

This was Springfield’s 17th fatal motor vehicle crash in 2024.

Shell Knob man dead after crash on 39

A Shell Knob man was killed in a one-vehicle accident 2:03 p.m. Monday on MO 39 one mile north of Shell Knob.

According to the Highway Patrol report, a 2005 GMC Yukon driven by Melissa R. Hollie, 46, Shell Knob, failed to negotiate a curve, traveled off the right side of the road, overturned and struck a fence.

A passenger, James D. Larson, 57, Shell Knob, was pronounced dead at the scene at 3:10 p.m. by Barry County Coroner Gary Swearingen.

Hollie was treated for moderate injuries at Mercy Springfield.

The fatality was the 80th this year for Highway Patrol Troop D. 

Springfield Police report bitcoin scam targeting elderly

(From the Springfield Police Department)

The Springfield Police Department has recently seen an increase in reported scams involving Bitcoin ATMs, which typically target elderly victims.

In these scams, the victim is contacted by phone or a pop-up message on their computer. The scammer demands the victim withdraw money and deposit it into a Bitcoin ATM. A Bitcoin ATM is a physical kiosk where users can buy or sell Bitcoin. There are several Bitcoin ATMs located in Springfield.

 

If a person is asked to withdraw money from their bank and deposit it into a Bitcoin ATM, it is guaranteed to be a scam. No bank or other entity will request that someone purchase Bitcoin.

If you have been the victim of a scam and have been financially impacted, please contact the Springfield Police Department at 417-864-1810 to file a police report.

Springfield Police investigate shooting death in Nichols Park

(From the Springfield Police Department)

On Sept. 21, 2024, at 2:42 a.m., Springfield police officers responded to the report of a man who had been shot at Nichols Park, 1900 W. Nichols St.

Officers found Darion Williams, 23, from St. Louis, with a gunshot wound in the parking lot.

Williams was transported to a local hospital where he later died. Williams’ family has been notified.

 

During the investigation, Springfield Police Department Homicide Detectives identified and located the suspect in this case. The suspect was arrested for unrelated charges, but charges were not filed for their involvement in this incident, pending further investigation.

Once the investigation is complete, the case will be forwarded to the Greene County Prosecutor’s Office for review, and a decision will be made regarding the filing of criminal charges.

Detectives know that multiple people were present during this incident. They encourage anyone with information about this incident to contact the Springfield Police Department at 417-864-1810 or make an anonymous call to Crime Stoppers at 417-869-TIPS (8477) or online at p3tips.com.

Springfield gang leader, rapper, sentenced for illegal firearms

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

A Springfield, Mo., man who was a leader in a violent gang and part of a rap group was sentenced in federal court today for illegally possessing firearms.

Ezekiel Josiah King, 21, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Stephen R. Bough to six years and six months in federal prison without parole.

On Jan. 16, 2024, King pleaded guilty to one count of being an unlawful user of a controlled substance in possession of firearms. King admitted he was in possession of a loaded Glock .45-caliber semi-automatic pistol, with an extended magazine that contained 29 rounds, and an Anderson AM-15 multi-caliber rifle, loaded with 31 rounds of .223-caliber ammunition.

King was driving a gold Nissan Altima that was stopped by Springfield police detectives on Feb. 15, 2022, for multiple traffic violations. King told officers he was driving erratically because he believed a rival gang was chasing him. In addition to the firearms, detectives found marijuana in the vehicle, as well as another extended magazine and two factory Glock magazines under the driver’s seat.

According to court documents, King – a leader of the FTO gang – engaged in a series of violent firearm offenses, many of which were part of a feud with a rival gang. In another traffic stop of a vehicle in which King was a passenger, on Oct. 23, 2022, law enforcement officers seized a loaded Anderson Manufacturing AM-15, AR-style pistol with an extended magazine loaded with 36 rounds that was at King’s feet. The ATF National Integrated Ballistic Information Network (“NIBIN”) conducted an analysis that indicated the pistol had been used in a recent drive-by shooting in Springfield.

In addition, according to court documents, King is a suspect or a person of interest in a shooting that occurred in downtown Springfield that resulted in the deaths of two individuals and injuries to a third, a robbery, a theft of a firearm, a shooting that left the victim paralyzed, and multiple drive-by shootings.

Co-defendant Jardell Carlin Williams, 20, also a leader of the FTO gang, was sentenced on Feb. 5, 2024, to six years and six months in federal prison without parole. Williams pleaded guilty to two counts of being an unlawful user of a controlled substance in possession of firearms.

Williams, a passenger in King’s vehicle during the Feb. 15, 2022, traffic stop, admitted he was in possession of a Glock .40-caliber semi-automatic pistol. Detectives also located two more boxes of ammunition in the front floorboard.

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 law enforcement on Oct. 22, 2022. The C3 Defense AR-style pistol was tentatively identified as being used in three shooting incidents in the Kansas City, Mo., and Kansas City, Kansas, areas.

Both King and Williams admitted they regularly smoked marijuana.

This case was 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.

Springfield man dies in 3-vehicle crash

(From the Springfield Police Department)

On Sept. 2, 2024, at 3:47 p.m., officers with the Springfield Police Department responded to a three-vehicle crash at Sunshine and West Bypass.

Michael Zapatka, 69, from Springfield, was driving a Ford Ranger in the inner-most left-hand turn lane on West Bypass to turn eastbound onto Sunshine. A black Mitsubishi Endeavor, driven by Cody Smith, 28, of Springfield, was traveling westbound on Sunshine, through a red light. The two vehicles collided into a blue Buick Park Avenue driven by Dominic Herron, 34, of Springfield.

 

Zapatka was transported to a local hospital and later released. On Sept. 5, Zapatka succumbed to his injuries at home. The Springfield Police Department was notified of Zapatka’s death by the Greene County Medical Examiner’s Office on Sept. 6.

The circumstances of the crash are part of an ongoing investigation.

Anyone with information is requested to contact the Springfield Police Department at 417-864-1810 or the tips hotline at 417-869-TIPS.

This was Springfield’s 16th fatal motor vehicle crash in 2024.

Mount Vernon man killed in collision on I-44

A Mount Vernon man was killed in a two-vehicle accident 9 p.m. Wednesday on I-44 nine miles west of Springfield.

According to the Highway Patrol report, a 2013 Ford Fusion driven by Stephen W. Branstetter, 36, Mount Vernon, was traveling west on I-44 with heavy, slow moving traffic due to construction and attempted to change lanes to pass a 2019 Freightliner Cascadia tractor-trailer and struck the rear of the trailer.

Branstetter was pronounced dead at the scene by Greene County medical examiner Stephanie Muse at 9:35 a.m.

The fatality was the 71st this year for Highway Patrol Troop D. 

Honduran national indicted for child sexual exploitation

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

A Honduran national was indicted by a federal grand jury today for the sexual exploitation of a child.

Celso Noe Chacon-Arriaga, 22, who was residing in Springfield at the time of the offense, was charged in a two-count indictment returned by a federal grand jury in Springfield. Today’s indictment replaces a federal criminal complaint that was filed against Chacon-Arriaga on Aug. 8, 2024.

Today’s indictment alleges that Chacon-Arriaga used a minor victim to produce child pornography from Nov. 21 to Dec. 30, 2020. Chacon-Arriaga is also charged with receiving and distributing child pornography.

According to an affidavit filed in support of the original criminal complaint, Chacon-Arriaga engaged in sexually explicit conversations over Facebook Messenger with an 11-year-old victim. The child victim sent several sexually explicit images and videos to Chacon-Arriaga.

This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Stephanie L. Wan. It was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations, the Springfield, Mo., Police Department, and the Southwest Missouri Cyber Crimes Task Force.

Springfield business owner indicted for illegal firearm

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

A Springfield, Mo., business owner was indicted by a federal grand jury today for illegally possessing a firearm.

Garry Earl Shidler, 49, was charged with one count of being a felon in possession of a firearm in an indictment returned by a federal grand jury in Springfield. Shidler is the owner of Chappell’s Tire in Springfield.

Today’s indictment alleges that Shidler was in possession of a Colt 5.56-caliber semi-automatic rifle with a 30-round magazine on Dec. 18, 2023.

Under federal law, it is illegal for anyone who has been convicted of a felony to be in possession of any firearm or ammunition. Shidler has three prior felony convictions for burglary and prior felony convictions for forgery, tampering and trafficking in stolen identities.

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

Republic man dead following rollover crash on 39

A Republic man was killed in a one-vehicle accident 11:15 a.m. today on MO 39 four miles north of Miller.

According to the Highway Patrol report, a 2013 Chevrolet Cruze driven by Justin B. Warnow, 34, Republic, traveled off the right side of the roadway, struck a utility pole and overturned.

Lawrence County Coroner Scott Lakin pronounced Warnow dead at the scene.

The fatality was the 69th this year for Highway Patrol Troop D. 

Paul Mueller Company investing $22 million in Springfield, adding 133 jobs

(From the Missouri Department of Economic Development)

Paul Mueller Company, a manufacturer of stainless steel tanks, components, and equipment that serves various industries, announced today that it will expand in Springfield, investing $22 million and creating 133 new jobs. 

This first phase of the company’s expansion includes the establishment of a new facility that will increase its capacity for the assembly of large production modules.

“Paul Mueller Company’s new facility is another example of the exciting growth happening across southwest Missouri,” said Governor Mike Parson. “Our investments to improve infrastructure and strengthen our workforce continue to produce results that are making a lasting difference for Missourians. Paul Mueller Company, as a world-class manufacturer that began right here in our state, is another quality employer we’re excited to see succeeding in the Springfield area.”

Paul Mueller Company’s new production facility will add more than 100,000 square feet of space, including 60,000 square feet of clear-span, climate-controlled production area. The company’s expansion will also double its R&D square footage, enhancing its ability to innovate while adding new production capabilities and capacity for increased operational flexibility.

“We are proud to break ground on this 100,000-square-foot facility in Springfield, Missouri,” said David Moore, President and CEO of Paul Mueller Company. “It will provide a column-free open manufacturing space where we can assemble and test larger systems for our pharmaceutical, food, beverage, and chemical customers. Our coworkers have made this possible by safely providing increased value to our customers, resulting in the largest backlog and highest profitability in our history. The facility will also expand product development and training capabilities to support our growth. We look forward to continuing to offer our customers the talents of our coworkers and the resources of Springfield when the facility opens next year.”

Designed with energy efficiency in mind, Paul Mueller Company’s new facility will also include enhanced amenities to ensure employee comfort in addition to advanced training opportunities that reinforce the company’s commitment to excellence in manufacturing. The company held a groundbreaking event today near the corner of Phelps Street and LaFontaine Avenue in Springfield to commemorate its expansion.

“We’re proud to continue to support Paul Mueller Company as it furthers its legacy of helping Missourians prosper in Springfield,” said Michelle Hataway, Director of the Department of Economic Development. “This expansion is the latest chapter of the company’s long history of contributions to southwest Missouri and its vibrant manufacturing industry. We’re grateful for Paul Mueller Company’s ongoing commitment to our state and appreciate our partners who helped ensure its continued growth.”

For this expansion, Paul Mueller Company will benefit from the Missouri Works program, a tool that helps companies expand and retain workers by providing access to capital through withholdings or tax credits for job creation. The company is also receiving assistance from Missouri One Start, a division of the Department of Economic Development. Missouri One Start assists eligible businesses with their recruitment and training needs.

What others are saying

"We are excited to celebrate this significant milestone with the Paul Mueller Company," said Springfield Mayor Ken McClure. "We are so fortunate to have a global company with such a positive local impact right here in Springfield. Since 1940, the Paul Mueller Company has helped Springfield become known as one of the world’s leaders in stainless steel manufacturing. This expansion will help further that reputation."

"The Chamber is thrilled about this expansion," said Matt Morrow, President of the Springfield Area Chamber of Commerce. "The growth of Paul Mueller has always had an incredible ripple effect on the local economy for over 80 years, and their reputation as a global leader in stainless steel manufacturing that started right here in Springfield is just one of the things that sets this community apart. Springfield grows its own, and Paul Mueller's continued investment and leading job creation is a great example of what we are capable of achieving."

"It is always a good thing to see manufacturers growing and expanding," said Michael Eaton, Executive Director of the Missouri Association of Manufacturers. "Manufacturing is a vital part of the economy and important to a community, providing jobs and opportunities. 

"Paul Mueller Company has been one of those flagship manufacturing companies here in Springfield, establishing southwest Missouri as the Stainless Steel Tank capital of the world - spanning other manufacturing operations in the region and supporting this community. This expansion demonstrates how critical manufacturing growth is to economic growth."

About Paul Mueller Company

Paul Mueller Company, headquartered in Springfield, Missouri, has manufacturing and sales operations in Iowa, the Netherlands, and Vietnam. Paul Mueller Company employees build innovative processing equipment worldwide for dairy farms, food and beverage, pharmaceutical, and chemical facilities.

To learn more about Paul Mueller Company, visit paulmueller.com.

Former Willard mayor sentenced for fraud scheme

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

A former mayor and alderman of Willard, Mo., was sentenced in federal court today for a five-year-long scheme in which he used personal identity information to steal nearly $300,000 from more than 500 truck drivers who worked for his employer.

Corey Louis Hendrickson, 46, of Springfield, Mo., was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Brian C. Wimes to three years in federal prison without parole. The court also ordered Hendrickson to pay $298,737 in restitution.

On Oct. 24, 2023, Hendrickson pleaded guilty to one count of wire fraud and one count of aggravated identity theft. Hendrickson, who served as Willard’s mayor from 2015 to 2021 before being elected as an alderman in 2022, resigned from his position on the Willard Board of Aldermen the same day.

Hendrickson admitted that he gained unauthorized access to the fuel expense accounts of more than 500 individuals and conducted more than 1,000 fraudulent transactions that resulted in at least $298,737 being stolen from his victims. Hendrickson’s fraud scheme lasted almost five years, from Sept. 9, 2016, to Aug. 17, 2021.

Hendrickson worked as a fleet dispatcher for Prime, Incorporated, a freight transportation and logistics trucking company that is headquartered in Springfield. Prime contracted with ComData to serve as a payment processor and issuer of fleet fuel cards, and to maintain the financial accounts of Prime drivers that were used to pay for fuel costs as needed by the truck drivers. Prime put funds into each driver’s ComData account, which was then utilized for driving expenses such as fuel. ComData cards were used by the drivers like a bank card.

Hendrickson used his computer access to steal the identity information of drivers and withdraw nearly $300,000 from the accounts intended to pay for the fuel costs for drivers employed by Prime. He transferred the stolen funds into his personal bank accounts.

According to court documents, Hendrickson’s victims incurred losses that ranged between less than $100 to $6,495, with the average loss of a few hundred dollars for each Prime driver’s account.

This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Patrick Carney. It was investigated by the U.S. Secret Service and the Springfield, Mo., Police Department.

Charges filed in connection with strangulation death of Springfield man

(From the Springfield Police Department)

On Aug. 22, 2024, at 12:09 a.m., Springfield police officers responded to a 911 caller stating a man tried to strangle his father at 2247 N. Lyon.

Officers talked to the victim, identified as Michael Masterson, 62, from Springfield, at the location. A few blocks away, officers located the suspect, identified as Joshua Masterson, 36, from Des Moines, Iowa.

 

During the investigation, Joshua Masterson was taken to the hospital for medical treatment while Michael Masterson stayed at the home. Officers left the location at 12:43 a.m.; however, at 12:46 a.m., another 911 call was received stating that Michael Masterson was unresponsive inside the residence.

Michael Masterson was transported to a local hospital where he later died. Michael Masterson’s family has been notified.

Joshua Masterson was arrested and booked into the Greene County Jail. The case was presented to the Greene County Prosecutor’s Office and Joshua Masterson was charged with 2nd degree murder with no bond.







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 continue to investigate and ask anyone with additional information about this incident to contact the Springfield Police Department at 417-864-1810 or make an anonymous call to Crime Stoppers at 417-869-TIPS (8477) or online at p3tips.com.

This is Springfield’s eighth homicide investigation in 2024 with the 10th victim for the year.

Republic woman arrested for DWI after hitting, killing pedestrian

(From the Springfield Police Department)

On Aug. 8, 2024, at 10:33 p.m., officers with the Springfield Police Department responded to a vehicle crash involving a pedestrian near 2119 N. Glenstone Avenue.

Shannon Kersey, 45, from Republic, was driving southbound on Glenstone Avenue near Andy’s Frozen Custard in a 2007 Saturn Sky. Gary Noel, 75, from New London, was crossing the street from east to west when the Saturn hit him in the southbound lanes. Noel was transported to the hospital with serious injuries. Kersey was arrested for DWI.

The Springfield Police Department was notified by the Greene County Medical Examiner’s Office on Aug. 19, 2024, that Noel died from the injuries he sustained in the crash on Aug. 17, 2024. Noel’s family has been notified.

The circumstances of the crash are part of an ongoing investigation. Anyone with information is requested to contact the Springfield Police Department at 417-864-1810 or the tips hotline at 417-869-TIPS (8477) or online at p3tips.com.

This was Springfield’s 15th fatal motor vehicle crash in 2024.

Springfield man admits traveling to have sex with minor

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

A man from Springfield, Missouri on Monday admitted being intercepted by police while trying to have sex with a teen from Lincoln County.

Jonathan Mauser-Campbell, 29, pleaded guilty in U.S. District Court in St. Louis to a felony charge of possession of child pornography. He admitted that on Dec. 2, 2022, he drove from Springfield to Lincoln County, Missouri, to pick up an underage girl from her home. Mauser-Campbell planned to take her to a campground to engage in sex acts with her.

 

During a traffic stop, however, officers with the Hawk Point Police Department rescued her after realizing the girl was underage and had run away from home to be with Mauser-Campbell. A later analysis of Mauser-Campbell’s cell phone uncovered over 300 images/videos containing child pornography.

The Hawk Point Police Department, the FBI and the St. Charles Police Department investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Dianna Edwards is prosecuting the case.

This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the Department of Justice Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit https://www.justice.gov/psc.

Monett Police Department Monthly Activity Report