Driver Rams Mountain Grove Building

On July 10, at approximately 4:49 p.m., Texas County Deputies were dispatched to a business on Highway 60 between Dunn and Mountain Grove for a report of an intoxicated driver attempting to drive into the building. According to a press release from the Texas County Sheriff’s Office, deputies requested assistance from the Mountain Grove Police Department. Officers from Mountain Grove arrived on scene first and detained a male suspect later identified as Joseph V. Ross.  

Employees of the business reported that Ross had been inside the establishment yelling at and arguing with other customers. Ross was told to leave the business and exited the building. It was reported that Ross then got into a Ford truck, revved up the engine, drove the vehicle over the sidewalk, and struck the building. Customers and employees reported Ross continued to rev the vehicle’s engine, and they feared he would drive into the building again.

Deputies escorted Ross to the patrol vehicle and observed signs of intoxication. Ross was arrested for assault and driving while intoxicated and transported to the Texas County Jail.  

Texas County Prosecuting Attorney Parke Stevens charged Joseph V. Ross, age 34 of Mountain Grove, with first degree assault and driving while intoxicated.  Ross remains in custody as of press time at the Texas County Jail pending $500,000 bond.