Vehicles Stolen in West Plains Recovered

On January 13, investigators with the West Plains Police Department and the Howell County Sheriff’s Office received information regarding the location of a stolen 2020 Ford F-150 truck which was reported stolen to the Police Department on January 10. Investigators from both agencies arrived on scene, located the truck, and took one suspect into custody who was transported to the Howell County Jail. 

The suspect, identified as 23-year-old Jayson A. McDaniel, from Pomona, was formally charged on January 14 by the Howell County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office with one count of first degree tampering with a motor vehicle. Bond was set at $5,000 dollars cash or corporate surety.

McDaniel is currently on parole from the Missouri Department of Corrections for prior felony convictions including possession of controlled substance(s) and forgery. Another suspect, identified as 37 year old Christopher M. Smith, is still at large. 

On the same day, investigators received information from a community member to provide a location for a van stolen from Ozarks Healthcare. The van was located on County Road 9180. Investigators arrived at the location, located the van, and discovered it was missing all four tires, two wheels, and catalytic converters and had extensive damage to the steering column. The suspect(s) in this matter are still at large. 

If anyone has information on the location of Christopher M. Smith or suspect information on the theft of the OHC van, they are asked to contact the West Plains Police Department at 417-256-2244 or at crimetips@westplains.net. 

The West Plains Police Department would like to thank the Howell County Sheriff’s Office, the community and the local media for their assistance in these investigations.