West Plains Police Department

Arrests

August 28

Kelby Dean Hutsler, Jr, 22, failure to appear (two counts)

Jared Lee Simpson, 27, fail to obey lawful order, stealing/larceny/theft

Dalton James McDaniel, 23, failure to appear

August 29

Mike Edward Scranlin, 46, protective custody

James Alton Reeder, 35, fail to obey lawful order, resisting arrest, trespassing

Stephanie Gaffey, 43, failure to appear

August 30

Russell A Killion, 29, license required

Rodney Wayne Merriman, 48, protective custody

August 31

Mike Edward Scranlin, 46, protective custody

September 1

Clinton A Reeves, 22, failure to appear

September 2

Mikayla Rose Hewitt, 22, failure to appear

Joshua K Benson, 49, failure to appear

 

Calls for Service

August 28

Officer Ivie Powell took a theft report. An individual reported their wallet stolen and when found, it was missing debit cards and cash. The matter is under investigation.

Animal Control Officer Brad Jones responded to Joe Jones Blvd in reference to a subject dropping off a dog and then leaving. He identified the subject and issued a citation for animal neglect and abandonment.

Officer Connor Burnes took a report of property damage when an individual reported a broken window. The case is under investigation.

Officer Heuchelin spoke with a highly intoxicated individual causing a disturbance. He took the subject into custody for a 12-hour protective hold.

August 29

Officers responded to West First Street for a report of a burglary in progress. Investigation found a subject broke into a building and locked themselves in a bathroom, refusing to come out. Officers eventually made contact with the subject and took them into custody. 

The Southwest MO Cyber Crimes Task Force conducted an online investigation on a peer-to-peer (P2P) network for offenders sharing child sexual abuse material (CSAM). Officers initiated an investigation for a device at a specific Internet Protocol (IP) address associated with a link referencing at least one file identified as being a file of interest. The suspect resides in the Aurora, Lawrence County, Missouri, area. The investigation is on-going. 

Officer Robert Shell took a report on Kentucky of stealing. He identified a suspect and charges are being sought.

August 30

Officer Whitley Clark took a report of a juvenile in possession of a nicotine vape. A juvenile referral will be forwarded to the Howell County Juvenile Office.

Officer Shell responded to Abe Taylor for a domestic disturbance. 

Cpl. Trent Kinder assisted Howell County Deputies with an out-of-control juvenile on Allen Street. EMS transported the juvenile for mental evaluation.

Officer Brent Keepes responded to Casey’s on Gibson Street for an intoxicated subject. They took the subject into custody for a 12-hour protective hold.

August 31

The Douglas County Sheriff Department requested a digital forensic extraction be conducted on a cellular device as part of an on-going investigation within their jurisdiction. Det. Joe Neuschwander completed the process, and the device and forensic report were provided to the case agent. 

Officer Burnes took a report of a juvenile found to be in possession of a nicotine vape product. The case will be forwarded to the Juvenile Office.

Officer Chris Siegrist responded to Holiday Lane in reference to a stealing report. The case is under investigation. 

Officer Siegrist responded to Kentucky Ave in reference to a property damage report. The case is considered closed due to lack of evidence.

Officer Keepes responded to Davidson Dr for a subject reported to have delusions. Investigation found a verbal domestic occurred. No charges will be sought.

Officer Keepes received a call to Snappy Mart for an intoxicated person trespassing. He placed the subject on a 12-hour protective hold. 

Officer Daiman Meyer responded to Pamela Drive for an unresponsive individual. Investigation found the person deceased from natural causes. The case is closed due to no apparent foul play.

September 1

While on routine patrol Sgt. Joshua Wichowski noticed an open door on a business on Porter Wagoner Blvd. He completed a security check of the building and secured the door.

Officer Austin Deshazo responded to Opal Avenue for a report of a medical emergency. He found medical responders preforming resuscitation efforts on an individual later determined deceased. Investigation found no foul play involved. This case is considered closed.

Officer Deshazo received a report from Division Drive of two runaway juveniles. The case is considered open pending the apprehension of the juveniles.

Officer Barrett responded to the intersection of Jan Howard Expressway and Broadway for a report of a two-vehicle accident with one leaving the scene. 

Officer Burnes received a report of a juvenile found to be in possession of a nicotine vape product. The case will be forwarded to the Juvenile Court.

Officer Mingus took a report from Worley Dr for stealing. The case will be forwarded to the West Plains Police Department Detective Division.

The Douglas County Sheriff Department requested the assistance of the Southwest MO Cyber Crimes Task Force concerning an abandoned USB storage device containing files depicting child sexual abuse material. The investigation is on-going.  

Officer Stephens assisted Howell County Deputies take two subjects into custody. Investigation found the subjects were cutting the lock to a storage unit they rented, and officers released them. 

September 2

Sgt. Wichowski responded to the Don Warden Park for a report of an individual in the park after hours. Upon further investigation he identified a subject in the area with active warrants. The subject attempted to flee and resist officers before placed under lawful arrest and determined to be in possession of drug paraphernalia. 

Officer Siegrist responded to Burgoyne in reference to a disturbance. They transported one individual for mental evaluation.

Officer Shell responded to Dogwood for a domestic disturbance. 

Officer Mingus took a report of a possible violation of a protection order.

Officers assisted the Howell County Sheriff's Office involved in a vehicle pursuit in which the suspect vehicle crashed on State Route K then fled the area on foot. They were unable to locate the suspect. One West Plains Police Department vehicle and one Howell County Sheriff's Office vehicle were damaged after they collided with low hanging power lines across the roadway.

September 3

Officer Barrett took a report of a stolen motorcycle. The case will be forwarded to the Detective Division.

Officer Mingus responded to Holiday Lane for a report of an assault. The case is under investigation.