PRESS RELEASES
PRESS RELEASE
Date: December 6, 2007
Contact: Sheriff Robbie Crites
On Thursday, December 6, 2007, at approximately 1627 hours a Howell County
Sheriff’s Office patrol car was involved in a two car crash just south of
Houston, Missouri on U.S. Highway 63. A Howell County prisoner transport guard,
Laura J. Whittingham, age 35, and a female prisoner, Lisa G. Oliver, 36, were
both fatally injured. Deputy Sheriff Dennis D. Maddux, 53, and a male prisoner,
Larry A. Marsh, 33, were both seriously injured and transported from Texas
County Memorial Hospital in Houston to Springfield hospitals. At last report
Deputy Maddux was listed in critical condition. No further report was available
on Marsh.
Sheriff Robbie Crites stated, “First, our thoughts and prayers go to the
families of both Laura and Ms. Oliver. Laura was the only female student in the
new Sheriffs’ Academy and was well liked by her classmates and instructors. She
always wanted to ‘out do the boys’, and usually did. She has helped us out on
numerous transports and was a good guard, very conscious of her duty. She will
be missed both professionally and personally. My thoughts are with her husband,
children and the rest of her family.”
“We’re also thinking of Dennis and Mr. Marsh. Dennis is an extremely
professional deputy, a hard worker and highly thought of by fellow employees and
supervisors. Our prayers are with him for a speedy recovery.”
Both prisoners were being transported back to the Howell County Jail from the
Missouri Department of Corrections for further court action in Howell County.
The traffic accident is being investigated by the Missouri State Highway Patrol
Major Crash Squad. Sheriff Crites also added, “I want thank Sheriff Carl Watson
and his deputies, the Missouri State Highway Patrol, the doctors and staff at
Texas County Memorial Hospital, and everyone else who were so helpful to me and
our people in a very difficult time.”
###
Date: March 23, 2007
New Emergency Lighting for Patrol Cars
"Safer for all motorists and deputies" is how Howell County Sheriff Robbie
Crites describes new lightbars now being installed on his agencies patrol cars.
The lightbars utilize the latest state-of-the-art LED technology and are much
brighter and safer than traditional "rotator" lightbars. According to Sheriff
Crites, "Our old lightbars had rotator lights which used gears, small motors and
bulbs that all wore out and had to be replaced. In addition, they had large
plastic lenses that became cloudy and had to be replaced often just to see the
lights inside. The new light bars have no moving parts, are much brighter, the
color purity is greater and the LED bulbs burn for several thousand hours. Also,
they are lighter and have a lower profile for better fuel economy."
With these added features, Sheriff Crites believes that safety will be enhanced
for all motorists as well as his deputies, "The difference will be noticed. This
will help other motorists see the patrol cars as we are responding to
emergencies and help protect emergency responders while we are assisting at an
accident scene or stopped on the side of the road."
A new feature of the lightbars are "cruiser lights", which will be used by
deputies at night while conducting patrols. "The cruiser lights are dim red and
blue LED lights that can be turned on by deputies when they patrol a
neighborhood or business area so the residents know it's a patrol car. Hopefully
this will make our citizens more aware of our patrol presence."
Sheriff Crites also added, "The monies to purchase these lightbars were obtained
from criminal forfeiture funds. No tax money was used to purchase these lights.
It is a great use of these monies, which were profits from criminal enterprise
here in Howell County, to enhance the safety of the public and officers."
The lightbars were manufactured in the USA by the Whelen Corporation and
purchased from OMB Police Express in Kansas City. The lights were installed
locally by Frosty Towers of West Plains.
###
Date: March 6, 2007
Deputies Investigate Shots Fired Into Business
On March 5, 2007 at 10:42 p.m., the Howell County Sheriff’s Office received a
call from West Plains Motorsports, 4945 US Highway 160, just west of West
Plains, to report shots fired into the business. Deputy Jason Long arrived at
10:47 p.m. and was told by the victims that the suspect vehicle had returned,
fired more shots in their direction, and fled just moments before Deputy Long
arrived. Deputies and Troopers from the Missouri State Highway Patrol searched
the surrounding area but were unable to locate a suspect vehicle.
The victims, Bruce A. Pucket, West Plains, and Kerry B. Fields, Mtn. View, AR,
both reported being inside the building and hearing what they believed were
gunshots, then a loud vehicle drive away. They went outside and discovered what
appeared to be numerous bullet holes in windows and exterior walls. While
outside, the suspect vehicle allegedly returned and fired more shots.
Evidence of the shooting was collected at the scene and the Criminal
Investigations Division of the Sheriff’s Office is following leads. The suspect
vehicle is described as a red or maroon Chevrolet, with loud exhaust, and an
“Airgate” style tailgate. Anyone with information concerning the incident should
call the Howell County Sheriff’s Office Investigations Division at 417-256-2544.
The Sheriff’s Office would like to express appreciation to the West Plains
Police Department and the Missouri State Highway Patrol for their assistance.
###
March 1, 2007
On March 1, 2007, Howell County was struck by at least one tornado causing one
fatality, 4 injuries and damaging several buildings. The tornado was first
reported at 06:39 a.m. in the southwest corner of the county near Caulfield and
caused damage to at least two business.
The storm apparently tracked northeast toward the Cureall and Pottersville area
causing more damage to houses and barns. Just south of AB Highway, the storm
struck causing damage to several houses before striking a mobile home belonging
to the Jay Croney family. The residence was destroyed and one resident suffered
fatal injuries. She has been identified as Elizabeth Ann Croney, age 7. Her
parents, Jay and Tamara Croney, along with 10 year old Anthony Croney and 8 year
old Austin Croney were transported to area hospitals with injuries ranging from
minor to serious.
The storm continued northeast toward West Plains and struck several more houses
and barns behind the Fairview School/K Highway area. The storm was observed by
spotters in this area and dissipated just west of the city limits of West
Plains. No other injuries were reported.
Sheriff Crites had these comments, “It is truly a tragedy for this family and
our community. Our thoughts and prayers are with the entire family and their
friends. They are well known in this area as hard-working, good people.”
Sheriff Crites wished to thank the prompt responses from all Howell County area
emergency responders, including Howell Rural Fire Department, Pottersville Fire
Department, Caulfield Fire Department, Bakersfield Fire Department, West Plains
Fire Department, South Howell County Ambulance, Air-Evac, Hammonds LifeLine, Cox
AirCare, Howell County 911, West Plains Police Department, St. John’s Ambulance,
Willow Springs Ambulance, Ozarks Medical Center, Howell County Road and Bridge,
Howell County Commission, Howell County Emergency Preparedness, Howell County
Red Cross Chapter and Howell County Assessor’s Office.
####
Date: January 14, 2007
Nearly 37 Pounds of Marijuana and Over $44,000 Seized in Search
After a joint effort between the Howell County Sheriff’s Office, the South
Central Drug Task Force and the West Plains Police Department, approximately 37
pounds of processed marijuana and $44,205 in cash were seized from a Howell
County residence late Saturday night. According to Sheriff Robbie Crites, this
seizure is believed to be one of the largest processed marijuana seizures in
Howell County history.
An investigation initiated by a West Plains Police Officer led to the joint
investigation in which the search warrant was obtained. Howell County Deputies
and other officers executed the search warrant at the home of Jerry and Vicki
Hanley, 7224 County Road 4870, just west of West Plains shortly after 10 p.m.
Saturday and discovered the large amount of marijuana along with the cash. Other
items seized include 17 firearms, scales, packaging materials, drug
paraphernalia and surveillance equipment.
Approximately 37 pounds of marijuana was found in two compressed bricks and an
additional small amount was found in individual packages. Officials estimate the
street value of the marijuana at $89,600. Both Jerry and Vicki Hanley were
arrested at the residence and transported to the Howell County Jail. Both have
been charged with Class B Felony Possession of a Controlled Substance with
Intent to Distribute and are being held under $75,000 bond each. In addition,
authorities with the South Central Drug Task Force have said federal charges are
likely.
Sheriff Crites commented on the raid, “Besides the obvious dangers, marijuana is
truly a gateway drug. It seems to get people introduced to the drug subculture
and when people become involved in that ring and have those contacts in the drug
world, many will continue to experiment and become addicted to other drugs, such
as methamphetamine. Like most of our large drug busts, this was another example
of the cooperation found in our County’s law enforcement community.”
Sheriff Crites wished to thank all agencies involved with the investigation and
the search, including the Howell County Sheriff’s Office, the South Central Drug
Task Force, the West Plains Police Department, the Missouri State Highway
Patrol, the Missouri Department of Conservation and the U.S. Forest Service.
###
Date: November 29, 2006
DEPUTIES ARREST WANTED FELON AFTER LENGTHY PURSUIT
Deputies with the Howell County Sheriff’s Office arrested Mark R. Gitzen, age 38
of Thayer, Missouri, today at 11:34 a.m. after a 40 mile pursuit that ended in
Douglas County. Gitzen, who was considered armed and dangerous, was wanted on a
felony parole violation warrant (original charge of Delivery or Manufacture or
Possess of Controlled Substance) and several Thayer city charges.
The pursuit began after Howell County Sheriff’s Investigator Shannon Caldwell
spotted Gitzen driving a green 1995 Thunderbird in West Plains. He attempted to
stop the vehicle on Missouri Avenue where Deputy Don Reid and Lt. Gary Lambe
where parked and outside their vehicle with emergency lights activated. Gitzen
sped away, nearly striking Reid and Lambe. The pursuit then continued on
Missouri Avenue, crossing Broadway. At West Main, Gitzen turned west headed
toward the City Park where he nearly struck Sheriff Robbie Crites head-on. The
pursuit continued north on Porter Waggoner Boulevard and onto U.S. 63 until
Gitzen turned west on State Route 14. Near the Douglas County line Sheriff
Crites sought and received permission to enter into Douglas County from Sheriff
Gary Koop. At this time, Gitzen swerved to avoid a large turtle in the roadway
and his left front tire blew out, however, he continued west. Missouri State
Highway Patrol Trooper Steven Cunningham deployed spike strips at the
intersection of State Routes 14 and 95, succesfully deflating the remaining
three tires. Gitzen’s vehicle then veered into the ditch and came to a rest.
Gitzen was taken into custody without further incident.
Upon searching the vehicle, an active methamphetamine lab was discovered, as
well as a police scanner, two cell phones, a hangman’s noose, gun powder,
prescription medications, and a walkie-talkie.
Gitzen is facing the no-bond Parole Violation warrant along with three Thayer
municipal warrants for Careless Driving, Fail To Yield To An Emergency Vehicle
and Resisting Arrest. Several more charges against Gitzen will be sought
following today’s pursuit.
Sheriff Crites commented on the pursuit, “We had information that Gitzen was in
the West Plains area and knew that he was wanted. From his past run-ins with law
enforcement he is considered violent and armed and dangerous. Fortunately, we
were able to bring him back to jail without injury to anyone else.” Sheriff
Crites would like to express appreciation to his dispatch and office staff who
assisted with communications during the lengthy pursuit which reached speeds in
excess of 100 miles per hour. Also, the Sheriff would like to thank the West
Plains Police Department, the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office, the Missouri
Department of Conservation and Trooper Cunningham and the Missouri State Highway
Patrol for their assistance.
###
Date: August 21, 2006
Sheriff Warns of Possible Scams
Howell County Sheriff Robbie Crites warns area citizens and business owners of
attempted scams going on in Missouri and across the United States. In recent
months, several business owners have been approached either by phone or email,
by persons from Nigeria or other African countries. In most cases, the person
wishes to purchase items, ranging from boat equipment, DVD’s and tractor parts,
by credit card. The contact is usually made either by a simulated computerized
voice or by email directly to the business. Many times the credit card is
rejecting and the person gives one or two more until one clears. In other cases,
the person wants to send a money order for a much higher amount than the
purchase amount and have the excess money returned. The money order is usually a
counterfeit but initially clears many banks or stores.
“What happens is these people in foreign nations are using stolen credit card
numbers that they scammed out of a victim or they are using counterfeit money
orders or checks. Usually the fraudulent devices clear a step or two and the
items are sent. After the items are shipped, the fraud is discovered and the
victim is left holding the bag” said Sheriff Crites.
According to Sheriff Crites, the foreign governments are not willing to
cooperate with the United States officials to stop this activity. It has been
reported that in some nations, the number one source of income is fraud against
United States citizens and business owners. Sheriff Crites also warned that
internet auction sites, such as eBay, has been a playground for con-artists. “On
eBay, a person may contact you by email wanting to buy something direct rather
than through the auction process. Let’s say an item is $35. They ask to send you
a money order for $100 and you are to send them the change. The money order
initially clears the bank and you send the item and return the money, then
discover it was a counterfeit money order. This type of fraud has actually
prompted some banks to stop taking money orders.”
The Sheriff also offered these tips:
• If you receive an inquiry from a person from a foreign nation, especially
Nigeria, use caution.
• Only accept money orders for the exact amount. Hold the product until the
money order completely clears the bank.
• If the person wants you to ship the product to someone other than them, ask
for the name and phone number of the other person so you can confirm it is a
legitimate person.
• Do not hesitate to contact the credit card company to check the credit card
numbers.
Anytime you feel suspicious about a transaction, contact the Howell County
Sheriff’s Office-Criminal Investigations Division at 417-256-2544, or any other
law enforcement agency.
###
DATE: August 11, 2006
FEDERAL AGENTS & SHERIFFS’ DEPUTIES RAID
LARGE MOONSHINE OPERATION
On Thursday, August 10, 2006, members of the Howell County Sheriff’s Office, the
U.S. Department of Treasury Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms, the South
Central Drug Task Force and the Missouri State Alcohol and Tobacco Control Unit
executed a Federal search warrant near Peace Valley in rural Howell County,
Missouri.
A large scale illicit alcohol production operation was discovered and two local
men were taken into federal custody. The illicit alcohol, better known as
“moonshine”, was reportedly being distributed throughout the region and
available in Howell County drinking establishments.
A complaint filed in U.S. District Court in Springfield alleges that undercover
officers have purchased the moonshine on several occasions.
According to Peter Lobdell, Director of the State Alcohol and Tobacco Control
Unit, “This is the largest illegal still taken out of operation in Missouri in
over 30 years.”
“There are obvious health concerns when you see how this product is being
manufactured. In my opinion, this is very comparable to a toxic methamphetamine
lab in terms of the poor sanitation found in this type of operation. Also, we
have received numerous complaints and concerns about moonshine being available
in the local area and instances of it ending up in the possession of minors”
said Sheriff Robbie Crites.
The Sheriff stated he would like to thank the participating agencies for their
cooperation in the investigation. He also added that anyone with further
information about this or other operations, or who have concerns about illicit
alcohol, please contact the Criminal Investigations Division of the Howell
County Sheriff’s Office.
###
Date: August 7, 2006
PARENTS & STUDENTS REMINDED OF SCHOOL VIOLENCE HOTLINE
1-866-748-7047
Missouri School Violence Hotline
www.schoolviolencehotline.com
With the first day of school just around the corner, Howell County Sheriff
Robbie Crites would like to remind all area parents and students of Missouri’s
School Violence Hotline. The Hotline allows for concerned members of the public
to relay threats of violence to the proper authorities within the appropriate
school district and law enforcement community.
The information received from callers is gathered on a centralized data base
then the information is faxed to the appropriate school district and law
enforcement authorities. “Our goal, combined with school officials and juvenile
authorities, is to reduce violence within our schools. The hotline is an
excellent tool and has been used successfully here in Howell County in the past.
I want to encourage anyone with information they feel is important about school
violence to call” said Sheriff Crites.
The hotline is staffed Monday through Friday from 7:00 am to 6:00 pm. Outside
the hours, callers are encouraged to call their local law enforcement agency.
The Missouri School Violence Hotline is a statewide service that began operation
on October 1, 2001. Funds are made available for this project through the
Missouri Department of Public Safety and the Missouri Juvenile Justice Advisory
Group from funding provided by the U.S. Department of Justice, Office of
Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention.
###
Date: July 28, 2006
MAJOR LAW ENFORCEMENT OPERATION RESULTS IN NUMEROUS
DRUG DISTRIBUTION ARRESTS
A joint effort between federal, state, county and city law enforcement officials
resulted in the arrests of 45 individuals stemming from an undercover drug
operation. At 5:00 a.m. on Thursday, July 27, more than 40 law officers
assembled at the Howell County Sheriff’s Office armed with warrants from a
Howell County grand jury. According to Sheriff Crites, “The large majority of
the warrants were for distribution of prescription medications. The diversion of
medication is a huge problem not only here in south-central Missouri, but across
the whole nation. It really creates a challenge for law enforcement.”
The investigation was conducted by members of the South Cental Drug Task Force (SCDTF).
Of the 45 individuals accounted for, 93 warrants were cleared from this
investigation and an additional 4 persons were arrested on unrelated warrants.
There are approximately 25 more warrants to be served and work is underway to
locate these individuals. A total of 58 persons were indicted in this
investigation (many individuals had more than one warrant resulting in more than
120 charges). A spokesman from the SCDTF said this arrest effort is the largest
drug “round-up” in Howell County history.
The SCDTF is one of the few drug task forces in the country that is jointly
operated by federal, state and local authorities. Sheriff Crites, Project
Director of the SCDTF commented, “The cooperation between the US Forest Service,
the Missouri State Highway Patrol and local officials is a great thing for rural
Missouri. I truly want to the thank both the Forest Service and the Patrol for
all they do to keep the day-to-day operations of the Task Force going.”
Agencies participating in the operation include officers from the South Central
Drug Task Force, US Forest Service, Missouri State Highway Patrol, Bureau of
Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Missouri
Probation and Parole, Howell County Sheriff’s Office, Mountain View Police,
Willow Springs Police, and the West Plains Police. The Sheriff would also like
to offer a large thank-you to the jail staff at the Sheriff’s Office for their
efficient work and professionalism in handling such large numbers of inmates.
This operation was conducted in conjunction with other nation-wide sweeps of
drug offenders coordinated through the National Alliance of State Drug
Enforcement Agencies.
###
Date: July 12, 2006
West Plains Police and Howell County Sheriff Receive Livescan Fingerprint
Machines
The Howell County Sheriff’s Office and the West Plains Police Department have
both recently been awarded “Livescan” Fingerprint Machines, valued at $32,000
each. The machines are part of a state-wide joint grant between the State
Emergency Management Agency, the Missouri Police Chiefs Association and the
Missouri Sheriffs’ Association. The funds are the result of SEMA and the Police
Chiefs and Sheriffs’ cooperating together to pursue federal Homeland Security
monies. The only cost to the City and County will be a annual maintenance fee of
$2500. Statewide, 125 machines were awarded to city and county law enforcement
agencies as a part of this grant.
The fingerprint machine actually scans the person’s prints in real time and are
automatically downloaded directly to the Missouri State Highway Patrol
Fingerprint Repository in Jefferson City and then on to the FBI. This process
will virtually eliminate the old ink process and will drastically decrease the
waiting period to receive confirmation back from the Patrol or FBI. The ability
to correctly identify subjects with multiple identifications will be greatly
enhanced and the time spent on fingerprinting with the ink and paper will also
be reduced.
Each Officer and Deputy in the local agencies will receive a six hour
instruction course on the machines. Three Deputies and two Police Officers
recently completed the instructor training course in order to have the training
brought back to the local agencies. The machines were installed last week at
both facilities and are expected to be in-service upon the completion of the
training.
###
Date: June 30, 2006
Sheriffs’ Deputies Begin Monthly Legal Examinations
Howell County Sheriff Robbie Crites has announced that he along with his Deputy
Sheriff’s are participating in monthly legal examinations. The exams are
administered on a secured website and focus on up-to-date legal issues. Each
Deputy takes the exam every month and at the end of the year are awarded with
Continuing Education Units that are required to keep his or her POST (Peace
Officer Standards and Training) License.
According to the Sheriff, “Many of the topics we see in the monthly test are
from the latest Missouri and U.S. Supreme Court decisions. The tests are an
excellent tool to keep all of us aware of changes in criminal law that occur
every month.” The May exam, for example, focused on a U.S. Supreme Court
decision made in late March concerning a warrantless search of a residence. The
May exam also highlighted legal guidelines for photo lineups, civil lawsuits
concerning law enforcement administrators and issues concerning false arrest.
The test is written and designed by Police Legal Sciences of Washington, Iowa
and each exam is customized for Missouri Peace Officers. According to the Police
Legal Sciences website the company’s goal is to “...strengthen a police
officer’s capacity to make good decisions. A good decision is defined as one
that : a) is ethical; b) correctly follows the applicable statutory and case law
of the specific jurisdiction; and c) promotes respect for the law and for law
enforcement officers.”
###
Date: May 3, 2006
Mississippi Fugitive Arrested in Howell County
Members of the Central Mississippi Fugitive Task Force (Jackson, MS), the Howell
County Sheriff’s Office, and the United States Marshal Service (Springfield, MO)
apprehended a fugitive from Madison County, Mississippi on Tuesday in Howell
County.
According to the Central Mississippi Fugitive Task Force, Betty June Ashcraft
had been charged with 2 Counts of Possession of Marijuana with intention to
convey or distribute in a drug operation near Jackson, Mississippi. During her
2002 trial, Ashcraft, who was free on bond, left the courtroom during jury
deliberations and failed to return. Ashcraft was then found guilty and sentenced
to 35 years and a $1.5 million fine. She had been sought by local and federal
authorities for the past 4 years and was using the alias of “Virginia Mae
Gonzalez”.
Federal authorities had developed information that Ashcraft was living at 2608
Burke Street in West Plains. The United State Marshal Service then contacted the
Sheriff’s Office and the arrest was made without incident at 4:20 p.m. at 3336
North Highway 63.
###
Date: April 13, 2006
DEPUTIES NOW EQUIPPED WITH TASERS
Members of the Howell County Sheriff’s Office are now equipped with X26 TASERS.
All Patrol Deputies, Investigators, Court Security Officers, Civil Process
Deputies and Jailors are being trained in the use of the TASER. Deputy Jared
Peterman and Deputy Joey Kentner recently successfully completed TASER
Instructor Certification and are conducting the training for the Sheriff’s
Office.
According to Sheriff Robbie Crites, the X-26 TASERS are one of the most advanced
tools in law enforcement technology. “One of the best advantages of the TASER is
the psychological advantage. Most people have seen the tremendous effects of
this weapon on television and many times situations are defused by the mere
display of the TASER. We hope to utilize this tool in conjunction with good
verbal commands and communication in order to avoid deadly-force encounters.
Also the TASERS have proved successful in limiting injuries to citizens,
deputies and suspects.”
Each officer completed a course on the TASER including a written test and a 2-5
second exposure to the device. One TASER will be assigned to the Courthouse, one
in the Jail and four will be available for other deputies.
###
Bomb Threat at Howell County Factory
Date: April 12, 2006
On April 11, 2006 at approximately 1113 hours, an employee at Royal Oaks
Charcoal received a bomb threat by telephone. The facility was immediately
evacuated. Officers from the Howell County Sheriff’s Office responded along with
the West Plains Fire Department. Because of the extensive size of the facility
and the large amount of flammable liquid and material, the search of the
facility took approximately two and a half hours. Approximately 40 fire
personnel from various departments assisted in the search. No device or
suspicious items were located.
According to Sheriff Robbie Crites, “Any bomb threat is taken seriously.
Unfortunately in this post-September 11 era that we live in we have to be even
more aware and concerned over these types matters. The nature of the Royal Oaks
facility with the particular materials they have made the potential of a bomb
even more dangerous. I want to thank the staff at Royal Oaks for their
assistance. We have a superb working relationship with our local fire
departments and ambulance services. Without their cooperation, we would have a
hard time doing a safe search and covering that large of a facility. We are
following some leads on the threat and we are confident the matter will be
resolved with prosecution of the caller and any others involved.”
The Sheriff’s Office would like to thank all agencies involved including West
Plains Fire Department, Pottersville Fire Department, Eleven Point Fire
Department, Mountain View Fire Department, Howell Rural Fire Department, Peace
Valley Fire Department, Pomona Fire Department, Lanton Fire Department, Rover
Fire Department, Willow Springs Fire Department and South Howell County
Ambulance.
###
Date: December 30, 2005
Amber Alert Issued, Child Found
On December 29, 2005 at approximately 1545 the Howell County Sheriff’s Office
received information of a possible child abduction at 7744 County Road 3440,
just northwest of Mountain View, Missouri. Upon investigation it was discovered
that a 10 year-old female, Kodi Nicole McCloskey had been taken from the yard of
her grandparents. A 8 year-old female relative of the child was unable to
recognize any of the three females who took the child. Both young children were
from out of the area and visiting relatives.
Information was developed that the mother of the child had possibly taken the
child, however, law enforcement authorities were unable to confirm this. After
speaking to other family members, the Sheriff’s Office made the decision to
handle the situation as an abduction.
At approximately 1725 hours a local and nationwide Amber Alert was initiated by
the Howell County Sheriff’s Office. At approximately 2120 hours, the mother of
the child heard the Amber Alert and placed a phone call to the Howell County
Sheriff Robbie Crites. She was instructed to go to the nearest Sheriff’s Office.
At approximately 2135 hours the Camden County Sheriff’s Office confirmed that
the child was with her mother, safe and unharmed. The Camden County Sheriff’s
Office further investigated that the mother and father are separated and no
legal custody issues have been determined in court. No further criminal action
is expected.
On the issuing of the Amber Alert, Sheriff Crites said, “It proved successful.
We had numerous calls and tips, ultimately the mother heard the alert and we
were able to confirm, through law enforcement, that the child was safe. We were
99% sure that the situation was a custody dispute, but until I am 100% sure, I’m
going to err on doing all we can to locate the child. I want to thank the Ozarks
Radio Network for the work they have done in establishing the local Amber Alert
system, as well as the numerous media outlet across the state for their
cooperation.”
The matter was investigated by the Howell County Sheriff’s Office with
cooperation from the Mountain View Police Department, the Missouri State Highway
Patrol, the Rolla Police Department, the Phelps County Sheriff’s Office, and the
Camden County Sheriff’s Office.
###