Logan Rivers named Joplin Police Officer of the Month

(From the Joplin Police Department)

We would like to recognize our May 2016 Officer of the Month, Logan Rivers:

On May 27th, 2016, Officer Rivers observed a black Hyundai Tiburon near the intersection of 32nd and S. Main Street that had been reported as a possible suspect vehicle in an armed robbery in Newton County. The same vehicle was also involved in an incident a couple of days prior where another Joplin Officer was forced off the roadway by the driver of the vehicle at that time. Officer Rivers initiated a felony vehicle stop in the 3500 block of S. Indiana Avenue due to the occupants being possibly armed.

The occupants of the vehicle at that time were identified as Dusten Banes, and Kelly Murray. Banes was arrested for an out-of-state (Arkansas) felony probation warrant. Murray was arrested for a Newton County warrant. 

Due to the odor of marijuana in the vehicle, K-9 Officer Rich, and partner Ax conducted a search of the vehicle. K-9 Ax indicated the presence of illegal narcotics inside the vehicle. 

During a search of the vehicle officers located a loaded .22 caliber handgun in Murray’s purse along with a marijuana pipe. A black bag was located in the back passenger seat that contained several pills, and drug paraphernalia. 

Additional charges of Possession of a Controlled Substance, and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia were filed against Dusten Bane. Kelly Murray was also charged with Possession of Drug Paraphernalia. 

Due to Officer Rivers perceptive observations, and being cognizant of recent investigative information he was able to identify and stop the vehicle resulting in the arrest of both suspects. Officer Rivers’ actions also allowed the Newton County Sheriff’s Office to respond to the location, and was able to assist their investigators with the armed robbery investigation that occurred in their jurisdiction. 

Officer Rivers proactive approach to his duties resulted in the clearance of a felony and misdemeanor warrant. His actions detected, and removed illegal narcotics and drug paraphernalia from circulation or use in the general public. He assisted an outside agency with an on-going felony investigation, and identified the subjects associated with the suspect vehicle.

On several occasions Officer Rivers has shown that he stays abreast of information related to on-going investigations, and utilizes that information in a proactive manner during his patrol duties. 

Respectfully,

Matthew Stewart
Chief of Police