Joplin woman in critical condition, Afton woman seriously injured in head-on crash on 43

(From the Joplin Police Department)

On 2-07-2018 at 9:23 a.m. the Joplin Police Department responded to 4600 South 43 Highway for a serious crash. 

Jennifer D. Dumas, 28, Joplin, was southbound on 43 Highway driving a 2008 Black Chevy Impala. Dumas crossed the center line and hit Maria E. Leonard, 48, Afton, Oklahoma, head on. Leonard was driving a 2006 Gray Honda Accord.

Jennifer Dumas is listed in critical condition at a Joplin hospital with life threatening injuries. Maria Leonard is listed in serious but stable condition at a Springfield hospital.

Our department learned while responding to the crash that there had been a disturbance at Rapid Roberts Truck Stop, 4549 South 43 Highway, before the crash. 

The disturbance involved Jennifer Dumas and her black Chevy Impala, along with another vehicle. The black Impala and the other vehicle were both driving carelessly on the parking lot of Rapid Robert’s and the outer road, before proceeding southbound on 43 and the crash occurring. The other vehicle and its driver have been located and identified.

Several witnesses notified us of the events that occurred before the crash. However, we still ask anyone that saw the disturbance, the careless driving, the crash or any other events during this incident to please contact us at 417-623-3131, attention Detective Cpl. Ben Cooper at extension 440. 

The Joplin Police Department’s Major Crash Team and the Joplin Police Department Detective Division are handling this investigation, which is ongoing.