Sarcoxie Police Department arrests two on meth, identity theft charges following traffic stop

(From the Sarcoxie Police Department)

On May 6th at 8:45pm, Officer Sweet initiated a traffic stop on a vehicle for exceeding the posted speed limit, 55mph in a 35mph.

The vehicle passed another vehicle and began to flee. The vehicle traveled west bound on Blackberry.

Once the vehicle came to the dead end, the vehicle took a right and drove through a field and fence. The vehicle then tried to make it up a hill to get on I-44. After this was not accomplished, the driver shut the vehicle off and put his hands out the window.

The driver, Kevin Becker, and passenger, Kerry Smith were compliant.

The search of the vehicle turned up a drug pipe that field tested for methamphetamine, multiple syringes and needles, three field tested positive for methamphetamine, two empty baggies with white residue that field tested positive for methamphetamine, a baggie containing a crystal-like substance that field tested positive for methamphetamine, three small metal containers found on Becker's person, two field tested positive for methamphetamine. Also found were multiple IDs and checkbooks that did not belong to either suspect.

Becker faces charges of possession of a controlled substance, possession of drug paraphernalia (methamphetamine), resisting by fleeing, and tampering with a motor vehicle, driving while suspended and speeding.

Smith faces charges of possession of drug paraphernalia (methamphetamine), identity theft and tampering with a motor vehicle.

Both Becker and Smith were transported to the Jasper County Jail on their charges without incident.

Both are innocent until proven otherwise by the courts.

Thank you Missouri State Highway Patrol and Jasper County Sheriff's Office for your assistance.