Thursday, September 19, 2019

Joplin Police Officer of the Month Caleb Johnson responsible for drug arrests at Love's Truck Stop, 202 N. Monroe

(From the Joplin Police Department)

Officer Johnson is awarded Officer of the Month for July 2019.

On July 2nd Officer Johnson was at the Love’s Travel Stop and saw a vehicle at the gas pumps that had two different license plates displayed that did not check back to the vehicle. 

Ofc. Johnson contacted the driver, who was visibly nervous. While conducting his investigation, Ofc. Rich and K9 Ax responded. 

Ax alerted on the vehicle and during a search of the vehicle a bag of Methamphetamine was found in a purse along with a scale and numerous smaller zip-lock baggies. It weighed 19.9 grams. 








During a strip search at the jail, another bag of Methamphetamine was found on the suspect. This bag weighed 51.2 grams. The total amount of Methamphetamine seized was 71.1 grams. Charges were sought against a suspect for Trafficking Drugs and other traffic violations.

On July 6th Officer Johnson was patrolling near the Economy Inn and observed a suspicious vehicle on the parking lot. 

Upon running the license plate, Ofc. Johnson found the vehicle was recently involved in a larceny at Wal-Mart. 

Ofc. Johnson contacted the occupants and was able to identify a female as the offender from the larceny. 

After speaking to her, she confessed to the crime. She also admitted to having numerous items of heroin paraphernalia in her purse and in the vehicle. 

Both occupants were arrested for drug paraphernalia. The female was also charged with the theft. Another subject was also on scene and arrested on a felony warrant for Possession of a Controlled Substance.

On July 8th Officer Johnson attempted to stop a white Chevrolet Aveo at the West 7th Street Wal-Mart after the license plates came back as being not on file. 

The driver failed to stop and fled across the parking lot. Officer Johnson found the vehicle abandoned a short time later near 202 N. Monroe. 

Ofc. Johnson gave a good suspect description and noted that there were a pair of shoes right outside the driver’s door. Cpl. Kohler observed a suspect in the area, and he was wearing the same clothing, matched the suspect description and did not have any shoes on. 

The suspect was taken into custody and was found to have methamphetamine and a needle on him. 

The suspsect also made statements that confirmed he was the driver. Charges were sent for Resisting Arrest, Possession of Controlled Substance (abuse & lose), Unlawful Use of Drug Paraphernalia, and Driving While Suspended.

These are just a few examples of the high quality of contacts and investigations Officer Johnson handles during his time on duty. Officer Johnson is an asset to the Joplin Police Department and the citizens of Joplin.

Thank you, Officer Johnson, for your hard work and dedication.

Respectfully,
Matthew Stewart
Chief of Police

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