Seneca Police Department arrests fleeing suspect on drug charges

(From the Seneca Police Department)

On 3/3/20, Officer Zimmerman made a traffic stop at Hwy 60/Steele Ln for an equipment violation. The driver, Benjamin English had 2 warrants. 

One warrant was out of Joplin for: Larceny Petit Theft and the other warrant was out of Seneca for: FTA on Defective Equipment. English was arrested and transported to Newton County Jail.

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On 3/1/20, Officer Thiel attempted an investigative traffic stop at Washington/Sherwood.

The vehicle failed to yield and a pursuit began. The vehicle was spiked at Redbud/Crane. 

The driver jumped out and ran but Officer Thiel was able to apprehend the suspect. The driver was arrested and cited for Felony Possession of Controlled a Substance (through Newton County Prosecutor’s Office.) 

The driver was also charged through the City of Seneca for: DWR, DWI, Failed to Yield to Emergency Vehicle, Obstructing Police, and C&I Driving. The driver was transported to Newton County Jail.

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On 3/1/20, Officer Zimmerman made a traffic stop at the laundromat for an equipment violation.

Shelly Whitetree had a Newton County warrant for: Passing a Bad Check with a $6000.00 NO CODE bond. She also had a Seneca warrant for: FTA on a U-Turn. Whitetree was arrested and transported to Newton County Jail.

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On 2/29/20, Officer Zimmerman made a traffic stop at Hwy 60/Steele lane for an equipment violation.

The driver was arrested and cited for: DWR, No Insurance, and Failure to Register Motor Vehicle. The driver was transported to Newton County Jail.

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On 2/27/20, Officer Thiel attempted a traffic stop at K Hwy/Strait St for an equipment violation. The vehicle failed to stop and a pursuit began.

The vehicle ran through the intersection at Maple and Condor. A male driver fled the vehicle into a dark field. 

A check of the VIN on the vehicle determined that it was stolen out of Carthage. A search for the driver was unsuccessful. The passenger was released and the vehicle was towed. The driver has been identified.

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On 2/23/20, Officer Thiel made a traffic stop at Cemetery Rd/Stateline for an equipment violation. The driver, Brandon Lemons was DWR. Lemons also had a Christian County warrant for: Possession of Controlled Substance. Lemons was arrested and transported to Newton County Jail.