Police: Joplin man assaulted elderly couple, stole their car, drove drunk, crashed

(From the Joplin Police Department)

On April 9th, 2022 4:45 pm the Joplin Police Department Emergency Communications Center was notified of an assault and vehicle theft that had occurred at 2512 S. New Hampshire Avenue in Joplin. 

Officers responded to this location to find out the suspect had assaulted two elderly residents, stole their 2005 Toyota Tacoma pickup, and fled the scene. 

Officers were advised that the suspect, identified as Marc A. Thomas, age 27 of Joplin, resided with the elderly victims at this address. Thomas allegedly returned home the afternoon of April 9th and appeared to be under the influence of drugs. 

Thomas forced his way into a bedroom and struck an elderly female in the face, leaving a large, swollen bruise below her eye. Thomas then shoved the elderly male to the ground, causing him to strike his head on the floor. This left a large, swollen bruise on the back of his head. 

Thomas then got on top of the victim and began choking him, causing the victim to vomit. Thomas then stole keys to the victims' vehicle and fled the area. 

Officers attempted to locate the vehicle throughout the evening with no luck. At approximately 10:30 pm there was a report of a vehicle driving erratically around the Wal-Mart parking lot at 1501 S. Rangeline Road. 

The vehicle had no lights on, the driver was honking the horn and doing multiple circles around the store. The vehicle also matched the description of the stolen vehicle form this incident. 

Officers attempted to stop the vehicle near 20th and south Ozark Avenue, however it fled from officers and a vehicle pursuit ensued. The pursuit went east into Duquesne, north to Newman Road, east on Newman Road where tire deflation devices were deployed, and then went off road west of Newman Road and north Florida Avenue and crashed into a tree. 

The driver, Marc Thomas, fled from the vehicle on foot, swam across Turkey Creek and was apprehended shortly thereafter. Thomas was transported to the Joplin City Jail and criminal charges were filed by the Jasper County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office for the following: 

• Domestic Assault- 2nd Degree (D Felony)- 2 counts 

• Domestic Assault- 4 th Degree (A Misdemeanor) 

• Tampering with a Motor Vehicle- 1 st Degree (D Felony) 

• Resisting/Interfering with Arrest for a Felony (E Felony) 

• DWI (B Misdemeanor) 

Thomas was denied bond on these charges. Thomas is currently in custody at the Jasper County Jail.