Joplin man, Miami woman arrested in stolen truck after pursuit

(From the Joplin Police Department)

On July 22nd, 2023, an officer with the Joplin Police Department attempted to conduct a traffic stop on a red 2019 Ford F-150 near 44th and Rangeline Road for traffic violations. The truck failed to stop for officers and a pursuit was initiated. 

A deputy with the Newton County Sheriff’s Office deployed tire deflation devices near that area but the truck continued to flee. An officer with Joplin PD was also able to deploy tire deflation devices again on the truck as it fled on Gateway Drive. 

The truck, which was partially driving on bare rims, continued until coming to a stop on Gum Road just south of Joplin. An adult male driver and an adult female passenger were detained without further incident. 

The driver has been identified as Jamie D. Hodges, age 45 of Joplin and the passenger has been identified as Jayde A. Uto, age 33 of Miami, Oklahoma. 

During an investigation following the pursuit, it was confirmed the truck the suspects were in was reported as stolen out of Tulsa, Oklahoma. 

Jamie Hodges was arrested on charges of Tampering with a Motor Vehicle in the 1st Degree, Resisting Arrest, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, and Careless & Imprudent Driving. He also had 12 active warrants out of Webb City, Morgan County, Newton County, Camden County, Jasper County, Cole County and Cooper County. 

Jayde Uto was arrested on charges of Tampering with a Motor Vehicle in the 2nd Degree. 

Both suspects were transported to the Joplin City Jail and charges were forwarded to the Newton County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office. 

Jail staff later located 24 grams of Methamphetamine on Jayde Uto inside the jail facility. Additional charges for Possession and Delivery of a Controlled Substance were sought on her through the Jasper County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office. Both suspects are still currently in custody in the Joplin City Jail.