Traffic stop leads to Joplin man's arrest for copper wire theft

(From the Jasper County Sheriff's Office)

On August 11, 2023, at approximately 6:50 AM, a Jasper County Deputy stopped a van for a traffic violation and suspicious activity in the area Fir Road and Joplin Street, in Carl Junction.

During the initial investigation, the deputy noticed the van matched the description of the vehicle which was seen in the area of recent wire theft. During a search of the van, a large amount copper wire was discovered.

The driver, Johnnie Crane, 36, of Joplin, was arrested for stealing, driving while revoked, no insurance and drug paraphernalia. Crane was transported to the Jasper County Detention Center in Carthage. Charges have been sent to the Prosecutor’s Office for review.