Clay Goldsborough named Joplin Police Department Officer of the Month

(From the Joplin Police Department)

Please join us in congratulating Officer Clay Goldsborough, who was recognized as the Officer of the Month of the Joplin Police Department for March of 2024.

 
On March 7, 2024, Officer Goldsborough was dispatched to a trespassing in progress at a department store. The reporting party provided dispatch with suspect names and vehicle information. Additionally, it was reported that the suspects had been previously trespassed and believed to have stolen merchandise.

 
Upon arrival, Officer Goldsborough observed the suspect vehicle exiting the parking lot, and a traffic stop was conducted. The driver pulled over and abruptly exited the vehicle. Officer Goldsborough issued commands, and the driver was detained without further incident. Three other passengers were called out of the vehicle, two of which had just trespassed at the business.

 
The trespassers were arrested, and stolen property was located where one of them had been seated. Consent to search the vehicle was granted which yielded 13 pressed fentanyl pills, a scale, and multiple articles of drug paraphernalia. Officer Goldsborough began interviewing all occupants individually, advising them of their Miranda rights. Officer Goldsborough obtained confessions and developed probable cause to arrest all occupants. Searches incident to arrest yielded more drug paraphernalia and 3 grams of methamphetamine.

 
Suspect 1 was arrested for Burglary in the 1st degree, resisting arrest, felony fugitive from out of state, possession of a controlled substance, and unlawful possession of drug paraphernalia. Suspect 2 was arrested for drug trafficking and unlawful possession of drug paraphernalia. 

Suspect 3 was arrested for possession of drug paraphernalia. Suspect 4 was arrested for trespassing. The Jasper County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office filed charges of felony fugitive from out of state and possession of a controlled substance on Suspect 1. Suspect 2 was charged with drug trafficking.

 
Thanks to Officer Goldsborough’s quick response, attention to detail, and thorough investigative skills, a lethal amount of fentanyl is off the streets. This is just one example of Officer Goldsborough’s exceptional work ethic and selfless service to the community.

 
Richard A. Pearson
Chief of Police