Carl Junction man, three others arrested; car stolen from Joplin owner recovered

(From the Pittsburg Police Department)

On Thursday morning, July 18, 2024, at 6:41 AM, a law enforcement officer with the Pittsburg Police Department observed a vehicle that was not displaying any state issued license plates turn onto Amber Drive. The Officer turned his patrol vehicle around to initiate a traffic stop on the vehicle and the vehicle pulled into the driveway of 1011 Amber Drive. The driver exited the vehicle and quickly entered the residence and closed the door behind him. Further investigation into the vehicle revealed it had been reported stolen out of Joplin, Missouri.

A search warrant for the driver was applied for through the Crawford County District Court while officers maintained a perimeter of the residence. Officers and detectives from the Pittsburg Police Department executed a search warrant at 1011 Amber Drive just before 9:00 AM. Once inside the residence multiple individuals were located and detained. 

The driver of the stolen vehicle was located inside and identified as 37-year-old Alexander Joseph Jeffries, of Carl Junction, Missouri. Mr. Jeffries was arrested for felony possession of stolen property.

The homeowner, 61-year-old Elizabeth Winters, was arrested on a warrant from the Crawford County District Court for failure to appear on a previous possession of methamphetamine case. Also arrested at the residence were 36-year-old Michelle Johnson, of Ada Oklahoma, and 45-year-old Brandy Mellon, of Arcadia Kansas, both for misdemeanor Pittsburg Municipal Court warrants.

While the residence was being searched for the driver of the stolen vehicle, multiple items believed to be drug paraphernalia were observed out in plain view. An additional search warrant application for illegal narcotics and drug paraphernalia was drafted. The second search of the residence was conducted, and items believed to be illegal controlled substances and drug paraphernalia were located. The investigation into the illegal controlled substances is currently ongoing.

Ms. Winters, Ms. Johnson, Ms. Mellon, and Mr. Jeffries were arrested and transported to the Crawford County Jail for booking. 

Ms. Winters is currently being held without bond. Ms. Johnson is being held on a $594 cash only bond. Ms. Mellon is being held on a $1,000 cash or surety bond. Mr. Jeffries has since been released on his own recognizance.

Ms. Winters, Ms. Johnson, Ms. Mellon, and Mr. Jeffries are considered innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

The investigation into this incident is ongoing at this time. Anyone having information related to this incident, or other crimes, is urged to contact the Pittsburg Police Department at (620) 231-1700, or at our automated tip line, (620) 231-TIPS (8477). Callers may remain anonymous.