(From the Joplin Police Department)
The Joplin Police Department is working to reduce the number of injury crashes involving motorcycles.
To achieve this goal, officers with the Joplin Police Department partnered with the Jasper County Sheriff’s Office, the Newton County Sheriff’s Office and the Missouri State Highway Patrol in a motorcycle safety enforcement detail on May 15, 2025.
The detail was hosted in our area with the specific intent of ensuring safety on the roadways by motorcyclists and to reduce hazardous moving violations that lead to crashes. Helicopter assists with enforcement:
This detail included the use of a Missouri State Highway Patrol helicopter. The helicopter is used to reduce the chances of crashes if motorcyclists fail to yield to officers when a traffic stop is attempted. Using a helicopter allows officers to follow a fleeing vehicle from a safe distance without putting citizens in danger of an erratic driver fleeing law enforcement. Funding for this program was provided by MODOT Highway Safety and Traffic Division.
The Joplin Police Department thanks all the agencies involved in the motorcycle safety enforcement detail. Notable statistics from the detail:
• An officer attempted to stop a motorcycle in the area of 15th and Main in Joplin for observed traffic violations. The motorcyclist fled the attempted stop at a high rate of speed creating substantial safety issues for other motorists and the rider. The motorcycle was observed fleeing from the attempted car stop by the Missouri State Highway Patrol’s helicopter.
The helicopter pilot observed the motorcyclist carelessly drive west out of Joplin, enter Carl Junction, and eventually end up in the northwest portion of Crawford County Kansas. The rider of the motorcycle was identified as Nicholas Peacock, 34 of Joplin. Charges were submitted on Peacock in Missouri for felony resisting and careless driving.
In Kansas, charges were submitted on Peacock for felony resisting, traffic violations, possession of a stolen firearm and narcotics possession.
• An officer attempted to stop a motorcyclist for observed traffic violations near the intersection of 7th and Sergeant Ave in Joplin. The motorcyclist failed to yield and fled the attempted stop. Once again, the officers did not pursue, but the Missouri State Highway Patrol’s helicopter was in the area and continued to observe the fleeing motorcycle. The motorcyclist fled west out of Joplin and entered Cherokee County Kansas where he was apprehended.
After an investigation, it was determined that James E. Colley, 42 of Joplin was the rider of the motorcycle. It was also discovered that the motorcycle Colley was operating had been reported stolen and Colley was in possession of a controlled substance.
In Missouri, charges were submitted on Colley for receiving stolen property (stolen motorcycle), felony resisting, and traffic violations.
In Kansas, charges were submitted for felony eluding, possession of a controlled substance, possession of a stolen vehicle, and traffic charges.
• A Deputy attempted to stop a motorcyclist for observed traffic violations near the intersection of Zora and North St. Louis Ave. The motorcyclist then fled the attempted car stop at a high rate of speed. The officers did not pursue the motorcyclist, but Missouri State Highway Patrol’s helicopter was able to observe the motorcycle as it fled from Joplin into Newton County. The motorcycle rider was observed crashing his Police Department 303 E 3rd Street Joplin, Missouri 64801 417-623-3131 motorcycle near the intersection of Apricot and Chipmunk and was taken into custody.
Charges were submitted on Shawn P. England, age 36, Joplin for felony resisting and traffic violations. As a result of the joint detail:
• 39 vehicle stops were conducted for observed traffic violations.
• Three felony warrants, and three misdemeanor warrants were cleared.
• Charges were submitted on two separate motorcyclists for possession of a controlled substance.
• One stolen motorcycle was recovered. • One stolen firearm was recovered.
• A total of five charges submitted for felony eluding / resisting arrest. • 13 citations were issued for hazardous moving violations.
• 5 citations were issued for driver's license violations. The top primary crash factors for motorcycles are:
• Unsafe speed
• Improper turning
• Right-of-way violations
• Driving under the influence
• Unsafe lane changes
Speeding is the most common factor, accounting for nearly a third of all motorcycle crashes in the state.
To help protect you and your family, the Joplin Police Department recommends the following tips while riding or sharing the road with motorcycles:
Motorcyclists
• Do not speed. Obey all traffic laws and signage.
• It is recommended to wear a D.O.T. compliant helmet and protective gear.
• Consider adding reflective tape to make it easier for other drivers to see you.
• Always keep your lights on, even during the day.
• Don’t assume drivers see you. Signal well in advance before changing lanes and watch for turning vehicles.
Other Drivers
• Always check twice for motorcycles in your mirrors and blind spots.
• Use your signal when changing lanes.
• Never follow a motorcycle too closely. Always keep a safe distance.
• When at an intersection, allow enough space before turning.
