Newton County Sheriff's Office Weekly Report

 

Search warrant execution leads to arrest of Diamond man, meth confiscation

(From the Newton County Sheriff's Office)

As a result of an investigation conducted by the Ozark Drug Enforcement Team and the Newton County Sheriff’s Office, a search warrant was served earlier today at 106 N. Depot in Diamond, MO. Members of ODET obtained a search warrant for suspected narcotics and the search warrant was served by members of ODET and the Newton County Sheriff’s Office Special Response Team.

The location was secured by the Newton County Special Response Team with the assistance of ODET and Diamond PD. During the search, detectives with ODET located substances believed to be methamphetamine as well as drug paraphernalia.

William Thomas, 29, of Diamond was arrested for Possession of a Controlled Substance as well as seven outstanding warrants. Warrants were for Misdemeanor Failure to Appear-Following Too Close from Neosho PD, Felony Probation Violation-Tampering with a Motor Vehicle from Jasper County, Misdemeanor Failure to Appear-Stealing and Misdemeanor Failure to Appear-Driving While Suspended/Revoked from Neosho PD, Misdemeanor Failure to Appear-Driving While Suspended/Revoked from Granby PD, Failure to Appear-Felony Tampering with a Motor Vehicle from Newton County and a Felony Probation Violation from Probation and Parole, District 9.

William Thomas was transported to the Newton County Jail and is currently in custody. Charges have been forwarded to the Newton County Prosecutor for Possession of a Controlled Substance.

The Newton County Sheriff’s Office encourages anyone with information about illegal drugs in our communities to call 417-451-8333 to report the activity.

Newton County Sheriff's Office Arrests

03/31/2025 2357 

 JOSEPH MICHAEL LOUI FULCHER-HEFNER 

 220 W High St AURORA, MO 65605 

 WM 27 208 W COLER ST 1,000.00 

PROBATION VIOLATION 

HARASSMENT

 

Highway Patrol Arrests March 31-April 1

Ryan P. Rhinehart, 49, Neosho, Neosho Police Department warrant for failure to appear on driving while suspended or revoked

Amanda J. Fitzpatrick, 36, Cassville, driving while intoxicated, failed to drive on the right half of the roadway resulting in a crash, no insurance, felony driving while revoked

Heather N. Puffinbarger, 38, Neosho, driving while intoxicated, following too closely, speeding

Phillip J. Darner, 45, Cassville, driving while intoxicated, leaving the scene of a crash 

Joplin firefighter released from hospital

(From the City of Joplin)

The Joplin firefighter, who had experienced a medical emergency during a scheduled training exercise on March 25, 2025, was released from the hospital over the weekend and continues recovery.

We appreciate the public concern and prayers for our team member, and we ask the media to continue respecting privacy and HIPAA regulations regarding this individual.

Investigation continues into death of 3-month-old Oronogo child

(From the Jasper County Sheriff's Office)

On 4-1-2025 at approximately 11:30 AM, the Oronogo Police Department received a medical call in the Greystone subdivision in Oronogo, involving a three-month old child that was not breathing. 

Lifesaving efforts were started on the scene and the child was transported to a local hospital. 

The child was pronounced deceased a short time later. 

Jasper County Detectives were requested to assist with the investigation. Next of kin has been notified. Investigation is ongoing.

Pittsburg, Kansas man killed in SUV-motorcycle collision at 7th and Adele

(From the Joplin Police Department)

On March 29th, 2025, around 8:07 pm, Joplin Emergency Communications Center began receiving 911 calls about an unknown injury crash at the intersection of 7th and Adele Avenue. 

When officers arrived, they located a motorcycle and a SUV that had been involved in a two-vehicle crash. 

At the time of the initial investigation, it was determined that a 2020 Harley Davidson motorcycle was westbound on 7th Street at Adele Avenue and a 2010 Toyota Rav 4 was eastbound on 7th Street. The SUV was making a left turn. The motorcycle struck the Toyota, a curb, and utility pole. 

Both drivers were transported to local hospitals where the motorcycle rider was pronounced dead. The rider of the motorcycle is a 26-year-old male, of Pittsburg Kansas. The driver of the SUV is a 76-year-old male of Joplin. 

The Joplin Major Crash Team responded, and the investigation into this crash is still ongoing.