Missouri State Highway Patrol responds to 91 crashes, two fatalities over holiday counting period

(From the Missouri State Highway Patrol)

The Missouri State Highway Patrol reports two people died in traffic crashes during the 30-hour 2019 Christmas holiday counting period. The 2019 Christmas counting period ran from 6 p.m., Tuesday, December 24, 2019, through 11:59 p.m., Wednesday, December 25, 2019.

2019 Christmas Holiday Traffic Statistics

Troopers investigated the following:

Traffic Crashes ― 91
Traffic Crash Injuries ― 23
Traffic Crash Fatalities ― 2
DWI ― 18

[Note: Last year during the 102-hour Christmas counting period, there were 1,155 traffic crashes. In those crashes, 11 people were killed and another 421 were injured. During the 2018 Christmas holiday, troopers arrested 106 people for driving while impaired.]

There were no boating crashes or drownings over the 2019 Christmas holiday counting period.

Both fatalities occurred in the Troop C, Weldon Spring, area, on Christmas Day, December 25, 2019.

Leon J. Barnett, 48, of De Soto, MO, died when another vehicle struck the motorcycle he was driving. Barnett was traveling at a low rate of speed in the northbound lanes of Interstate 55 in Jefferson County when another vehicle traveling the same direction changed lanes. The front of the second vehicle struck the rear of Barnett’s motorcycle. The impact caused Barnett to be ejected. Barnett was wearing a helmet at the time of the crash. Joachim-Plattin EMT M. Tawfall, Crystal City, MO, pronounced Barnett deceased at the scene of the crash. The driver of the vehicle that struck him sustained minor injuries; he was wearing a seat belt.

Elizabeth J. Rutledge, 32, of Troy, MO, died when the vehicle she was driving traveled off the right side of the roadway and she overcorrected, causing the vehicle to return to the roadway and overturn. Rutledge was not wearing a seat belt and was ejected from the vehicle. The crash occurred on Highway H in Silex, MO, in Lincoln County. Lincoln County Ambulance personnel pronounced Rutledge deceased at the scene.

Too many people die in traffic crashes each year in Missouri. The choices you make when you’re behind the wheel matter. Make good choices, so you’ll never have to say, “If I could just go back.”

Follow the Missouri State Highway Patrol on Twitter @MSHPTrooperGHQ



Note: The fatality statistics in this news release could change if late deaths occur, or if other departments report fatal traffic crashes after this news release was sent to the media.

Springdale woman injured in collision with Joplin driver

A Springdale, Arkansas woman was injured in a two-vehicle accident 6:50 p.m. Wednesday on U. S. 71 at Jane.

According to the Highway Patrol report, a 2014 Ford Fiesta driven by Norma J. Kirby, 76, Springdale, made a left turn into the path of a 1999 Ford F-150 driven by Zachary O. Wilder, 21, Joplin.

Kirby was treated for minor injuries at Northwest Regional Hospital, Bentonville, Arkansas.

Highway Patrol Arrests December 25-26

Daniel J. Manns, 42, Sunrise Beach, possession of marijuana, possession of drug paraphernalia, failure to display valid plates

Justin T. Ramirez, 22, Joplin, misdemeanor Joplin Police Department warrant for failure to appear on no insurance, assault, property damage

Rebecca L. Carr, 54, Exeter, driving while intoxicated, driving while suspended

Jasper County Sheriff's Office Arrests

12/26/2019 
Jasper County Sheriff’s Office Arrest Report

12/24/2019 James G Dowell 41 of Neosho, MO was arrested for Fugitive from Justice.

12/25/2019 Shelley K McDonald 33 of Webb City, MO was arrested for Trespassing 1st Degree.







12/25/2019 Margaret Gilbert 48 of Carl Junction, MO was arrested for Domestic Assault 4th Degree.

12/25/2019 Jered C Vera 31 of Carthage, MO was arrested for Assault 4th Degree.

The charges for which the above were arrested are mere accusations and are not evidence of guilt. Evidence in support of the charges must be presented before a court of competent jurisdiction whose duty is to determine guilt or innocence.

For a more detailed list of inmates currently in custody visit our web site at: http://www.jaspercountysheriff.org/Documents/inmate_roster/InmateRoster.pdf The upper left hand corner of the INMATE ROSTER will reflect the date and time it was updated.

The INMATE ROSTER is subject to change as individuals are booked and released from jail.

Dead body found at 8th and St. Louis

(From the Joplin Police Department)

On December 26th, 2019 at approximately 1:15 P.M. Joplin Police responded to the area of 8th and St. Louis in reference to an unresponsive person being located.

Upon arrival it was determined the individual was deceased. Joplin Police detectives are currently on scene working the investigation.

The investigation is ongoing.

Joplin woman injured in collision on 66

A Joplin woman was injured in a two-vehicle accident 11:10 a.m. Tuesday on MO 66 east of Travis Acres Road.

According to the Highway Patrol report, a 2002 Chevrolet 2500 driven by Luke Miller, 27, Nevada rear ended a 2006 Chrysler PT Cruiser driven by Kimberly J. Carey, 52, Joplin.

Carey was treated for moderate injuries at Freeman West Hospital, Joplin.

Highway Patrol Arrests December 23-25

Apolinar D Santos, 31, Springfield, driving while intoxicated, no valid license, failure to drive in a single lane

Joseph T. Webb, 39, Neosho, misdemeanor driving while intoxicated

Sherry L. Greninger, 49, Bolivar, misdemeanor possession of marijuana, possession of drug paraphernalia, no seat belt

Rickey S. Lawson, 47, Nixa, misdemeanor driving while intoxicated







Patrick E. Anderson, 36, Purdy, felony resisting arrest, felony assault on law enforcement, felony Barry County warrant for failure to appear on non-support, misdemeanor driving while intoxicated, misdemeanor possession of marijuana, failure to yield

Jacob M. Christy, 23, West Ellis, Wisconsin, possession of marijuana, possession of drug paraphernalia, no insurance, speeding

Emily G. Long, 18, Merriam Woods, misdemeanor possession of marijuana, possession of drug parpahernalia