Police pursuit ends on the banks of Turkey Creek in Royal Heights, man faces multiple Felony charges

JOPLIN, Mo. – Saturday evening we were on the scene of a police pursuit through Joplin, Duquesne and Jasper County that ended on the banks of Turkey Creek as the stolen pickup truck crashed into a tree and the male suspect was taken into custody by Joplin Police.

Capt William Davis updates information as multiple Felony charges are filed by the Jasper County Prosecutor’s office.

Marc Anthony Thomas, 27, of Joplin was arrested and now charged:

  • Felony Domestic Assault – 2nd (2X)
  • Domestic Assault – 4th
  • Felony Tampering with a Motor Vehicle
  • Felony Resisting Arrest (Fleeing)
  • DWI

Capt Davis tells us the incidents related to Thompson began about 4:30 p.m. on Satuday, April 9, officers were called to a residence, 2512 New Hampshire where two elderly residents were assaulted and their pickup was stolen. The two reported the young man living with them had come home under the influence and physically assaulted them both and took their 2005 Toyota Tacoma pickup.

Thomas forced his way into a bedroom and struck an elderly female in the face, leaving a large, swollen bruise below her eye. Thomas then shoved the elderly male to the ground, causing him to strike his head on the floor. This left a large, swollen bruise on the back of his head. Thomas then got on top of the victim and began choking him, causing the victim to vomit. Thomas then stole keys to the victims vehicle and fled the area.” – JPD Press Release

It’s unknown if the two sought medical treatment at a hospital.

Fast forward to later that night about 10:30 p.m. reports from individuals at Walmart, 1501 S Rangeline, that a red pickup truck was continually, “driving around the lot, honking the horn, being annoying, with no lights on.”

Officers responded and came into contact with the red pickup nearby at 20th and S Ozark Ave.

PURSUIT ENDED ON THE SOUTHERN BANK OF TURKEY CREEK NEAR EAST JACCARD IN A WOODED AREA.

From there the vehicle fled officers taking this path roughly:

  • East on 20th Street to Duquesne
  • North on Duquesne to Newman
  • East on Newman to 249, attempted to go the wrong way up a ramp, turned back west on Newman
  • Officers spiked tires of the truck at Newman and Rangeline
  • Truck continued westbound on Newman, past Florida Ave to a dead end, then north through unpaved paths, crashing into a tree on the south bank of Turkey Creek

Capt Davis said after Thomas crashed the truck, he fled on foot a short distance across Turkey Creek where he was tazed, then taken into custody.

Numerous Joplin Police vehicles, Missouri State Highway Patrol and Jasper County Deputies were on the scene at the end of the pursuit.

Thomas was cleared by medical staff and transported to the Joplin City Jail. He will face charges in Jasper County Court.

Charges were filed Monday, and Tuesday morning he was served the arrest warrant while in jail. No bond is set at this time however he is to have no contact with the two individuals he allegedly assaulted.

We anticipate an formal press release Tuesday from the Joplin Police Department to all media.

This is a breaking news story, stay with Joplin News First on KOAM News Now as we continue to learn more.

Bill in Missouri House seeks to ban DWI checkpoints

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. – A bill moving through the Missouri House would ban DWI checkpoints in the state.

The bill would add a constitutional amendment prohibiting checkpoints and road blocks with exceptions for emergency situations like civil unrest and fleeing felons. In testimony supporters of the amendment argue the checkpoints violate constitutional rights, and say the money would be better spent on other patrol tactics.

Some of the organizations opposed the bill include Missouri Peace Officers Association and Mothers Against Drunk Driving. In their testimony, they pointed to data showing the checkpoints lead to 20 percent decrease in alcohol related crashes.

If it passes, Missouri voters would vote on the measure on the 2022 November ballot.

H.R. 11

Joplin’s DWI checkpoint results in 12 arrests

JOPLIN, Mo. – The Joplin Police Department released the results of its DWI checkpoint setup on Friday, March 19. The checkpoint was at 7th and Illinois Avenue from 9:00 p.m. Friday night to 2:00 a.m. Saturday morning.

According to the report released Wednesday morning, 2,022 drivers passed through the checkpoint. Police conducted 17 field sobriety tests, which resulted ten DWIs and eight total tickets. Officers arrested twelve people in total, two were for outstanding warrants.

The department says the goal of the checkpoint was to detect and apprehend impaired drivers, raise Awareness to the dangers of driving while intoxicated and encourage people to plan events and alternate transportation accordingly.