Pulaski County Missouri
Jimmy Bench Sheriff
PRESS RELEASE
On 08/10/2023, members of the Pulaski County Sheriff’s Department and South Central Drug Task Force executed a narcotic search warrant at an undisclosed residence in Pulaski County.
Items seized included approximately 7lbs of suspected methamphetamine, 2lbs of suspected cocaine, 2 AR style rifles, and 4 handguns.
Limited information is being released at this time, but charges are expected to be filed.
As a reminder, all charges are mere accusations and all are innocent until proven guilty.
During the early morning hours of 03/16/2023, members of the Lake Area Narcotics Enforcement Group, the South Central Drug Task Force, the Pulaski County Sheriff’s Department, and the Missouri State Highway Patrol executed a narcotics related search warrant at an undisclosed location in Waynesville, Missouri.
During the search of the residence, a digital scale with residue, that later tested positive for presence of methamphetamine and fentanyl, was seized, as well as a handgun.
An additional search warrant related to the original warrant, was executed at a storage unit in Waynesville. During the execution of the warrant, approximately 597 grams of methamphetamine was located. A digital scale with located and seized as well.
Formal request for charges is being sent to the Pulaski County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office and charges are expected to be filed.
The name of the subject is not being released at this time.
As a reminder, all charges are mere accusations and all are innocent until proven guilty.
On 01/12/2023, at approximately 1400 hours, Pulaski County Sheriff’s Department received a report of a witness seeing a female being assaulted and then leaving in a vehicle, in the vicinity of Highway 133 and Highway AB.
A license plate number was obtained from the witness. Deputies searched the area, but were unable to locate the vehicle initially.
The license plate returned to a subject residing in the 24000 block of Rolling Hills Lane.
Deputies responded and located the vehicle and female subject. The female had sustained multiple injuries as a result of an assault. Medical attention was provided and she sought treatment at a local hospital.
The male subject was taken into custody and transported to the Pulaski County Jail pending warrant application.
On 01/13/2023, Judge Colin Long issued the following:
Dalton Click - Domestic Assault 1st Degree, Kidnapping - Facilitating a Felony - Inflicting Injury - Terrorizing - 1st Degree, Burglary 1st Degree - bond set at $500,000 Cash only
Click remains in custody at the Pulaski County Jail.
All charges are mere accusations and all are innocent until proven guilty.
On 01/11/2023, at approximately 1520 hours, Pulaski County Sheriff’s Department Deputies were dispatched to the 16000 block of Hobo Lane, for a report of a person shot.
Initial reports indicated a male subject was shot in the chest, and the suspect fled the area.
Deputies located the shot male, and he was transported by Pulaski County Ambulance District, and later pronounced deceased. The victim was identified as Robin Keppel.
The male suspect was located quickly, and taken into custody without further incident. The suspect was transported to the Pulaski County Jail, where he remains incarcerated.
On 01/12/2023, Judge Colin Long issued the following warrant:
* Tyron Spence-Bey - Murder 1st Degree, Armed Criminal Action, and Unlawful Possession of a Firearm - bond set at $1,000,000 cash or surety
Thanks to St. Robert Police, Missouri State Highway Patrol, Waynesville Rural Fire, and Pulaski County Ambulance District for their assistance.
On 04/28/2022, at approximately 1500 hours, Pulaski County Deputies encountered a male subject at Wal-Mart, that was reported to have stolen merchandise by employees.
Deputies were advised the male had stolen merchandise and possibly assaulted an employee while attempting to flee the store.
Deputies observed the male subject and attempted to make contact with him at his vehicle. The male refused to comply with directives to identify himself and place the vehicle in park. The male subject then fled the parking lot, narrowly missing striking a Deputy with his vehicle.
A pursuit was initiated, with the vehicle successfully stopping at the Westbound Interstate 44, Mile Marker 158.
The male subject was taken into custody and transported to the Pulaski County Jail without further incident.
On 04/29/2022, Judge Long issued the following warrant:
-
Vincent Sansone - Assault 1st Degree-Special Victim, Robbery 1st, Armed Criminal Action, and Resisting Arrest by Fleeing, bond set at $750,000 cash or surety
All charges are mere accusations and all persons are innocent until proven guilty.
Sheriff Jimmy Bench
On 04/28/2022, at approximately 2300 hours, Pulaski County Sheriff’s Department Deputies were dispatched to the 22000 block of Highway Y, for a report of a possible disturbance.
Information received from callers advised a female was outside, banging on doors, screaming for help.
Upon arrival, Deputies located a female who had been assaulted. The female was transported for treatment at a local facility, and later flown to a medical facility for treatment of serious and critical injuries.
The male subject was identified as a family member, and upon search of the residence, was determined to have fled the scene prior to Deputy’s arrival. A search of the area, and multiple other locations the male was known to frequent, were checked.
At approximately 0330 hours, the male subject was located, taken into custody, and transported to the Pulaski County Jail, without further incident.
On 04/29/2022, Judge Long issued the following warrant:
• Reginald Gallop - Domestic Assault 1st Degree, bond set at $250,000 cash or surety
All charges are mere accusations and all persons are innocent until proven guilty.
Sheriff Jimmy Bench
CHARGES FILED AND WARRANT ISSUED
On 04/21/2022, Judge Long issued the following warrant:
• Michael T. Payton - Assault 1st Degree-Special Victim and Resisting Arrest. Bond set at $100,000 cash or surety.
On 04/20/2022, at approximately 1440 hours, Deputies were dispatched to Y Highway for a report of a suspicious male carrying a shovel and trying to strike cars as they passed by.
Initials reports stated the male was near Holiday Lane. Additional reports were received from by-passers, and one advised their vehicle was struck with the shovel after the male entered the roadway and purposely struck the vehicle.
Upon the arrival of the first Deputy, the male was located near Hickory Lane, walking in the middle of the highway. Verbal commands were given and the subject ignored them, continuing to walk south. Upon arrival of the second Deputy, verbal commands were given again. The male subject disregarded, and continued to walk in an aggressive manner, toward the Deputy. It was determined the male was carrying a shovel, a pick axe, and a hammer. The male then came toward the Deputy. Taser was deployed, but ineffective. During the struggle, OC spray was deployed. The male responded, but continued to attempt to obtain one of the tools he previously had in his hands, despite verbal commands to stop, and was making aggressive movements toward the Deputy. A drive stun of the Taser was applied, and 2 additional Deputies arrived on scene, securing the male in handcuffs.
Medical attention was attempted to be given, but due to the violent and combativeness of the subject, he was transported to the Pulaski County Jail, for his safety and the safety of the Deputies.
Upon arrival at the Jail, medical attention was provided, and the male was transported for medical evaluation.
Deputy Page was identified as one of the original responding Deputies. She received injuries as a result of this incident, and was evaluated by medical professionals. She is doing well and expected to return to duty immediately.
Sheriff Jimmy Bench and his Department would like to commend Deputy Page and Sgt. Ross for their discretion and restraint in a difficult situation, that could have had a very different outcome. They remained calm, and used the least amount of force necessary to secure the subject.
It is still unknown as to the intentions of the male subject, and further investigation will continue.
Charges have been submitted to the Pulaski County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office, and we expect them to be filed later today. The male subject is not being identified at this time.
At the time charges are issued, an updated press release will be posted and the male will be identified.
Thank you Dixon Ambulance, Missouri State Highway Patrol, St. Robert Police Department, and Pulaski County Ambulance District for their assistance.
Sgt. Ross is asking if anyone had any contact with this male subject on 04/20/2022, or has any video footage of him, please contact our Dispatch Center at (573) 774-6196.
On 04/04/2022, Pulaski County Sheriff’s Department Deputies received information as to the location of a reported stolen vehicle.
Upon arrival in the 24000 block of Seattle Road, Detective Gibbs observed a blue in color, Toyota Rav4, he knew to be reported stolen.
Detective Gibbs and other Deputies made contact with a female at the residence and determined she was in possession of the vehicle and had reregistered it under her name. Further investigation determined the Victim reported the vehicle stolen in January of 2022, after reporting his residence was burglarized.
The female was taken into custody, transported to the Pulaski County Jail, and placed on a 24 Hour Hold, pending formal charges.
On 04/05/2022, Miranda Torbitt was charged with Tampering with a Motor Vehicle 1st. Judge Long ordered a criminal summons to be issued, to appear in court at a later date.
Sheriff Jimmy Bench would like to commemorate Detective Gibbs and the Deputies for their hard work and dedication to locating this vehicle and returning it to the Victim.
On 03/23/2022, Pulaski County Sheriff’s Department Deputies were dispatched to a location north of Dixon, for a train versus pedestrian accident.
Upon arrival, Deputies located a male subject deceased. Through further investigation, the male was positively identified as a missing man from Lebanon, Mark T. Spence.
Deputies initially suspected Spence of being within Pulaski County late last week, but was able to confirm by witnesses and video footage, that subject was not Spence.
This investigation remains open.
Members of the Dixon Ambulance District, Dixon Fire Department, Dixon Police Department, Waynesville Rural Fire Department, BNSF Railroad, Pulaski County Coroner’s Office, Missouri State Highway Patrol, and Laclede County Sheriff’s Office all assisted with this investigation.
Sheriff Jimmy Bench
On 03/22/2022, at approximately 0919 hours, Deputies received information to the possible whereabouts of wanted person, Dawson Preble.
Preble was wanted for multiple warrants from Pulaski and Laclede County, and was a person of interest in other felony cases.
Information received advised Preble was armed with a firearm and threatened to shoot law enforcement should they attempt to apprehend him.
Through further investigation, Deputies suspected Preble to be located at a residence in the 18000 block of Highway 7, just outside of Pulaski County.
Mutual aid was requested from Camden County Sheriff's Department and at approximately 1030 hours, Pulaski County Deputies were escorted to the residence by a Camden County Deputy.
Upon arrival, movement was seen within the residence, but persons within the residence would not respond, or comply with verbal directives. Deputies secured the outside of the residence and attempted to make contact with the owner of the residence.
At approximately 1143 hours, Preble surrendered himself to Deputies without further incident.
Preble was transported to the Pulaski County Jail, where he remains incarcerated. At this time, Preble is only being held on warrants, and additional charges have not yet been filed.
Sheriff Jimmy Bench would like to first thank the public for their assistance, and secondly thank Sheriff Tony Helms and his Camden County Deputies for their assistance.
Sheriff Jimmy Bench
On 02/22/2022, Pulaski County Sheriff’s Department Deputies apprehended Billy Catron Jr., after a brief pursuit.
Deputies initially received a tip from a citizen via social media, of the location of Catron. Deputies followed up on that lead, which was north of Crocker, near the Miller County line, but was unable to locate Catron. Deputies cleared that area, and continue to patrol the Crocker area.
While continuing to patrol the area of Brewer Road and Buffalo Road, a Deputy observed a vehicle, and positively identified Catron as the driver. Catron fled in the vehicle, traveling west on Brewer Road. Another Deputy responded from Buffalo Road, traveling east on Brewer Road. Catron’s vehicle struck the Patrol Deputy vehicle, and came to a stop.
Verbal commands were given, and Catron and his passenger were detained without further incident.
Catron and the passenger were evaluated by Pulaski County Ambulance District.
The passenger was released and transported for medical evaluation.
The accident is under the investigation of the Missouri State Highway Patrol.
Charges are expected to be filed at a later date, to which an updated Press Release will be issued.
At this time, Catron is being held in the Pulaski County Jail on multiple warrants from other agencies.
Sheriff Jimmy Bench would like to first thank the public for their assistance. Multiple tips were received over the weekend, and our Deputies followed up on all of them. Our citizens were of a great help in the apprehension of Catron.
Secondly, Sheriff Bench would like to thank Pulaski County Ambulance District, Crocker Fire Department, Missouri State Highway Patrol, Crocker Police Department, TC Towing, and Onsite Towing for their assistance.
Sheriff Jimmy Bench
December 29, 2 UPDATE:
Pulaski County Sheriff’s Department Deputies were dispatched to the 19000 block of Camp Road on 12/26/2021.
A deceased male, identified as Kurtis Harrison, was found in a vehicle submerged in a pond.
Preliminary investigation indicates an apparent medical incident prior to the incident.
At this time, there is no expected foul play.
Next of kin has been notified.
Sheriff Bench would like to thank all agencies who responded and assisted: Dixon Fire Department, Waynesville Rural Fire District, Pulaski County Ambulance District, and TC Towing.
Sheriff Jimmy Bench
December 26. 2021
Pulaski County Sheriff’s Department Deputies we’re dispatched to the 19000 block of Camp Road on 12/26/2021.
A deceased male, who is not being identified at this time, was found in a vehicle in a pond.
Preliminary investigation indicates an apparent medical incident prior to the incident.
Deputies and members of the Fort Leonard Wood Fire Department entered the pond and was unable to enter and recover deceased from submerged vehicle. With the assistance of TC Towing, the vehicle was later removed from the pond, and the deceased was recovered.
At this time, there is no expected foul play.
Sheriff Bench would like to thank all agencies who responded and assisted: Dixon Fire Department, Waynesville Rural Fire District, Pulaski County Ambulance District, and TC Towing.
Sheriff Jimmy Bench
This year, as we have in previous years, Sheriff Jimmy Bench and the Pulaski County Sheriff’s Department have assisted in collecting donations for Shop With a Cop, by placing donation canisters throughout the county. All the proceeds from the donation canister go to funding a Christmas for many children in our county. It’s something our agency and all law enforcement in the county take pride in, being able to put a smile on a child’s face at Christmas.
Well this year, Pulaski County had it’s very own Grinch, and that Grinch took a canister we placed at the Oasis Truck Plaza, outside of Richland. Thankfully, we obtained video footage and Sheriff Bench is asking for assistance in identifying a person of interest.
The male subject was accompanied by a female and two minor children. The photographs of the male are only being released at this time.
The vehicle they occupied is an older model van. The back left passenger window is covered with plastic, as seen in the photograph.
Anyone that has any information, please contact the Pulaski County Sheriff’s Department at 573-774-6196.
On 10/08/2021, a search warrant was executed in the 28000 block of Spring Road, after a joint investigation of the Pulaski County Sheriff’s Department and the South Central Drug Task Force was initiated.
Approximately 7lbs of methamphetamine was seized, as well as numerous firearms. A child was within the residence and was taken into the custody of the Division of Family Services.
Charges are expected to be filed, and more information may be released at a later time. Investigation remains open.
Investigators estimate the amount of methamphetamine seized equals approximately $159,000 street value.
Sheriff Jimmy Bench would like to thank all agencies involved, as well as the Pulaski County Ambulance District and the Division of Family Services.
On 09/17/2021, the Missouri State Highway Patrol assisted the Pulaski County Sheriff’s Department, with a death investigation in the 11000 block of Highway MM, north of Dixon.
Upon arrival, Deputies located a deceased male, who has been identified as Mark Ethington.
Through further investigation, a person of interest was taken into custody on 09/21/2021, and booked into the Pulaski County Jail, pending warrant application.
On 09/22/2021, Judge Long issued a no bond warrant for Brandon Veasman for the following:
• Murder 1st Degree
• Armed Criminal Action
Sheriff Jimmy Bench would like to thank the MSHP, Dixon Police Department, and Dixon Ambulance for their assistance in the case, and locating Mr. Veasman.
All charges are mere accusations and all persons are innocent until proven guilty.
Sheriff Jimmy Bench
On 08/24/2021, at approximately 1129 hours, Pulaski County Sheriff's Department received a report of a possible active shooter in the 24000 block of Saffron Drive.
Upon arrival, the area was secured, and during initial investigations, it was determined to not be an active shooter situation, and no injuries of persons was found.
Subjects were taken into custody, and transported to the Pulaski County Jail, pending warrant application. The case remains open. At this time, no further information or names are being released.
Sheriff Jimmy Bench and the Pulaski County Sheriff's Department would like to thank for the quick response of St. Robert Police Department, Waynesville Police Department, and the Missouri State Highway Patrol. Waynesville Rural Fire Department and the Pulaski County Ambulance District also responded, and staged in the area until cleared by law enforcement.
During the investigation, the MOCA Headstart Building was placed on lockdown until it was determined a safe area.
Sheriff Bench would like to ensure the public and community this was not an active shooter, and the Pulaski County Sheriff's Department has no reason to believe anyone is in immediate danger.
Sheriff Jimmy Bench
Pulaski County Jane Doe identified after 40 years, to the day.
Pulaski County Missouri - The Pulaski County Sheriff’s Office and the DNA Doe Project announce the identity of a woman whose body was discovered on 25 May 1981 at a low water crossing near Dixon, MO. the victim of an apparent homicide.
After authorities were unable to identify the woman or any details involving her death she was buried in the Waynesville Cemetery in a grave marked “Jane Doe.”
In 2012, Lt. Dottie Taylor, Missouri Highway Patrol, Troop I, entered Jane Doe’s profile in the National Missing and Unidentified Persons System. Detective DJ Renno of the Pulaski County Sheriff’s Office became interested in the case and requested approval to relook at the case. Approval was given by Sheriff JB King in 2012 to reopen the case. Sheriff Ronald Long and Current Sheriff Jimmy Bench continued the investigation throughout the years searching for answers.
In 2015 Detective Renno, and Pulaski County Coroner Mikel Hartness with the concurrence of Sheriff Ron Long obtained a court order for the exhumation of Jane Doe’s remains to obtain DNA for use in identification.
The exhumation was conducted on 25 May 2015 with the help and assistance of numerous individuals and organizations including members of the Pulaski County Sheriff’s Office, Coroner Mikel Hartness, Prosecuting Attorney Kevin Hillman, members of Waynesville City Hall, Waynesville Fire Department, Dan Cordry excavation service, Mr. Mark Beary (Anthropologist), members of the Waynesville Memorial Chapel, and police departments within the county.
In June 2015 the remains were transported to the University of North Texas, Center for Human Identification, Fort Worth TX. for DNA and Forensic Anthropology testing.
In January 2016 An Anthropology report was received on the remains.
In March 2016 a report was received that the extraction and development of DNA was successful.
In May 2016 Jane Doe’s remains were sent to the University of South Florida for forensic Imaging and Isotope analysis.
In January 2017 a report identifying the results from Isotope testing was received.
In April 2019 Jane Doe’s remains were submitted to the DNA Doe Project, in Sebastopol CA. The DNA Doe Project is a volunteer organization using Genetic Genealogy to identify relatives through DNA research.
December 2019 The DNA Doe Project provided a possible name of Jane Doe and the Name of a possible relative (candidate).
In January 2020 - Pulaski County Sheriff’s Office located a candidate (possible relative) in Alexandria VA. The candidate informed Detective Renno that he did have a sister that the family had lost contact with in the early 1980’s. The candidate (possible relative) agreed to provide a DNA sample for comparison / confirmation. The Pulaski County Sheriff’s Office in coordination with the regional managers of the National Missing and Unidentified Persons System (NaMUS) and the Alexandria VA, Detective unit to obtain a DNA sample. The DNA sample was obtained and submitted to NaMUS at the University of North Texas Center for Human Identification for the development and comparison of DNA.
In May 2021 - The genetic data obtained from Pulaski County Jane Doe and the candidate were entered into the Unidentified Human remains and relatives of Missing Persons indices of the Combined DNA Index System (CODIS) and association between these samples were noted to be 19.4 million times more likely to be the biological sibling (Pulaski County (Dixon) Jane Doe) and of the candidate (possible relative) as opposed to originate from an unrelated individual.
Bottom Line: We now know the name of Pulaski County (Dixon) Jane Doe is
Karen Kay Knippers.
*********** Press Conference Today *************
May 25th at 1600 with the lead Pulaski County Detective Douglas Renno at Pulaski County Justice Center 403 School Street Waynesville, MO. ************