On Wednesday, January 13, 2021, investigators with the West Plains Police Department and the Howell County Sheriff’s Office received information on a location of a stolen 2020 Ford F-150 truck, which was reported stolen to the Police Department on January 10. Investigators with the Police Department and the Sheriff’s Office arrived at the location, located the truck, and took one suspect into custody. The suspect was transported to the Howell County Jail.
The suspect, 23-year-old Jayson A. McDaniel, was formally charged by the Howell County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office on one count of 1st Degree Tampering with a Motor Vehicle. Bond was set at $5,000 dollars cash or corporate surety. McDaniel is currently on Parole from the Missouri Department of Corrections on prior felony convictions of Possession of Controlled Substance(s) and Forgery. Another suspect, identified as 37-year-old Christopher M. Smith, is still at large.
Additionally, investigators received information from a community member who had heard about the stolen Ozarks Healthcare Ford Van on the radio. The community member told investigators the van was located on County Road 9180. Investigators arrived at the location, located the van and noticed it was was missing all four tires, two wheels, and catalytic converters and had extensive damage to the steering column. The suspect(s) in this matter are still at large.
If anyone has information on the location of Christopher M. Smith or suspect information on the theft of the OHC van, they are asked to contact the West Plains Police Department at 417-256-2244 or at crimetips@westplains.net.
The West Plains Police Department would like to thank the Howell County Sheriff’s Office, the community and the local media for their assistance in these investigations.
