From Howell County Sherriff’s Department:
On April 22, 2025 Howell County SWAT joined West Plains Police Department SRT and Operation Relentless Pursuit Task Force Officers in executing an arrest operation and narcotics search warrant obtained by South Central Drug Task Force. This operation was conducted at a residence on County Road 4000 on the outer edge of West Plains.
As a result, 3 arrests were made. Appropriately 3/4 of a pound of methamphetamine and multiple firearms were seized from the residence.
Jason M Laird, 48 of West Plains was taken into custody after fleeing the residence on foot. Thanks to the quick actions of officers and a drone with thermal imaging capabilities, Laird was quickly taken into custody on County Road 4010. Laird had an active Missouri Department of Corrections – Probation and Parole warrant for being a Parole Absconder on multiple felony charges. On April 23rd Laird was charged with Drug Trafficking – 1st Degree and given a bond of $50,000.00. He is being held in the Howell County Jail on both charges.
Shelby D Gutierrez, 58 of West Plains was taken into custody at the residence. She was transported to the Howell County Jail and placed on a 24 hour hold pending formal charges. On April 23rd, Gutierrez was charged with Drug Trafficking – 1st Degree and given a bond of $50,000.00. She is being held in the Howell County Jail on both charges.
Mellissa D Collins, 40 of West Plains was taken into custody at the residence. She was transported to the Howell County Jail and placed on a 24 hour hold pending formal charges. On April 23rd, Collins was charged with Drug Trafficking – 1st Degree and given a bond of $50,000.00. She is being held in the Howell County Jail on both charges.
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