(Update as of 12:08pm.) The Howell County Sheriff’s Office has released more information on the morning search for a criminal suspect South of West Plains.
According to the Sheriff’s Office, the situation began when they were serving a warrant off of 160. The male suspect fled from the residence. Law enforcement spent time searching for the suspect, but was unable to locate them.
Investigation is on-going; no identity has been revealed at this time. There is no reason at this time to believe the suspect is armed or dangerous, but residents are still asked to keep their homes, vehicles, and outbuildings secured with locks.
West Plains, MO. – Information from the Howell County Sheriff’s Office and the Missouri State Highway Patrol has confirmed there is an active manhunt in progress on South 17 near County Road 8290 this morning as of around 7:30am.
Information at this time is sparse, but law enforcement has advised that residents in the area should ensure they keep vehicles, residences, and outbuildings locked and secured to prevent any unauthorized entry.
It is unconfirmed if this individual being sought is armed. No identity has been released, but the Howell County Sheriff’s Office did address that this is not the subject of another recent manhunt, Adam Bartlett.
A perimeter has been established and law enforcement are out on foot searching. Those who do not live in the area are asked to use other routes than 17 while this is in progress. As this hunt is taking place in a rural, wooded area, drones have additionally been released as a part of the search.
