On July 10, at approximately 4:49 p.m. Texas County deputies were dispatched to a business on Highway 60 between Dunn and Mountain Grove for a report of an intoxicated driver attempting to drive into the building.
Deputies requested assistance from the Mountain Grove Police Department. Mountain Grove police officers arrived on scene first and detained a male suspect later identified as Joseph V. Ross.
Employees of the business reported that Ross had been inside the establishment yelling at and arguing with other customers. Ross was told to leave the business and exited the building. It was reported that Ross then got into a Ford truck, revved up the engine and drove the vehicle over the sidewalk striking the building. Customers and employees reported Ross continued to rev then engine of the vehicle and they feared he would drive into the building again. Deputies escorted Ross to patrol vehicle and observed signs of intoxication. Ross was arrested for assault and driving while intoxicated and transported to the Texas County Jail.
Texas County Prosecuting Attorney Parke Stevens charged Joseph V. Ross, 34 of Mountain Grove, with first degree assault and driving while intoxicated. Ross was held in the Texas County Jail pending $500,000 bond.
The above charges are mere accusations and are not evidence of guilt. Evidence in support of the charges must be presented before a court of competent jurisdiction whose duty is to determine guilt or innocence.
