Ozark County, MO – The Ozark County Sheriff’s Department has recently released details on two incidents that occured in March, resulting in multiple arrests on charges ranging from drug possession and DWI to weapons violations and interference with law enforcement equipment.
On March 4, 2025, deputies responded to the Town & Country parking lot in Gainesville following reports of a man acting erratically. Deputy Ryan and Lt. Rhoades arrived on the scene and found Eric Hogard behind the wheel of a running vehicle, which was parked across several spots. According to deputies, Hogard was yelling at unseen figures and appeared severely intoxicated.
When officers made contact, Hogard allegedly attempted to drive away. He then locked the vehicle, rolled up the windows, and made threatening remarks toward the deputies, stating, “That’s it, I’m going to pull it.” Officers were able to de-escalate the situation and forcibly removed Hogard from the vehicle as he resisted arrest.
A search of the vehicle revealed methamphetamine, drug paraphernalia, alcohol, and what deputies described as “copious amounts of marijuana.” Hogard was booked into the Ozark County Jail on charges of DWI, possession of a controlled substance, and resisting arrest.
In a separate and more dangerous situation on March 15, 2025, deputies responded to a 911 call from Tecumseh after a resident reported being shot at by a neighbor while both were traveling on a rural county road. The suspect reportedly fled into nearby woods, prompting the activation of the Ozark County Sheriff’s Special Enforcement Team (S.E.T.) and the deployment of a drone to assist in the search.
During the operation, deputies attempted to search the property of Nancy Blackburn, a location known to be frequented by the suspect. As the drone flew over the area, Blackburn allegedly fired at it, prompting additional criminal charges.
Authorities later secured search warrants for both Blackburn’s and the suspect Matt Trent’s properties. A negotiator was able to reach Trent by phone and convince him to surrender peacefully. He was arrested on charges of second-degree assault, unlawful possession of a firearm by a felon, armed criminal action, and unlawful use of a weapon.
Meanwhile, a search of Blackburn’s property led to her arrest for unlawful use of a weapon and possession of methamphetamine. Additionally, her actions involving the drone have been referred to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) for further investigation regarding federal violations for interfering with unmanned aircraft.
Ongoing Investigations
The Ozark County Sheriff’s Department confirmed that investigations into both incidents are ongoing and emphasized that additional charges may be filed pending further review by the prosecutor’s office and federal authorities.
Sheriff’s officials urge residents to report suspicious behavior and to never interfere with law enforcement operations, including the use of drones in official investigations.
