West Plains, MO. – A West Plains man was arrested following a manhunt on Tuesday. Below is the press release from the West Plains Police Department
On Tuesday, August 1, 2023, at approximately 9:25 AM. officers were dispatched to Wal Mart located at 1310 Preacher Roe Blvd, West Plains, regarding a report of a male subject assaulting a Wal Mart employee when confronted about stealing from the business. After the assault, the male suspect fled the area in a passenger vehicle.
Officers located the vehicle leaving the area and attempted a traffic stop. The vehicle failed to yield to the officer’s attempts to stop the vehicle. After turning onto Nichols Drive the suspect fled on foot into a wooded area in an attempt to flee from officers.
With the assistance of other West Plains Officers, a West Plains K9, and members of the Howell County Sheriff’s Department, a twenty-year-old male, identified as, Cooper Alan Lee Clayton was apprehended at 10:15 AM. near the intersection of Armstrong Street and Preacher Roe Blvd without further incident.
The male suspect is being held at the West Plains Police Department Jail Facility on four warrants for his arrest out of West Plains. As of press release report time, the following charges are pending Robbery Second Degree, Resisting Arrest, Duty to Drive With Care (excessive speed), Improper Passing, Operating a Motor Vehicle without a Valid Operator’s License, Fail to Display Current State License Plates, and Fail to Provide Proof of Financial Responsibility.
The Wal-Mart employee suffered an injury to his hand from the assault but did not require medical attention. Further investigation relating to an unrelated stealing case was cleared as a result of this arrest.
A charge is merely an accusation. All suspects are deemed innocent until proven guilty in a Court of Law.
