Patrol vehicle stolen with drug dog inside

By Debbie Robinson
Globe Staff Writer

NEOSHO, Mo. - A drug-sniffing dog belonging to the Newton
County Sheriff's Department was found unharmed early Tuesday after
the patrol car carrying the dog allegedly was stolen from a crime
scene.

Officers were searching for a rural Jasper County man in connection
with the theft. Prosecuting Attorney Greg Bridges said he was
waiting on reports from sheriff's deputies before filing formal charges.

Sheriff Ron Doerge said Deputy Scott Matchell, the county's canine
officer, responded at 12:30 am. Monday to the Joseph Hollis home,
4205 Greenwood Drive, Joplin. Matchell had his dog, Enos, in a
caged compartment in the rear of the car.

Deputy Randy White responded in a separate patrol car after Hollis
reported a burglary in progress. He also reported that fireworks had
been ignited inside an outbuilding behind the house. The Hollis family
left the home before deputies arrived, Doerge said.

As the two deputies searched the area around the house, a
37-year-old man allegedly reached through a window of Matchell's
vehicle, unlocked the door and fled, Doerge said.

Doerge said deputies believe the man was hiding in the house.

As deputies were searching for the car, Deputy Jerry Pusser found
the dog a short time after on the roadway near the low-water bridge
over Shoal Creek in south Joplin, said Chief  Deputy Chris Jennings.

Joplin police officers spotted the car and joined the chase near 32nd
Street and Jackson Avenue, Jennings said.

Officers chased the vehicle north through the city. Jasper County
sheriff's deputies and Missouri State Highway Patrol troopers joined
the chase near North Main Street and Fountain Road.

Officers set up a tire-deflating device, which punctured a tire on the
vehicle being pursued. Doerge said the man continued north, turning
onto Fir Road. The patrol car stalled after the man attempted to drive
over a railroad embankment.

The man fled on foot.

Lt. Tony Coleman of the Jasper County Sheriff's Department said
lawmen continued searching for the man Tuesday. He said the man
had not returned to his home between Joplin and Carl Junction.

Said Coleman: "I'm sure he's well aware of what he's done by now."

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