Authorities ask for help in locating stolen vehicles

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For the second time in 30 days, the West Plains Police Department is investigating reports of stolen vehicles and is seeking the community’s help in locating a truck and van in the latest incidents.On Sunday morning at approximately 8:44, officers responded to a residence on St. Louis Street for a report of a stolen vehicle. Officers learned the vehicle, a gray 2020 Ford F-150 with a license plate of 18H-3GD, was stolen from the residence sometime between 11 Saturday evening and the time of call on Sunday. The owner of the vehicle named some people of interest, but at this time, the location of the vehicle is unknown.

On Monday, officers responded to the Ozarks Healthcare Thrift Store for a report of a stolen vehicle. Officers learned the vehicle, a white 2005 Ford Econoline van with “Ozarks Healthcare” on both sides of the van and a license plate of CU8-R5J, was stolen from the business sometime between 1:15 and 2:15 Sunday morning.

Anyone with information on these two vehicles or the suspects involved is asked to contact the West Plains Police Department at 417-256-2244 or at crimetips@westplains.net

In mid-December, West Plains police responded to two other vehicle thefts.

Shortly after midnight on Dec. 10, the West Plains Police Department received a report of a stolen passenger car from a residence on North Utah Street.

During the investigation, officers learned the vehicle had been left unlocked with the key in the ignition and was taken while the car was warming.

Less than six hours later, officers responded to another report of a stolen Jeep at Breckenridge Apartments, which was also stolen under similar circumstances.

About two hours later, the police department received information from the Howell County Sheriff’s Office that the stolen Jeep had been located in Spring Creek in the area of County Road 9000 just south of Arrowhead Lakes.

A short time later, the Howell County Sheriff’s Office also advised the passenger car had been located on County Road 6310.

The sheriff’s office also received a report of a suspicious male subject who had talked to a resident in the area of County Road 8800. The suspect was not wearing a shirt, was wet and was described as acting very strange.

The caller told deputies the male had said he needed help. But when the caller returned to his door, the male as gone. The male was then spotted by Howell County deputies and was taken into custody.

The male subject was identified as 19-year-old Quintin Walker of West Plains. At the time of the arrest, authorities said Walker had been placed on a 24-hour hold pending formal charges for auto theft and for theft of items from the stolen vehicle, with additional charges expected.

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