Photo: Trooper Zachary T. Costley
A Missouri State Highway Patrol trooper is being recognized for his role in preventing a likely attempted kidnapping.
The Missouri Department of Public Safety (DPS) says Trooper Zachary T. Costley, of Patrol Troop D, is the December 2021 DPS Sworn Team Member of the Month for the thoroughness of his investigative work following a traffic stop, which likely prevented an attempted kidnapping.
On Aug. 8, Costley conducted a traffic stop for a registration violation on U.S. Highway 65 in Taney County. Costley called for backup after the driver refused to identify himself. After two officers arrived on the scene, Costley advised the driver he was under arrest.
The driver resisted, and it required all three officers to place the man in handcuffs, after a brief struggle. A search of the man’s pockets revealed a list of items that could be used in a kidnapping or planned assault — duct tape, zip ties, a bat and a stun gun.
Costley applied for a search warrant and found some of the listed items in the vehicle. He also applied for a search warrant for the driver’s cellphone and learned the man and his wife were allegedly conspiring to kidnap their children from a foster home. A review of the foster homes security camera footage revealed the man had recently surveilled the home.
DPS says Costley’s vigilance and ability to recognize certain criminal behaviors and then take immediate, necessary action most likely prevented a serious violent crime from occurring.
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