Wright County Sheriff's Office

05/29/2026

05/19/2026

⚠️ SCAM ALERT ⚠️

Several citizens have reported receiving text messages claiming to be from USPS regarding a package delivery issue. The message asks you to click a link and “update” your address information.

These messages are fraudulent.

🚩 Red Flags:
• Sent from an international or random phone number
• Suspicious web links that are NOT official USPS websites
• Requests for personal or payment information
• Creates urgency to get you to click the link

✅ USPS will not ask you to update delivery information through suspicious text links.

If you receive one of these messages:
• Do NOT click the link
• Do NOT provide personal or banking information
• Report the message as spam
• Delete the text

If you are expecting a package, go directly to the official USPS website or app to check tracking information.

Please share this post to help protect others from falling victim to scams.

05/12/2026

Update: LOCATED JUVENILE

The previous post about the runaway juvenile can be disregarded. The post has been edited. He was located by Law Enforcement.

Thank you all for sharing!

___________________
RUNAWAY JUVENILE

The Wright County Sheriff’s Office is asking for the community’s assistance in locating a runaway juvenile.

A 14-year-old male was last seen around 1:30 PM today in the Logan Road / Hadner Road area north of Hartville.

He was last seen wearing:
• Blue sweatshirt
• Black sweatpants
• White socks
• Black flip flops

Residents in the area are asked to be aware while outside and watch for him in the area.

If you see him or have any information regarding his whereabouts, please contact 911 immediately.

Please share this post to help us safely locate him.

05/02/2026

Missing Person from Mountain Grove. PLEASE SHARE!

If you have seen or know the whereabouts of David Nicholson, contact the Mountain Grove Police Department at 417-926-5181 or dial 911.

UPDATE!!! David has been located and is safe. Thank you for sharing the information.

MISSING PERSON – PLEASE SHARE

David Nicholson has been missing for 3 days and was officially reported missing yesterday from Mountain Grove.

He was last seen wearing:
• Brown Harley-Davidson jacket
• Red cutoff shirt
• Blue jeans
• Work boots

If you have seen David or have any information about his whereabouts, please contact the Mountain Grove Police Department at 417-926-5181.

04/27/2026

Strong to severe storms are expected to impact our area this afternoon and evening.

🌩️ What to Expect:
• Large hail (potentially up to baseball size)
• Damaging wind gusts up to 70 mph
• A few tornadoes are possible, some could be strong

📍 Wright County is currently in an enhanced to moderate risk area, meaning conditions are favorable for significant severe weather.

🚨 Stay Prepared:
• Have multiple ways to receive weather alerts (phone, NOAA radio, etc.)
• Know where you will take shelter if a warning is issued
• Avoid unnecessary travel during severe storms
• Keep an eye on changing conditions throughout the day

We encourage everyone to remain weather aware and take this system seriously. Updates will be provided as needed.

Strong to severe storms are expected to develop along a cold front this afternoon with the best chances of storms along and east of U.S. 65. All modes of severe weather will be possible, including the potential for very large hail and a few large tornadoes.

04/27/2026

🚨 SEVERE WEATHER ALERT – TORNADO WATCH IN EFFECT 🚨

A Tornado Watch has been issued for Wright County. Conditions are favorable for the development of severe storms, including possible tornadoes.

Now is the time to stay alert and be prepared.

What you should do:
• Monitor weather updates through local news, weather apps, or NOAA Weather Radio
• Have a plan for where you will take shelter if a warning is issued
• Identify the safest place in your home (basement or interior room on the lowest floor, away from windows)
• Keep your phone charged and emergency alerts turned on
• Avoid unnecessary travel during severe weather
• If you’re outdoors or in a vehicle, seek sturdy shelter immediately if conditions worsen

Remember: A watch means conditions are possible. A warning means take action immediately.

04/21/2026

🚨 SCAM ALERT – DO NOT FALL FOR THIS 🚨

We have been made aware of fraudulent “Final Notice – Court Enforcement Action” text messages being circulated claiming to be from a Missouri court regarding unpaid traffic violations.

⚠️ THIS IS A SCAM.

These notices may look official and include:

* Court-style formatting and case numbers
* Threats of license suspension, collections, or legal action
* A QR code directing you to make a payment

🚫 Red Flags:

* Courts do NOT demand payment via QR codes
* Courts do NOT send “final notices” like this demanding immediate payment without prior official service
* Multiple unrelated violations listed on one notice
* Pressure tactics to scare you into paying quickly

✅ What you should do:

* DO NOT scan the QR code
* DO NOT send any money
* DO NOT provide personal information
* Verify any court matter directly by contacting the court using an official phone number or website

Help spread the word to protect others in our community.

04/17/2026

🚨 Wright County Sheriff’s Office – Severe Weather Awareness 🚨

There is a risk for severe weather this evening. We encourage all residents to take a few minutes now to prepare your home and your family.

Be Ready Before the Storm:
• 📱 Keep cell phones charged and ensure emergency alerts are turned on
• 🔦 Have flashlights accessible and check batteries
• 🔋 Keep backup chargers or power banks available
• 💧 Store bottled water for each family member
• 🥫 Keep a supply of non-perishable food on hand
• 👟 Have shoes and a change of clothes ready in case you need to move quickly
• 🐾 Don’t forget food and supplies for your pets

Have a Plan:
• Identify a safe place in your home (basement or interior room, away from windows)
• Make sure everyone in your household knows where to go
• Monitor local weather conditions and warnings closely

During Severe Weather:
If a warning is issued for your area, take it seriously and seek shelter immediately. Do not wait until you can see the storm.

Preparedness is key to keeping you and your family safe. Please take this time to review your plans. Remain weather aware!

Severe thunderstorms are expected this evening through the overnight hours. Highest severe potential will generally be along and northwest of Interstate 44. Damaging winds are the most likely hazard. Remain weather aware tonight!

04/13/2026

Two Deputies Better Protected Thanks to USDSA Donation of Rifle-Rated Armor

The Wright County Sheriff's Office extends its sincere appreciation to the United States Deputy Sheriff's Association for their generous donation of equipment to our agency.

Through their support, we have received two Point Blank carriers equipped with rifle-rated armor. This equipment directly enhances deputy safety and readiness in an environment where threats continue to evolve.

The United Stated Deputy Sheriff's Association is a nonprofit organization committed to assisting law enforcement agencies nationwide by providing critical equipment and resources where they are needed most.

This donation was provided at no cost to our agency. We are grateful for partners who invest in officer safety and help ensure deputies are properly equipped without placing the additional financial burden on our community.

Thank you, USDSA for helping keep our deputies safe!

-Sheriff BJ Adler

04/10/2026

Domestic Disturbance and Weapon Violation Ends with Arrest of Hartville Man

On April 6th, 2026 Wright County Deputies responded to a domestic incident, outside of Hartville, Missouri, involving an armed, highly intoxicated male subject. While deputies were responding, they were advised that the subject began firing the weapon inside the residence. This immediately placed the victim in harms way. The male stated it was a “suicide mission.”

Upon arrival deputies located the female victim, who was able to get out of the residence safely. Chief Deputy Akers began communicating with the male, who was still inside the residence. After a short time he walked out of the residence, unarmed, and was taken into custody without incident.

The investigation revealed the suspect, identified as Aubrey Ballew, 47, Hartville, was angry and drank a large amount of alcohol, causing him to become very intoxicated. Upon entering the residence, deputies located the loaded 9mm handgun he was armed with. It was laying in the floor, at the doorway he just exited. Ballew sent messages indicating that things were bad and referenced a gunfight with police.

Ballew was transported to the Wright County Jail. He was formally charged with:

Domestic Assault 1st Degree- Class B Felony
Unlawful Use of a Weapon (Three Counts)- Class E Felony

He is being held in the Wright County Jail with NO BOND.

As previously stated, I am very thankful for and commend the work of our deputies. I am thankful no one was injured during this event.

*All subjects are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.