McDonald County Sheriff's Office

06/12/2026

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Search Warrant Executed in Anderson; Two Individuals Face Drug and Firearm Charges
Anderson, Missouri — June 12, 2026
On June 12, 2026, the Southwest Missouri Special Response Team (SRT), comprised of the McDonald County Sheriff's Office, Neosho Police Department, Pineville Police Department, and Seneca Police Department, executed a search warrant in the 100 block of North Sycamore Street in Anderson.
The warrant was served on behalf of the Ozarks Drug Enforcement Team (ODET) with assistance from the Anderson Police Department.
Following the ex*****on of the warrant, two individuals were detained: Minnie Krom, 68, and Bryan West, 58. After the residence was secured, ODET detectives conducted a search of the property and located suspected methamphetamine and two fi****ms inside the home.
As a result of the investigation, Krom is expected to be charged with possession of a controlled substance.
West, who has multiple prior felony convictions, is expected to be charged with possession of a controlled substance and unlawful possession of a firearm.
This investigation remains ongoing. Formal charges are pending review by the appropriate prosecuting attorney.
All subjects are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.

06/04/2026

Memorial Day Weekend Directed Patrol Results
On May 23, 2026, the McDonald County Sheriff's Office, in cooperation with the Anderson Police Department, conducted a directed patrol operation in the Noel, Lanagan, and Pineville areas during the busy Memorial Day weekend.
The operation focused on traffic enforcement, crime prevention, and maintaining a visible law enforcement presence throughout the county during one of the busiest travel periods of the year.
During the patrol, participating officers conducted 59 traffic stops, resulting in 5 arrests for various violations. In addition to enforcement efforts, deputies remained proactive in addressing criminal activity throughout the county.
While the directed patrol was ongoing, McDonald County Sheriff's deputies located a stolen vehicle in the 3100 block of East State Highway 90. The vehicle was recovered and the investigation into the theft was coordinated with the appropriate agencies.
The McDonald County Sheriff's Office would like to thank the Anderson Police Department for their assistance and partnership during this operation. These cooperative enforcement efforts help improve public safety and demonstrate the commitment of local law enforcement agencies to keeping our communities safe.
Sheriff Robert Evenson stated, "Operations such as this allow us to increase our presence in areas of high activity, address traffic concerns, and proactively combat crime. We appreciate the continued support of our law enforcement partners and the citizens we serve."
The McDonald County Sheriff's Office remains committed to working with local, state, and federal partners to ensure the safety and security of all residents and visitors to McDonald County.

06/04/2026

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Stolen Vehicle Recovered in McDonald County
On June 3, 2026, deputies with the McDonald County Sheriff's Office responded to a report of an abandoned vehicle on W. Brodie Road.
Upon receiving the call, deputies checked the vehicle through the statewide computer system and found that it was not listed as stolen or wanted at that time. A short time later, McDonald County Dispatch was contacted by Newton County Communications and advised that a stolen vehicle report had just been taken involving the same vehicle.
Deputies responded to the location and confirmed that the abandoned vehicle was the one reported stolen from Newton County. Fortunately, the vehicle was recovered without any apparent damage and was released to its owners.
The McDonald County Sheriff's Office appreciates the cooperation between agencies that helped ensure the quick recovery of the vehicle and its return to the rightful owners.

05/05/2026

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Date: April 25, 2026
Lanagan Man Arrested in Child Abuse Investigation
Lanagan, Missouri — On April 24, 2026, deputies with the McDonald County Sheriff’s Office received a report from the Bentonville Police Department regarding a severely injured child who had been transported to Mercy Hospital in Rogers, Arkansas.
Upon arrival at the hospital, medical personnel determined the child had sustained severe burn injuries. The child was later airlifted to a specialized burn unit in Little Rock, Arkansas, where it was confirmed the child suffered third-degree burns covering over 40% of his body.
Through the course of the investigation, it was determined that the injuries occurred at a residence in Lanagan, Missouri. Investigators identified Trent Ramsey as the individual responsible for supervising the child at the time of the incident.
Based on the investigation, Ramsey was taken into custody and formally charged with:
• Endangering the Welfare of a Child
• Child Abuse
This investigation remains ongoing. Additional charges may be considered pending further review.

04/30/2026

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 24, 2026
McDonald County Sheriff’s Office Conducts Alcohol Compliance Checks
McDonald County, MO — On April 24, 2026, the McDonald County Sheriff’s Office, in partnership with the Alliance of Southwest Missouri and the McDonald County Community Coalition, conducted alcohol compliance checks at 28 locations throughout McDonald County.
The operation was carried out as part of an overtime initiative involving sheriff’s deputies, along with the assistance of volunteers ages 18 to 19 who participated in the compliance checks. The Sheriff’s Office extends its appreciation to these volunteers for their dedication, as well as to the businesses and employees who remained vigilant in preventing the sale of alcohol to minors.
The Alliance of Southwest Missouri and the McDonald County Community Coalition will also be offering future training opportunities for local businesses and employees. These trainings will focus on identifying fake identification and preventing illegal alcohol purchases.
Businesses That Failed Compliance Checks:
• Walmart — 100 Commercial Drive, Pineville, MO
• Dollar General — 712 N. Main Street, Southwest City, MO
• The Mill — 1288 Route O, Southwest City, MO
Businesses That Passed Compliance Checks:
Southwest City, MO
• SWC Station — 350 N. Main Street
• Stateline SWC — 1000 S. Main Street
• The Filling Station — 27 Route O
Noel, MO
• BJ’s — 607 N. Cliffside Drive
• Harps – Noel — 514 N. Cliffside Drive
• Rio Alce — 441 N. Cliffside Drive
• Dollar General — 500 N. Cliffside Drive
• Stateline on Hwy 59 — 20925 State Highway 59
• Dass Liquor — 20460 State Highway 59
• Rosas — 444 N. Cliffside Drive
Pineville, MO
• Macadoodles — 35 Macadoodle Lane
• Stateline 71/OO — 29 Missouri Lane
• Stateline Bear Hollow — 22176 US Highway 71
• Dollar General — 5232 S. Highway 71
• Country Market — 5161 S. Highway 71
Anderson, MO
• Stangs — 497 E. State Highway 76
• Casey’s – Anderson — 505 S. Highway 59
• Pit Stop — 924 N. Highway 71
• Mr. C’s — 711 N. Highway 71
• Harps – Anderson — 224 E. State Highway 76
• Dollar General — 920 N. Highway 71
• Town and Country — 704 S. Highway 59
Goodman, MO
• Dollar General — 300 N. Royhill Boulevard
• Goodman Freshway Minimart — 211 N. Roy Hill Boulevard
• Goodman Casey’s — 211 N. Royhill Boulevard
The McDonald County Sheriff’s Office remains committed to working with community partners and local businesses to reduce underage drinking and enhance public safety throughout the county.

04/06/2026

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Date: April 6, 2026
McDonald County Special Response Team Executes Search Warrant in Anderson
Anderson, MO — On April 3, 2026, the McDonald County Special Response Team (SRT), in coordination with McDonald County Detectives, executed a search warrant in the 200 block of Stillwell Road in Anderson, Missouri.
The search warrant was obtained following an investigation in which detectives conducted multiple controlled purchases of illegal narcotics from the residence.
Upon arrival, multiple individuals were present at the residence and were detained without incident while the search warrant was executed.
During the search of the property, detectives located two fi****ms and components of an additional rifle. Investigators also recovered a binder containing multiple vehicle titles and several vehicle identification number (VIN) plates. Additionally, a stolen vehicle was located in a field behind the residence.
As a result of the investigation, two individuals were taken into custody and transported to the McDonald County Detention Center:
• Rick Calkins, 55, was arrested and charged with:
o Unlawful Possession of a Firearm
o Tampering with a Motor Vehicle
• Joe Sams, 51, was arrested on an outstanding warrant.
This investigation remains ongoing, and additional charges may be filed.
All subjects are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

02/25/2026

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Body Discovered in Lanagan; Investigation Ongoing
Lanagan, MO — On February 17, 2026, McDonald County Detectives were notified of a deceased individual located near the 100 block of Indian Creek Drive in Lanagan, Missouri.
Upon arrival, detectives discovered the body partially submerged in a creek. The scene was processed, and the McDonald County Coroner’s Office was contacted to respond.
During the investigation, detectives located a wallet containing a driver’s license. However, the individual’s identity could not be officially confirmed at the scene. An autopsy was conducted to determine the identity and further details surrounding the death.
Following the completion of the autopsy, the deceased was positively identified as Darick Cochran, age 43.
The investigation into the circumstances surrounding Mr. Cochran’s death remains ongoing. Additional information will be released as it becomes available. Anyone with information related to this case is encouraged to contact the McDonald County Sheriff’s Office.

02/25/2026

A fund has been set up to benefit the families of the fallen Deputies. There should be a link in this post to make a donation via Venmo. If you don't have Venmo, you can mail a donation to Sheriff Brad Cole at c/c Christian County Sheriff's Office, 110 W. Elm Street, Ozark MO 65721.

SCAM ALERT

The Christian County Sheriff’s Office has been made aware of scam attempts involving fraudulent donation requests claiming to benefit the families of our fallen deputies.
We urge the public to use caution and verify any fundraising efforts before contributing.
An official fund has been established through the Christian County Deputy Sheriffs Association, with donations accepted through their official Venmo account:
Please rely only on information shared through the official Christian County Sheriff’s Office social media.
Thank you for your continued support, prayers, and compassion for our deputies and their families.
https://venmo.com/u/ChristianCoDeputySheriffAssoc

Sheriff Brad Cole

01/16/2026

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Stolen Vehicle Recovered in Jane, Missouri
January 13, 2025 – McDonald County, Missouri
On January 13, 2025, at approximately 3:23 p.m., deputies with the McDonald County Sheriff’s Office were dispatched to an address in Jane, Missouri, in reference to a possible stolen or missing vehicle.
During the investigation, deputies observed a 2012 Nissan Altima at the location with no visible license plate. A VIN check was conducted, which confirmed the vehicle had been reported stolen out of Springdale, Arkansas.
Following confirmation, the McDonald County Sheriff’s Office was then contacted by Springdale Police Department. Springdale Police advised that they had identified a possible suspect in the theft of the vehicle, who is also a suspect in multiple other incidents within their jurisdiction.
The vehicle was secured and towed to the McDonald County Sheriff’s Office, where it was later released to the rightful owner. The investigation remains ongoing in cooperation with the Springdale Police Department.

01/16/2026

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Multi-Agency Task Force Captures Wanted Fugitive
January 15, 2026 – McDonald County, Missouri
On January 15, 2026, the McDonald County Sheriff’s Office assisted the U.S. Marshals Service Midwest Violent Fugitive Task Force, and Missouri State Highway Patrol’s Operation Relentless Pursuit in the capture of a wanted fugitive.
The task force, comprised of the Greene County Sheriff’s Office, Stone County Sheriff’s Office, Taney County Sheriff’s Office, Branson Police Department, Christian County Sheriff’s Office, Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), successfully apprehended Tyler Cleaver, 28.
Cleaver had multiple outstanding warrants, including R**e, Domestic Assault in the Second Degree (two separate cases), Unlawful Possession of a Firearm, Theft of a Firearm, Unlawful Use of a Weapon, and Trespassing. He had been actively evading law enforcement since 2019.
The McDonald County Sheriff’s Office would like to thank all assisting agencies for their cooperation and dedication in bringing this long-term fugitive into custody.