Sheriff Matt Roberts

09/27/2026

6:40 PM UPDATE:

Suspect is now in custody. Stay tuned to the Howell County Sheriff's Office page tomorrow for more information.

ORIGINAL POST:

Howell County Deputies are on the scene of a barricaded subject on Post Oak Road in Willow Springs. The barricaded subject has active felony arrest warrants. SWAT Team members have been activated and will be on scene shortly. Please avoid the area and give our folks room to work.

09/05/2026

K9 Demonstrations have started at the Paws for Laws fundraiser in Caulfield. You've still got time to get here and see the dogs work and some great truck pulling action!

09/05/2026

Tonight in Caulfield! Don't miss a great show and an opportunity to help support the areas K9s!

Let’s Show up and Sow out….

08/28/2026

Please see the below press releases regarding this morning's incident in Howell and Texas Counties.

Thank you to the numerous agencies who assisted with this incident. I ask that you please keep those involved in your thoughts and prayers.

Due to my involvement in the incident, I will not be commenting further at this time.

Sheriff Matt Roberts

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Media Release
Cabool, Missouri
August 28,2026

August 28, 2026

On 08-28-2026 at approximately 0107 hours, West Plains police conducted a traffic stop on northbound U.S. Highway 63 near County Road 1820 following a narcotics transaction. During the stop, an officer shot their fi***rm at the suspect, who was the sole occupant of the vehicle. The suspect then took off, traveling north on U.S. Highway 63. The Howell County Sheriff's Office began pursuing the suspect after he fled the traffic stop in the vehicle.

At approximately 0120 hours Cabool Police were called to assist the Howell County Sheriff's Office with the pursuit that was westbound on U.S. 60. Cabool Officers were able to deploy tire deflation devices on U.S. 60 near Dade Lane. The suspect vehicle struck the tire deflation devices and continued westbound on U.S. 60. At the U.S. 60 and 63 interchange the suspect vehicle turned northbound on U.S. 63. Near the intersection of U.S. 63 and Cedar Bluff Drive, Howell County deputies performed a tactical vehicle intervention on the suspect vehicle rendering it inoperable and in the northbound ditch. The male suspect then exited his vehicle and opened fire on the Howell County deputies and Sheriff Matt Roberts. Subsequently, Howell County returned fire hitting the suspect multiple times before he was taken into custody. The suspect was transported by air ambulance to Cox South Hospital in serious condition where he remains hospitalized.

No law enforcement officers were injured during the exchange of gunfire. The officer involved shooting part of the investigation is being investigated by the Christian County Sheriff's Office at the request of the Howell and Texas County Sheriff. The Texas County Sheriff's Office, Cabool Police Department, West Plains Police Department, Mountain View Police Department, and the Missouri State Highway Patrol assisted in the incident.

For further media inquiries contact Christian County Sheriff Brad Cole.

08/27/2026

Yesterday I joined several other sheriffs from South Central Missouri at a farewell ceremony for Greene County Sheriff Jim Arnott. The ceremony highlighted Sheriff Arnott's impressive 37 year law enforcement career and served as a send off into the next chapter of his career. Sheriff Arnott will continue to serve the citizens of Missouri as the United States Marshal for Western District of Missouri. Congratulations Marshal Arnott!

From left to right: Sheriff Jason Johnson, Sheriff Danny Morrison, Sheriff Doug Rader, U.S. Marshal Jim Arnott, Sheriff Brad Cole, Sheriff Roye Cole, Sheriff Eric King, Sheriff Matt Roberts.

08/18/2026

Below is an update from the Howell County Commission regarding the selection of an architectural firm. This firm will conduct a needs assessment and present a report to the Commission that outlines the status of our current facility and our options for moving forward.

08/16/2026

Keep an eye on the weather tonight! Storms are starting to build to our West.

Strong to severe thunderstorms are expected across the area this afternoon and evening. Severe storms are expected to develop as early as 5 PM, lasting into the overnight. Damaging wind gusts will be the primary threat with these storms.

08/09/2026

Mark your calendars for this year's Paws for Laws truck pull!

08/07/2026

UPDATE:

The male has been taken into custody thanks to our drone and a surprisingly effective K9 impersonation by Lieutenant Smith! Watch the Howell County Sheriff's Office page for more info.

Deputies are on scene on County Road 3490
searching for a male subject with an active arrest warrant who fled. Please avoid the area if possible.

08/07/2026

Please see the below update regarding a needs assessment for a Sheriff's Office and Jail or possibly a full justice center.

As this process progresses we will update you with further information.