06/01/2026
Two Suspects Apprehended Following Pursuit; Linked to Multi-State Criminal Activity
On May 21, 2026, at approximately 3:21 p.m., the Howell County Sheriffโs Office received information regarding a vehicle displaying a stolen license plate traveling in the area of U.S. Highway 60 and U.S Highway 63. Information indicated the vehicle may be associated with a multi-state string of burglaries and could involve a firearm.
Deputies quickly moved into position and located the suspect vehicle at approximately 3:36 p.m., a gray Jeep Cherokee, in the Pomona area. Deputy Michael Pauly attempted to initiate a traffic stop. The vehicle initially slowed and stopped, but then fled from the stop, initiating a pursuit.
The vehicle traveled through Howell County and into the West Plains area, operating in residential neighborhoods in an attempt to evade deputies. The pursuit ultimately came to an end on a private drive off Terra Street, where both occupants exited the vehicle and fled on foot.
After a brief foot pursuit, both suspects were taken into custody by Howell County deputies. During the pursuit on foot, Deputy Pauly deployed 12-gauge less-lethal bean bag rounds to stop one of the fleeing suspects. Upon being taken into custody, both suspects were found to be in possession of jewelry items believed to be stolen in recent burglaries.
During a search of the vehicle, assisting Missouri State Highway Patrol troopers discovered a large quantity of additional jewelry both inside the vehicle and in the immediate area outside the vehicle. These items included rings, bracelets, necklaces, and loose gemstones.
Further investigation, in coordination with Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), indicates the suspects are believed to be involved in multiple burglaries across several states, including Florida, Alabama, and Mississippi. Additional information suggests the suspects may have been involved in a robbery in Springfield, Missouri, just hours prior to their apprehension.
Both refused to provide consistent identifying information to deputies. Current information shows both initially provided false names. After their arrest, both suspects were initially transported to the Howell County Jail before being transferred into federal custody by HSI.
Though the assistance of HSI, both have now been positively identified. Both suspects are believed to be natives of the South American country of Chile and present in the United States illegally. All evidence collected during the investigation has been turned over to federal authorities as the investigation continues.
โI am extremely proud of the work done by our deputies and our partner agencies in bringing this situation to a safe conclusion,โ said Sheriff Matt Roberts. โThis case is a strong example of what happens when criminals try to operate across jurisdictions and underestimate the coordination between local, state, and federal partners. Because of that teamwork, two individuals believed to be responsible for crimes across multiple states are now in custody.โ
The Howell County Sheriffโs Office would like to thank the Missouri State Highway Patrol, West Plains Police Department, Oxford Mississippi Police Department and Homeland Security Investigations for their assistance and coordination in this case.
