Two arrested after stealing ammo, generators from storage unit

Two men from Joplin have been arrested after they allegedly stole thousands of rounds of ammo from a U-Haul storage unit. Read the full press release below:

On March 3rd, 2021 the Joplin Police Department received a report of a burglary that had occurred at the storage units at U-Haul at 1410 E 7th Street in Joplin. The victims reported two generators and approximately 15,000 rounds of ammunition were stolen during the incident. During the course of the investigation, two suspects were identified and sought in this case.

The first suspect was identified as James D. Kessler, age 35, of Joplin. On March 4th, Kessler was found at the Super 7 motel at 3031 S. Rangeline Road. During his arrest, investigators recovered approximately 12,000 rounds of stolen ammunition, a stolen handgun, and an ounce of Methamphetamine.

The second suspect was identified as Steve D. Newberry, age 33, of Joplin. On the night of March 4th, Newberry was located at an apartment near 10th and Connecticut in Joplin. Newberry refused to exit the residence and the Joplin Police Department SWAT team was called to the scene. After approximately two hours, Newberry surrendered himself to police and was taken into custody.

Charges have been submitted to the Jasper County Prosecutors Office for Burglary in the 2nd Degree for Steve Newberry. Charges of Delivery of a Controlled Substance and Burglary in the 2nd Degree were also submitted for James Kessler. Kessler also had an active parole violation warrant out of Missouri for Possession of a Controlled Substance.

The investigation is ongoing at this time and further details may be released as they become available.