Two in custody after overnight DWI pursuit in Joplin

Two people from Joplin were taken into custody early Thursday morning after they allegedly led law enforcement on a short pursuit. Read the full press release below:

On 12-21-23 at approximately 1:00 AM, a Jasper County Deputy observed a vehicle failing to maintain lanes near 13th and Range Line road. The Deputy initiated his lights to stop the vehicle when the vehicle failed to yield and sped up attempting to elude the Deputy. The vehicle made several turns and went through parking lots and refused to stop.

Joplin Police were notified and asked to assist. Joplin successfully spiked the vehicles tires and the vehicle stopped near 7th and Walnut Ridge road. The two occupants of the vehicle ran from the vehicle and were taken into custody a short time later.

The driver of the vehicle was identified as 23-year-old Ethan Harris, of Joplin. The passenger was identified as 22-year-old Arin Thomas, also of Joplin.

Harris was having a medical event that was related to an apparent drug overdose and was transported to a local hospital. Charges for DWI, driving while revoked and resisting by fleeing will be sent to the Jasper County Prosecutor for review.

Thomas was arrested and transported to the Jasper County Detention Center and charges have been submitted on her for resisting arrest by fleeing.