Two charged after crash ends Joplin police pursuit
We’re learning more details about the two people arrested after a police pursuit ended in a crash in Joplin Wednesday.
Read the full press release from JPD below:
On Wednesday, October 2, 2024 at 11:32 a.m., officers with the Joplin Police Department attempted a traffic stop on a 2020 Volkswagen Jetta near the intersection of 7th and Jefferson Avenue.
Based on observations, the officers believed the driver was possibly intoxicated. After attempting the stop, the driver fled and a vehicle pursuit ensued. The suspect vehicle ran a stop light at 20th and Connecticut and crashed into another vehicle in the intersection, disabling both vehicles. A high risk stop was conducted by officers and the male driver and a female passenger were detained without further incident.
The driver of the other vehicle sustained minor injuries from the crash.
The driver of the suspect vehicle was identified as Dakota L. Bell, age 31 of Alba, Missouri. He was arrested on charges of Driving While Intoxicated- Drugs (with physical injury), Driving While Revoked, Carless Driving, Resisting Arrest, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, and Valentine’s Law- aggravated fleeing a stop or detention of a motor vehicle. He remains in custody at the Joplin City Jail.
The female passenger was identified as Jessica L. Vankirk, age 31 of Webb City, Missouri. She was arrested on active felony probation violation warrants for drug related charges. Her warrants had a no bond restriction.
