BENTON, MISSOURI - Scott County Sheriff Rick Walter reports an unusual law enforcement encounter lands an Arizona man in jail.
James Elmer Crowell (68) of 4554 North Glen Road, Kingman, Arizona has been charged with the Class C Felony of Unlawful Possession of a Firearm (RSMo 571.070).
Sheriff Walter states that on Sunday, December 7th, at approximately 6:00 p.m., Deputy Carl Rose responded to an unusual call at the home of another Scott County Deputy.
Corporal Justin Wooten, driving a marked county patrol vehicle, was arriving at the home of Sergeant Brant Pratt, when he observed a blue 1996 Ford van with Arizona license plates drive into the front yard of the residence.
Contact was made with the driver, identified as Crowell. It was determined that Crowell had an outstanding felony warrant from 2003 in Ripley County, Missouri. That charge was for Unlawful Use of a Weapon. Crowell was arrested for the outstanding warrant. Deputies were given permission to search the vehicle. A loaded .25 ACP caliber, double barrel derringer was found in a holster attached inside the center console of the van. This setup made the weapon readily accessible to Crowell for use.
Deputy Rose transported Crowell to the Scott County Jail. A probable cause affidavit was filed with the Scott County Prosecutor for formal charges concerning the derringer. Crowell is a convicted felon and is prohibited by law to possess the handgun.
Sheriff Walter stated that this was a very unusual case. The sheriff stated it isn’t every day a felon presents himself in this manner to law enforcement, basically asking to be arrested.
Sheriff Walter asks that anyone who has further information regarding this case, other criminal activity concerning Crowell, or any other crimes to contact the Scott County Sheriff’s Office at 545-3525, or leave a message on the crime tip line at 1-866-210-4322.
Crowell remains in custody at the Scott County Jail. Bond on the Ripley County warrant is $20,000.00 cash or surety.
Bond for the Scott County warrant was set by the court at $2,500.00 cash only.
