Latest news with #OzarkPoliceDepartment
Yahoo
25-04-2025
- Yahoo
Two Romanian men accused of card skimming in Ozark
DOTHAN, Ala (WDHN) — Two Romanian men who investigators claim may be a part of a nationwide 'large-scale criminal enterprise' have been arrested by Ozark police in Florida. Adelin Denis Lonescu and Catalina Marian Matei, both 23, were arrested in Lynn Haven, Florida, and charged with encoded data fraud, computer tampering, and criminal possession of a forgery device. According to the Ozark Police Department, the investigation that led to the suspect's arrest began on March 25 after an employee of an Ozark grocery store found a card skimming device and reported it to police. Police say these devices capture data from magnetic strips and record PINs typed on a keypad. Lonescu and Matei were arrested in the Florida panhandle 12 hours into the investigation, police said in a release. 'The investigation has led to networking with the Secret Service, who have indicated that the suspects are connected to a large-scale criminal enterprise operating throughout the country,' said Ozark Police in the release. 'We commend the hard work and dedication of all officers involved in this case and remain committed to protecting the safety and well-being of our community and beyond.' Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
13-04-2025
- Yahoo
Sparta man arrested for ramming into law enforcement cars, resisting arrest in pursuit
DOUGLAS COUNTY, Mo. — A man from Sparta was arrested after ramming into multiple law enforcement vehicles and resisting arrest during an early morning pursuit on Sunday, April 13. According to a Facebook post from the Douglas County Sheriff's Office (DCSO), Sheriff Chris Degase and Deputy Shawn Wilson assisted the Ozark Police Department in a pursuit on West State Route 14 heading into Douglas County. The suspect, identified as Steven Browning from Sparta, drove into Ava and then into the Signal gas station. DCSO says law enforcement attempted to block Browning's vehicle in the parking lot, but Browning then struck Degase's and Wilson's vehicles and rammed into an Ozark Police unit while backing up. Man killed after traveling on the roadway in Polk Browning had to be forced out of his vehicle by Degase and continued to resist arrest until Ozark PD, Ava PD and DCSO put him in handcuffs, even trying to grab a knife on his person while being arrested. Sheriff Degase and Deputy Wilson received minor injuries in the incident. 'We were very fortunate that no one was seriously injured in this incident. There is only one good and that is knowledge, and one evil and that is ignorance,' said Sheriff Degase. Browning is charged with three counts of first-degree assault of a law enforcement officer, three counts of armed criminal action, aggravated fleeing arrest, possession of methamphetamine, possession of drug paraphernalia and DWI. Browning is being held in Douglas County Jail with no bond. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
09-04-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Early results show Ozark mayor Don Currence in lead to stay on for second term
The race for Ozark mayor was highly contested this year with two aldermen challenging the incumbent for office. With only one precinct left to report, incumbent Donald Currence appears headed to another term, according to early unofficial results. Currence received 48.3% of the votes with six of the seven precincts reporting. Currance had garnered 672 votes, over David Snider's 414 and Eddie Campbell's 306, according to early results. Currence, running for his second term, highlighted conservative Christian values, fiscal responsibility and building strong community partnership relationships in his campaign. He is the administrative pastor at First Baptist Church in Ozark and serves as the volunteer Ozark Police Department Chaplain. Conservative values were a common denominator in the race, touted by all three mayoral candidates in their campaigns. Snider, a retired Springfield Police Department officer and Army veteran, focused on his strong advocacy for public safety and the need to strengthen infrastructure to encourage growth. Snider has served as Ward 1 Alderman for several years and previously ran for mayor. He was recently named the next transportation director for the Ozark school district. Campbell also previously ran for mayor. He was first elected as Ward 3 Alderman in 2010. Now retired, Campbell used to work in commercial construction. Through his campaign, he emphasized avoiding additional taxes in the community. Marta Mieze covers local government at the News-Leader. Have feedback, tips or story ideas? Contact her at mmieze@ This article originally appeared on Springfield News-Leader: Ozark voters select new mayor in highly contested three-way race
Yahoo
05-02-2025
- Yahoo
Ozark PD asking for more license plate reading cameras
OZARK, Mo. – The Ozark Police Department is hoping to add more equipment to help them fight crime. At the board of aldermen meeting on Feb. 3, police asked the city if they could get more license plate reading cameras. 'It is a tool that can't really be matched as far as the leads that it provides,' said Captain Derek Hill. The city already has three license plate reading cameras, called Flock cameras. The cameras are normally set up at intersections and scan the plates of cars passing by to see if they are connected to any crimes. 'People shouldn't be down in there,' Bill aims to criminalize storm drain obstructions OPD is asking for six more cameras, giving them nine in total. 'If you're looking for specific vehicles or you're looking for something that is related to a crime that you're investigating really helps narrow down and save time for our investigators,' Cpt. Hill said during the aldermen meeting. 'So it's invaluable. It's something that is a fantastic tool for us.' Other cities in the area, like Springfield, have used Flock cameras for years. 'We reach to that information every day,' said Cris Swaters with the Springfield Police Department. However, residents who spoke to Ozarks First have differing viewpoints. Some say they feel the cameras are too intrusive, while others think the cameras are necessary. 'I think it's a great idea so long to say, prioritize privacy and innocent people,' said Ozark neighbor Jared Robbins. Utility crews repair gas main break in Ozark The Springfield Police Department has 28 license plate reading cameras. 'We can't be everywhere all at once at the same time,' Swaters said. 'So tools like the Flock camera really are a force multiplier and help us take information from citizens, whether it's a stolen vehicle or we're working on another criminal investigation that involves a vehicle.' They say these cameras help solve crimes faster. 'That information is absolutely invaluable to the department and absolutely help solve crimes,' Swaters said. The Ozark Board of Aldermen is expected to vote on this Feb. 17. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
