Seligman man allegedly rams, disables Nixa police cruiser

By Kyle Troutman ktroutman@cassville-democrat.com

Two Barry County residents are being held in the Christian County jail after allegedly fleeing from Nixa police and ramming a police cruiser to the point of being disabled.

James Larson, 38, of Seligman is charged in Christian County with first-degree assault (attempted murder), armed criminal action, aggravated fleeing, leaving the scene of an accident, possession of a controlled substance and first-degree property damage.

Allana Stanley, 27, of Cassville, is listed on Christian County’s jail roster, held for first-degree assault and a probation/parole violation.

According to a probable cause statement filed by Tyler Duvall, officer with the Nixa Police department, on March 9 at about 3:21 p.m., he attempted a traffic stop on a Chevrolet pickup, later determined to be driven by Larson, near Massey Boulevard and Tracker Road, and the vehicle passed three open opportunities to pull over.

In front of Century Lanes Bowling Alley, Duvall said the truck sped up and abruptly came to a complete stop in the roadway, then allegedly went into reverse and slammed into the front of Duvall’s patrol car, disabling the vehicle. Duvall also noted in his report experiencing tightness/soreness in his back as a result of the collision.

The truck then allegedly fled west on Tracker Road at a high rate of speed, and Duvall noted multiple individuals stopped at Duvall’s patrol vehicle and mentioned the pickup “blowing” through intersections.

Reports by other drivers reported the pickup traveling west on Union Chapel Road, where a Christian County Deputy found it abandoned at the intersection with Nelson Mills Road.

Authorities, including Nixa police, Christian County deputies and the Missouri State Highway Patrol, set up a perimeter and began tracking two occupants of the vehicle with a pair of K-9 units. At 3:57 p.m., one of the K-9s located both individuals roughly a mile away from the vehicle.

According to a city of Nixa press release, Larson and Stanley were located at a residence in a nearby subdivision 18 minutes after the K-9s were deployed.

Identified as the alleged driver, Larson was taken into custody without incident, and further search of his person allegedly revealed he was in possession of suspected methamphetamine.

Duvall said after checking with dispatch, it was revealed Larson had multiple failure to appear warrants, one of which was a full U.S. extradition no-bond warrant for first-degree tampering with a motor vehicle. Larson also had a suspended license and no proof of insurance, and the pickup was not registered to him.

Furthermore, Duvall said, a Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) agent contacted dispatch and asked to speak to Larson’s arresting officer. Duvall said the agent revealed the DEA has been pursuing Larson for over two-and-a-half years, and Larson has a sealed federal indictment from the DEA.

According to federal court documents from the U.S. District Court Western District of Missouri, Larson is charged with conspiracy to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine and possession with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine.

Another Barry County resident, Dale Silva, 40, of Washburn, is charged in the case with conspiracy to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine and possession of firearm by prohibited person.

The indictment in that case is being kept sealed until a defendant is in custody or has been given bail.

Stanley, the Nixa press release said, is on probation for theft and outstanding warrants related to a parole violation and possession of weapons. She is facing charges of assault on a law enforcement officer and resisting arrest for the March 9 incident.

“We want to recognize the teamwork and coordination of Christian County 911, the Christian County Sheriff’s Office, and the Missouri State Highway Patrol in quickly locating and arresting these individuals,” the Nixa press release said. “We also want to thank our community. Your awareness and willingness to assist — whether by giving officers space to work or providing information on the suspects’ direction of travel — played a crucial role in bringing this incident to a safe resolution.”