Rescue occurs shortly after multi-agency warrant served
By Kyle Troutman ktroutman@cassville-democrat.com
A Purdy woman is being held in the Barry County jail on felony charges out of Arkansas, arrested after requiring rescue from being lost in the woods.
According to a Barry County Sheriff’s Office press release, on April 4, the Sheriff’s Office, the Ozark Drug Enforcement Team, the Bentonville Police Department, and the Drug Enforcement Administration served a search warrant, at a rural residence south of Cassville, as a result of a drug investigation involving an overdose in Arkansas.
The warrant was served at the residence, and the main suspect, Jamie Walker, 40, of Purdy, was not located.
During the search of the residence, a small amount of suspected illegal substance, drug paraphernalia and a firearm were all located. Law Enforcement remained on scene for several hours in attempt to apprehended Walker.
On April 5, Barry County E9-1-1 received an emergency line call from two individuals lost in the woods, and deputies identified Walker one of the individuals in need of assistance.
According to a Cassville Volunteer Fire Protection District press release, the call came in at 12:12 p.m., and the individuals’ cell phone pinged near Twin Springs Drive, south of Cassville.
Cassville requested the Central Crossing Fire Protection District in Shell Knob to use its CalTopo technology to assist in locating the individuals, who still had cell service and were able to open a link sent to them that confirmed their location.
The Eagle Rock-Golden-Mano Fire Department and Purdy Fire Protection District assisted with UTVs, and Brice’s Towing provided a drone that confirmed the individuals’ location prior to making contact, the Cassville District’s release said.
The Barry County Sheriff’s Office and Missouri Department of Conservation made initial contact, and a Cassville District search group met them shortly after.
“Barry County E9-1-1 did an excellent job coordinating all of the resources and maintaining contact with the victims throughout the event,” the District press release said. “[We extend] huge thanks to all agencies involved [and] appreciate the teamwork and dedication to the communities we serve! All units cleared, and the [individuals] made it to safety around 3:30 p.m.”
Walker was arrested on the scene and transported to the Barry County jail, awaiting extradition to Benton County, Ark., on a felony charge of aggravated death by delivery.
“I would like to thank all agencies involved helping apprehending another suspect that is affecting the lives in our community,” Sheriff Danny Boyd said.
