JPD makes arrests in burglary of Joplin Heights Baptist Church

(From the Joplin Police Department)

On November 11, 2014 at approximately 1:54 AM, an officer with the Joplin Police Department stopped a vehicle near 17th and Maiden Lane for a traffic violation.

The officer obtained consent to search the vehicle. A K9 Officer was on scene of the car stop and assisted with the search of the vehicle. During the search of the vehicle officers located a plastic container in the center console that contained some baggies with white residue as well as two syringes.

 

Also located in the vehicle was a lock box that had the name of “Joplin Heights Baptist Church” written on it. Another officer responded to the church which is located at 2107 S. Willard. The officers located a rear door at the church that had been forced open. A detective was called to the scene to assist with the investigation of the possible burglary to the church.

 

Austin Webb, a 19 year old male from Joplin, who was a passenger of the vehicle was arrested for possession of drug paraphernalia and was later arrested for Second Degree Burglary. 

Geoff Hamilton, a 22 year old male from Neosho, was arrested from the vehicle stop for two active felony warrants from Newton County (Failure to Appear on a Fraud and a Possession with Intent to Manufacture) and for possession of drug paraphernalia. He was also later arrested for Second Degree Burglary.

Andrew Beiber, an 18 year old male from rural Joplin and driver of the vehicle, was arrested for possession of drug paraphernalia.Jacob Ralston a 29 year old male from Neosho, was arrested for possession of drug paraphernalia.

Brittany Green an 18 year old female from Joplin, was arrested for possession of drug paraphernalia.

There were also several other items of property that were located in the vehicle. Detectives are currently following up on this case to determine whether further arrests might be made.