Alleged drunk driver who rear-ended Joplin Police patrol car was on probation for two DWIs, felony drug charges

The alleged drunk driver who rear-ended a Joplin Police Department vehicle March 7 had been placed on probation after receiving a suspended sentence on a DWI charge less than six months ago on a case stemming from an October 8, 2017 Highway Patrol stop.

On September 18, 2018, Newton County Circuit Court Judge Greg Stremel placed Monte William Parker, 62, Joplin, on probation.

Parker was already on probation after receiving a suspended six-year sentence from Jasper County Circuit Court Judge Gayle Crane on a felony possession of a controlled substance July 10, 2017.

Judge Crane's sentence appears to have occurred at a time when Parker was still on probation after pleading guilty in 2014 to a felony driving while intoxicated charge in Newton County where he was sentenced to seven years in prison, but then given a suspended sentence by Judge Tim Perigo.

After a probation violation for use of controlled substances was reported, Judge Perigo revoked the probation and sentenced Parker to participate in a long-term substance abuse program. He was released from that program and once again placed on probation on October 2, 2017.

Six days later, the Highway Patrol stopped him for drunk driving.

Jasper County Circuit Court records indicate Judge Crane issued a warrant for Parker's arrest for a probation violation in August 2018 after Parker was arrested for driving while revoked and speeding. The arrest warrant was issued two months before Stremel issued the suspended sentence.








Parker is being held in the Jasper County Jail on $25,000 bond for the probation violation and $5,000 bond on the drunk driving and meth possession charges stemming from his most recent arrest.

Parker's latest arrest is described in the probable cause statement filed in Jasper County Circuit Court:

Mr. Parker was operating a 1988 Lincoln LSC eastbound on 4th Street at Range Line when he struck the rear of Detective Lugenbell's patrol vehicle. Detective Lugenbell and Detective Holt were stopped at 4th and Range Line on a steady red signal.

Mr. Parker was observed making overt movements by concealing his right hand behind the passenger seat.

A search of this area revealed two plastic coin bags containing an off-white powdery substance and cream-colored powdery substance. Based off my training and experience, I recognized the powdery substance to be methamphetamine.

Located in Mr. Parker's car was cream-colored pillowcase that contained two plastic ink pen casings, one broken glas pipe stem, 11 empty plastic bags with residue. Also located on Mr. Parker's person was one glass pipe with a burnt end and another in the butt-end of the glass pipe.

At the Joplin City Jail, DWI Officer Swann administered SPSTs. Mr. Parker refused a chemical test after being read implied consent. Parker was confirmed to be a revoked driver through MULES.

Mr. Parker had six prior convictions for driving while revoked since 2001 and his last felony driving while intoxicated conviction in 2014.

A March 25 probation violating hearing has been scheduled.