Arrest made in hit-and-run death of Joplin woman, vehicle located in Duquesne

(From the Joplin Police Department)

Update

On January 10th, 2024, officers and investigators followed up on a lead at an address in Duquesne and located the suspect vehicle from this crash. 

Contact was made with the owner of the vehicle and as the investigation progressed, officers and investigators obtained information that confirmed he was the driver of the suspect vehicle during the fatality crash on January 8th. He has been identified as Ruben Blanco, age 49 of Joplin. 

Blanco has been placed under arrest for Leaving the Scene of a Crash resulting in a death. Charges will be submitted to the Jasper County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office.  

The Joplin Police Department wants to express gratitude to everyone who provided information or tips related to this case. 

Earlier Update

The victim from this crash has been identified as Eva M. Havelock, age 55 of Joplin, Missouri. Next of kin has been notified. 

The Joplin Police Department Major Crash Team is continuing to investigate this incident. It is believed the vehicle involved was a 2002 to 2005 model Ford Explorer SUV that is black or dark in color. 

The vehicle would have sustained damage to the front grill and would be missing a headlight assembly, unless already repaired. 

If you have any information on a vehicle matching this description, see a vehicle matching this description, or have any information as to the identity of the driver involved, we ask that you please contact the Joplin Police Department at 417-623-3131. 

Original news release

On January 8th, 2024, at 6:05 p.m. the Joplin Police Department Emergency Communications Center received a 911 call reporting a crash involving a vehicle and a pedestrian near 7th and Gray Avenue. 

Officers responded to the scene and located an adult female with critical injuries. EMS arrived on scene and transported the victim to local hospital. 

On January 9th, the victim succumbed to injuries she sustained in the crash. Her identity is being withheld at this time as officers attempt to notify next of kin. 

The vehicle involved in the crash fled the scene prior to officers arriving. According to witnesses, the vehicle is a dark colored SUV. Officers with the Joplin Police Department Major Crash Team responded and are actively working the investigation. 

The initial investigation has indicated the suspect vehicle traveling eastbound and the collision with the pedestrian occurring near the crosswalk at 7th and Gray Avenue. 

If anyone has any information regarding this crash, you are encouraged to contact the Joplin Police Department at 417-623-3131. Further information may be released as the investigation continues.