Joplin driver charged with assault for hitting man who flipped him off

A Joplin man was charged with second-degree assault today after turning his vehicle around and driving into a man who eyewitnesses said flipped him off, according to the probable cause statement.

The incident occurred Saturday in the 1100 block of Walnut Street in Carthage.

An arrest warrant was issued for Gilberto Alejandro (DOB 2006) with bond set at $35,000 surety or $5,000 cash.

From the probable cause statement:

Upon arrival, officers located an adult male victim identified as Derek Dailey seated in the roadway, leaning against a vehicle, and surrounded by a large amount of blood. The victim had sustained visible injuries to his head, face, neck, arm, torso, and leg. He appeared disoriented and was unable to articulate what had occurred. The victim was transported to Mercy Hospital in Carthage for medical treatment. 

A neighborhood canvas was conducted, and officers located two eyewitnesses. Both Juan Tevalan and Barbara Tevalan stated they observed a black Ford F-150 traveling westbound on Walnut Street when the victim made an obscene hand gesture toward the truck. 

The vehicle continued westbound, turned around, and began traveling eastbound—back toward the victim. 

The witnesses reported that the truck revved its engine, crossed into the opposite lane, and intentionally swerved toward the victim, striking him. 

Detectives conducted a follow-up interview with the victim and documented the following injuries: 

• Scrapes and scratches along the left hairline. 

• A one-inch laceration below the lip requiring five sutures. 

• Road rash and abrasions to the chin and neck. 

• Significant abrasions to the left elbow, shoulder, back, and a three-inch area along the left torso. 

• A linear abrasion and bruise approximately five inches in length across the left chest. 

• Bruising and road rash to the inner left arm. 

• Extensive injuries to the right leg, including a five-by-five-inch area of road rash on the thigh, and severe scraping, road rash, and tire tread marks extending from above the knee down the calf. 

• The victim was ambulatory but required the use of a cane. 

On June 1, 2025, Gilberto Alejandro came in person to the Carthage Police Department to report that he was the driver of the black Ford F-150 that was involved in a hit-and-run the night before. 

Officers photographed the truck that had damage and missing pieces consistent with the evidence recovered from the scene. 

On June 3, 2025, during a subsequent interview, Gilberto Alejandro admitted to being the driver of the black Ford F 150. He stated that shortly before the incident, he and his juvenile girlfriend were parked in the 1000 block of Grove Street with the windows down when an unknown male approached. 

Alejandro said an exchange of words occurred, and during that interaction, he claimed to have seen the grip of a handgun with an extended magazine in the male's waistband. Alejandro stated he dropped off his girlfriend and initially left the area. However, he then chose to return to the neighborhood. 

Upon reaching the intersection of Florence and Walnut, Alejandro observed the same male standing in the roadway and waving his arms. Alejandro claimed the male reached toward his waistband, prompting Alejandro to swerve and strike the individual with his vehicle before fleeing the scene to Joplin. 

When asked why he failed to report the incident, Alejandro admitted to having smoked marijuana and expressed fear of being charged with DWI. 

When confronted with the fact that he had removed himself from the initial situation but then returned to the area and re-engaged, Alejandro invoked his right to legal counsel.