Joplin SWAT arrests Webb City man on felony warrants, recover stolen gun

(From the Joplin Police Department)

On 7-29-2025, around 7:11 pm, Joplin Police Officers were on patrol in the area of 1411 E. Hill Street when they observed a white SUV begin to leave the same address. 

Officers recognized the address to be associated with Christopher J. Dunn, 40, of Webb City, who had active felony warrants for felon in possession of a firearm and felony resisting arrest.

Additionally, Dunn had several active misdemeanor warrants from Webb City. When officers approached the vehicle, they identified a passenger as Toria Harbin, 41, of Joplin. 

During the initial investigation, probable cause was obtained that Harbin was illegally in possession of a firearm that was inside the vehicle. Additionally, evidence was obtained that Dunn had also been a passenger in the vehicle but fled on foot just prior to being contacted by the officers, and barricaded himself inside the residence of 1411 E. Hill Street to avoid arrest. Additional officers were called to the scene to assist. 

While officers were responding to assist, information became known that Dunn could be in possession of additional firearms inside the residence. Officers communicated instructions multiple times that Dunn should come out peacefully and comply with law enforcement. 

When Dunn refused to comply, the Joplin Police Department S.W.A.T. team responded. Once the S.W.A.T. team arrived, they again attempted numerous times to convince to Dunn to comply peacefully. Dunn did not comply and refused to leave the residence. 

At that time, a search warrant was obtained for the residence through the Jasper County Prosecutor’s Office. Dunn was then taken into custody around 10:00 pm without incident. Once Dunn was in custody, a search was completed of the white SUV. A 9mm Glock handgun was located in the vehicle with Harbin’s property. The 9mm Glock handgun which was in Harbin’s possession had been reported stolen on April 28th, 2025, from a burglary at Liberty Pawn in Galena, Kansas. 

Charges were submitted to the Jasper County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office for consideration on Harbin for felon in possession of a firearm and receiving stolen property. Dunn was arrested on two felony no-bond warrants for felon in possession of a firearm and resisting arrest. Dunn was also arrested on four warrants from Webb City which consisted of two public peace warrants, one traffic violation, and a liquor violation. New charges have been submitted on Dunn for resisting arrest from this incident and forwarded to the Jasper County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office for consideration.