Joplin Police Department identifies teen killed in collision at 20th and Schifferdecker

(From the Joplin Police Department)

The Joplin Police Department's Major Crash Team was able to determine that a passenger vehicle was stopped at a steady red light facing south bound in the left hand turn lane at the intersection of 20th and Schifferdecker. 

The passenger car was waiting to make a east bound turn onto 20th Street. When the light changed, the traffic signal provided a solid green arrow, indicating left turn only for southbound traffic while providing a solid green light for all southbound traffic.

 

The northbound traffic signal maintained a solid red light for all of northbound traffic. As the passenger vehicle made the east bound turn onto 20th Street, a northbound motorcycle entered the intersection on a steady red light, striking the passenger vehicle. 

The rider of the motorcycle was transported to a local hospital with life-threating injuries. The driver of the passenger vehicle did not report any injuries. It was later learned that the rider of the motorcycle had succumbed to his injuries. 

The rider of the motorcycle was identified as 18-year-old Nikolas O. Jones of Garden City, Missouri. Contributing circumstances to the crash are failing to stop for a steady redlight and speed. This case remains open and active as the Joplin Police Department’s Major Crash Team continues to investigate.

Previous news release

On September 8th, 2025, around 7:44 am, the Joplin Emergency Communications Center began receiving 911 calls for an injury crash involving a motorcycle at the intersection of 20th Street and Schifferdecker. 

Joplin Police, Joplin Fire Department, and M.E.T.S. Ambulance responded. The Joplin Police Department’s Major Crash Team responded to the scene to conduct the crash investigation. The Joplin Police Department’s Major Crash Team determined that a motorcycle was northbound on Schifferdecker approaching 20th Street. 

A passenger car was southbound at the same intersection where both vehicles collided. The sole rider of the motorcycle was transported to a local hospital with life-threatening injuries. The driver and sole occupant of the other vehicle involved in the crash did not report any injuries. It was later learned that the rider of the motorcycle had succumbed to their injuries. 

At this time, the Joplin Police Department is not releasing any further information regarding this crash until the next of kin can be notified. This is still an active and ongoing investigation.