Fort Scott man, Joplin woman arrested following pursuit

(From the Galena Police Department)

On 12/05/25 at approximately 1220 hours Officers with the Galena Police Department were notified by dispatch that Joplin was in pursuit of a wanted fugitive that was possibly armed. 

Dispatch advised the pursuit was headed into Galena on Old 66 hwy and they were requesting assistance. 

The pursuit entered Galena and went South on Main Street. A Galena Officer joined the pursuit that continued South out of town then back west towards Baxter Springs. 

The suspect went off road and through several fields before finally stopping and surrendering to the Galena Officer in a field. The suspect was identified as Austin Arnold out of Fort Scott Kansas the passenger was identified as Chelsea Fields out of Joplin. 

Arnold was arrested on Multiple Felony Warrants, Possession of Methamphetamine, fleeing and eluding LEO, Interference with Leo and Aggravated Assault. Fields was charged with possession of drug paraphernalia. More charges are pending in this case. The suspects are innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. 

Thanks Cherokee County Sheriff's Office and JPD for the assist! This case is another example of Teamwork to help make our communties safer!