MISSOURI STATE HIGHWAY PATROL
a division of the
DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY

Troop D Service Center - 4282 South Grand Avenue - Carthage MO 64836


News Release

For further information please contact: Sergeant Mike Watson
(417) 359-1500 ext. 2229
DS2010-20
August 30, 2010

EMPHASIS: Patrol Announces Arrests Following Theft At Local Car Dealership


On August 29, 2010, at approximately 11:00 p.m., a Missouri State Highway Patrol trooper observed an individual acting suspiciously on the lot of a car dealership near the intersection of Missouri Highway 571 and Missouri Route HH in Carthage, MO. Upon pulling into the dealership, the trooper located several wheel covers near where the individual was initially seen, and noticed a vehicle leaving from behind a building at the business. The trooper initiated a traffic stop of the vehicle leaving the dealership. The subsequent investigation led to the arrest of two males for attempted theft. According to the victim, the items taken were valued in excess of $500.

Joshua D. Wiertzema, 30, Springfield, MO, and Courtney R. Kirkpatrick, 29, Highlandville, MO, were arrested for felony stealing. Both individuals were transported to the Jasper County Jail in Carthage, MO.

The charge for which Joshua D. Wiertzema and Courtney R. Kirkpatrick were arrested is mere accusation and is not evidence of guilt. Evidence in support of the charge must be presented before a court of competent jurisdiction whose duty it is to determine guilt or innocence.
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