News Release

For further information please contact: Sergeant Sheldon Lyon
816-387-2345
H05083
May 16, 2008

EMPHASIS: Trooper Assaulted While Making Arrest


On May 15, 2008 at 8:06 p.m. a Missouri State Highway Patrol trooper observed a silver Oldsmobile Alero traveling on Route OO in Daviess County, with only one license plate. As the trooper turned his vehicle around to stop the Alero, the vehicle turned down a gravel road and parked at a residence. The trooper and a Daviess County deputy sheriff identified the driver as Moses Jonassen, of Jameson, MO. and discovered that the driver had several outstanding warrants for his arrest. As the trooper placed Moses Jonassen under arrest, he began to fight the trooper and was maced by the deputy. The other individuals at the residence became combative and were told by the officers several times to stand back. They refused and a second trooper on the scene began to arrest the six individuals for interfering with an arrest. One male juvenile started a struggle with the second trooper and grabbed his holstered service weapon, in an attempt to remove it from his holster. The trooper was able to retain his weapon and officers took the six people into custody without further incident.
The following individuals from Jameson were arrested, Moses Jonassen, 19, was arrested for two traffic charges, assault on a law enforcement officer (misdemeanor) and eight misdemeanor warrants. Elizabeth Jonassen, 18, was arrested for interfering with an arrest and escape from custody. Both charges are misdemeanors. Alice Jonassen, 54, was arrested for tampering with evidence (misdemeanor). Angela Jonassen, 20, was arrested for interfering with an arrest. A 15 year-old male juvenile was held for interfering with an arrest (misdemeanor). A 12 year-old male juvenile was held for tampering with evidence (misdemeanor). A 16 year-old juvenile was held for assault on a law enforcement officer (class A felony) and interfering with an arrest (misdemeanor). The adults were transported to the Daviess-DeKalb Regional Jail. The juveniles will have detention hearings.
The charges for which the above listed individuals have been arrested are mere accusations and are not evidence of guilt. Evidence in support of the charges must be presented before a court of competent jurisdiction whose duty is to determine guilt or innocence.
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