NEWS RELEASE

For further information please contact: Sergeant Brent J. Bernhardt
(660) 385-2132
B09021
February 5, 2009

EMPHASIS: Ralls County Resident Presented Missouri State Highway Patrol Honorary Trooper Certificate


On Wednesday, February 4, 2009, Lieutenant Nelson Elfrink, Troop B, presented Ralls County resident Larry Schutjer with a Missouri State Highway Patrol Honorary Trooper Certificate for his involvement in assisting troopers with the apprehension of a burglary suspect.
On October 7, 2008, at approximately 10:45 a.m., Larry Schutjer arrived at his residence in rural Ralls County, and observed an unfamiliar vehicle parked in his driveway. Schutjer became suspicious and looked in the pickup and observed a rifle lying of the seat of the vehicle. As he walked toward the rear of his residence, Schutjer observed a male subject holding a pistol and attempting to leave the residence. Schutjer immediately confronted the subject, disarmed him, and called for police assistance. While waiting for law enforcement to arrive, Mr. Schutjer was able to secure a second weapon that had fallen from the suspect’s clothing.
Missouri State Highway Patrol troopers responded to the residence where they took the burglary suspect into custody. It was determined that both pistols the burglar was in possession of belonged to Mr. Schutjer. As a result of a follow-up investigation, it is believed that the suspect was involved in several other burglaries in the Ralls County and Hannibal, Missouri, area.
Captain Elliott, commanding officer of Troop B, Macon, stated, “Each day, troopers risk their lives while in contact with potentially dangerous criminals. Mr. Schutjer’s actions went above and beyond a citizen’s involvement in solving a crime and capturing a criminal. It is only fitting that he would receive the distinguished honor of being an honorary trooper of the Missouri State Highway Patrol.”

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