For further information please contact: Lt. Greg Word
(573) 751-8443
Q4074
April 25, 2007
EMPHASIS: Patrol Aircraft Assists Polk County Sheriff’s Department

On March 20, 2007, Polk County Sheriff’s Department requested assistance from the Missouri State Highway Patrol’s Troop D, Springfield. In response to the request, Patrol helicopter 383F, piloted by Cpl. Daniel P. Wohnoutka and transporting Polk County Sheriff’s Department Deputy Mike Sallee, provided aerial surveillance. The request came during the department’s investigation of a reported theft at the Poor Boy Tree Service. The business reported missing several trailers, three utility vehicles, a wood chipper, and a log splitter.

Cpl. Wohnoutka and Deputy Sallee flew over an area where previously stolen equipment had been recovered. This initial location did not produce stolen items. However, Investigator Sallee’s knowledge of prior investigations took the search to the property of an individual with a known criminal history, which proved successful. From the air, officers located a wood chipper hidden in a wooded area and saw two men operating a cutting torch near a residence. Sheriff’s deputies were directed to the scene and further investigation resulted in the recovery of Poor Boy Tree Service’s wood chipper, log splitter, and a trailer. In addition, a stolen vehicle was recovered from the property. The Polk County Sheriff’s Department secured a warrant and made an arrest at the scene.

Questions regarding the investigation and arrest should be directed to the Polk County Sheriff’s Department.

“The Missouri State Highway Patrol is proud to assist law enforcement agencies in this state,” said Colonel James F. Keathley, superintendent of the Missouri State Highway Patrol. “Cooperative efforts among agencies often solve crimes like this one.”

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