News Release



For further information please contact:

Sgt. Kent Casey

417-359-1500 ext. 2229

DS011007-1

January 10, 2007



EMPHASIS: Fugitive Arrested in Newton County





On January 10, 2007 at approximately 10:23 a.m. a Missouri State Highway Patrol trooper attempted to stop a 1980 Dodge passenger vehicle for an expired vehicle license violation near the intersection of I-44 and Rt. 43 in northern Newton County. The vehicle attempted to flee and a short pursuit ensued. A short time later the vehicle slowed and the driver, James E Colley, 24, of Joplin, Missouri, jumped from the vehicle as the vehicle was still in motion and sustained minor injuries. The passenger in the vehicle, Walter L. Schultz, 26, of Joplin, Missouri, then took control of the vehicle and continued driving a short distance into the Whispering Hills subdivision where the car left the roadway and struck a tree. Walter Schultz then fled on foot into the woods.



James Colley was taken into custody immediately after jumping from the moving vehicle. Walter Schultz was found hiding under a pile of leaves in a wooded area north of the crash scene and was taken into custody.



James E. Colley was arrested for felony resisting arrest, harboring a fugitive, possession of a controlled substance, careless and imprudent driving, and failing to register a motor vehicle. Walter L Schultz was arrested on a warrant from the United States Marshals Service for flight to avoid prosecution, and a Board of Probation and Parole warrant for parole violation/parole absconder, possession of a controlled substance, implicating another in a crime, refusing to identify as a witness, driving while license revoked, and failure to wear a seat belt.



Both Colley and Schultz were transported to St. Johns Hospital in Joplin for treatment. Schultz was released into the custody of the U. S. Marshal’s Office. Colley will be transported to the Newton County jail in Neosho.



The charges for which James L. Colley and Walter L. Schultz were 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 it is to determine guilt or innocence.