By BRENT MARTIN
St. Joseph Post
Local law enforcement officers made 34 traffic stops during a helicopter operation in St. Joseph.
The St. Joseph Police Department reports 40 officers from various agencies participated in the operation Wednesday night that targeted fleeing vehicles.
The department reports officers wrote 13 traffic citations or warnings, gave 17 verbal warnings, and made 15 arrests. Officers served four city warrants and one state warrant. Officers issued 15 investigative charges of resisting arrest, fugitive from out of state, unlawful possession of a firearm, driving while revoked, driving while intoxicated, possession of stolen property, unlawful possession of drug paraphernalia, and drug possession/distribution.
Seven vehicles fled during the operation. Helicopter pilots successfully tracked four of the drivers, leading to arrests. Three drivers are being sought.
The Buchanan County Drug Strike Force and the Missouri Highway Patrol provided officers to help St. Joseph police officers during the operation. The Andrew County Sheriff’s Office and the Country Club Village Police Department assisted as support agencies.