Ava, MO. – On February 2nd, 2023, law enforcement agents responded to a call of a child being run over around FF Highway. Upon arrival, officers located the child, who had suffered bruising and lacerations.
Joseph Farris, 39 of Mansfield was found to be the driver of the Nissan Xterra involved in the accident. According to reports, a female passenger was moving objects from an adjacent vehicle and placed the child in the car seat in front of the Xterra. Farris then drove forward and drug the child in the car seat a short distance forward, causing the injuries.
The 1-year-old juvenile was transported to Mercy Hospital in Springfield for treatment.
Farris was found to be intoxicated at the time of the accident and has been charged with Abuse or Neglect of a Child, Endangering the Welfare of a Child, Driving while intoxicated, Operating a Motor Vehicle Without a License, and Owner Operator of a Motor Vehicle Without Maintaining Financial Responsibility. The currently unidentified female who was also intoxicated went with the juvenile to the hospital and is expected to receive charges at a later date, pending investigation.
