West Plains, MO. – A wide-spread, multi-agency search resulted in the arrest of a repeat felon known for various crimes related to firearms, drugs, and resisting arrest in the Howell County area. The Howell County Sheriff’s Office issued a full release on the arrest, which can be read below in its entirety.
On May 25, 2025, the Howell County Sheriff’s Office, in collaboration with multiple law enforcement agencies, successfully apprehended Rain Collins, a wanted felon considered armed and dangerous.
The operation involved a coordinated effort by the Howell County SWAT Team, Patrol Division, Criminal Investigations Division, the South-Central Drug Task Force, and the Missouri State Highway Patrol.
On May 23, 2025, a no-bond warrant was issued in Howell County for Rain Collins on the charge of Tampering with a Witness—a serious offense arising from credible intelligence that he was armed with a firearm, wearing body armor, and actively searching for the witness’s location while making threats to kill.
Collins has an extensive criminal history, including charges involving firearms, narcotics, and resisting arrest. He is currently on probation in Howell County and has multiple pending charges, including theft of firearms, unlawful use of a weapon, and unlawful possession of a firearm.
In the days leading up to the operation, Collins reportedly became aware of law enforcement efforts to locate him. He sent messages to several officers, stating he would not return to prison, further escalating the urgency of the situation.
On the morning of May 25, 2025, Sheriff Matt Roberts authorized a full-scale, multi-location operation to locate and apprehend Collins. Tactical teams were assigned to check nine separate addresses associated with the suspect.
During an initial sweep of a property on County Road 8240 in West Plains, a Howell County Sheriff’s Office Sergeant and a South-Central Drug Task Force officer observed Collins outside the residence, seated on a motorcycle and speaking with others. Due to the potential for flight, officers moved quickly and apprehended Collins without incident.
Upon arrest, Collins was found to be in possession of suspected illegal narcotics. He was transported to the Howell County Jail, where he remains in custody. He faces new charges for Possession of a Controlled Substance, in addition to the existing Tampering with a Witness charge. Additional charges remain under investigation.
The Howell County Sheriff’s Office commends all participating agencies for their professionalism, coordination, and commitment to public safety, which led to a swift and peaceful resolution of a potentially dangerous situation.
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