The Shannon County Sheriff’s Office announces the arrest of Donnie Downs following the execution of a search warrant on November 14, 2025, at a residence on County Road 464 in Birch Tree, Missouri. This operation was conducted in partnership with the Howell County Sheriff’s Office and the Missouri State Highway Patrol, Division of Drug and Crime Control.
During the search, deputies located drug paraphernalia, items testing positive for methamphetamine residue, and—most concerning—a homemade pipe bomb explosive discovered inside a camper trailer. The Missouri State Highway Patrol Bomb Squad responded promptly and safely rendered the device inert. All seized items were collected, processed, and forwarded to the Missouri State Highway Patrol Laboratory for further analysis.
As a result of this investigation, Downs was charged with a Class D Felony of Unlawful Possession of an Explosive. His bond was set at $10,000.00 cash only, with court-ordered electronic monitoring required upon release. Additional felony drug and paraphernalia charges are likely in the near future pending prosecutorial review.
Downs was transported to the Shannon County Jail and placed on a 24-hour hold pending further action by the Shannon County Prosecuting Attorney. All suspects are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
This case was led by Sgt. K. Berkshire, with vital assistance from Shannon County deputies who supported the operation from start to finish. Their coordinated effort ensured the safe removal of dangerous narcotics and an explosive device from our community.
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