A West Plains man is facing multiple felony charges after police say he intentionally used his vehicle to ram and sideswipe a car occupied by his former partner and another individual during a domestic‑related incident Tuesday night.
According to a probable cause statement filed in Howell County, officers were called to the Howell County Sheriff’s Office around 10:13 p.m. on April 14 for a reported vehicle assault that occurred inside the city limits. Investigators spoke with two victims who reported that John Richard Collins followed them in a black Chevrolet Colorado, made violent threats, and repeatedly struck their vehicle.
Officers documented damage to the rear bumper and passenger side of the victims’ rental vehicle, consistent with their account. Both victims told police Collins rammed them from behind, causing the driver to hit her face on the steering wheel, then pulled alongside them and intentionally sideswiped their vehicle, forcing it to swerve.
Police say the driver later received hostile text messages from Collins, sent shortly after officers attempted to contact him.
Collins later reported his truck stolen to Cabool Police, but investigators say his statements were inconsistent with physical evidence, victim accounts, and his own admissions. An acquaintance who claimed to have been fishing with Collins also gave conflicting timelines and became defensive when warned about providing false information.
Based on the investigation, police requested charges including first‑degree domestic assault, first‑degree assault or attempt, armed criminal action, and leaving the scene of an accident with property damage exceeding $1,000. His bond is set at $15,000.
