On September 11, 2025, at approximately 1855 hours, Officers with the West Plains Police Department responded to the 800 block of Lanton Road, West Plains, Missouri, in reference to the report of a small child being struck by a motor vehicle.

Upon arrival, it was discovered that the driver of the vehicle had fled the scene on foot prior to the arrival of law enforcement.

West Plains Police Officers and Howell County Sheriff’s Deputies conducted a thorough search of the area. The suspect was not located at the time. The individual has been identified, and the case remains active and open. The condition of the juvenile is not being released at this time out of respect for the family’s privacy.