GAINESVILLE, Mo. — Authorities reported April 14 that an incident occurring March 14 outside of Gainesville involved an intentional vehicle assault, according to the Ozark County Sheriff’s Office.
Deputies were dispatched March 14 to a report of a male who had been struck by a vehicle in a rural area outside Gainesville. The victim was transported to a hospital for treatment.
Upon arrival, deputies began an investigation and determined the incident was intentional. According to the sheriff’s office, witness statements and evidence indicated the situation stemmed from a dispute among individuals gathered around a bonfire.
Authorities said the suspect, identified as Hunter Warren, allegedly attempted to strike a specific individual with a vehicle but missed the intended target and instead struck another person. Warren then fled the scene.
A search warrant was later obtained and executed at Warren’s residence, where he was taken into custody.
Warren was booked into jail on charges including first-degree assault, armed criminal action, leaving the scene of an accident (felony), operating a vehicle without a valid driver’s license, and additional charges.
The condition of the victim has not been released.
All charges are allegations, and defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.
