On October 21, 2025, Jeremy J. Baldridge, 38, was arrested in Texas County for tampering with a motor vehicle in the first degree (§ 569.080 RSMo), driving while intoxicated—drugs (§ 577.010 RSMo), and operating a motor vehicle in a careless and imprudent manner (§ 304.012 RSMo).
Troopers responded to a 911 report of a white Ford Fusion swerving without headlights on US 63 near Houston. Witness 1, who had narrowly avoided a collision, followed the vehicle and directed law enforcement to its location at a Shell station in Houston.
Upon contact, Baldridge appeared impaired, gave conflicting accounts about searching for his brother, and attempted to present another individual’s identification. A law enforcement duty belt and badge were observed in the vehicle. Field sobriety tests indicated impairment, and Baldridge was arrested at 10:03 p.m.
Further investigation revealed the vehicle and ID belonged to Victim 1, who had reported the car stolen from Montauk Studios to Licking Police. The vehicle was returned to Victim 1 at the scene.
Baldridge was read his Miranda rights and Missouri’s Implied Consent. He voluntarily provided a blood sample at Texas County Memorial Hospital, which was seized for drug analysis. He was booked into the Texas County Jail his bond set at $3000.
