DOUGLAS COUNTY, Mo. – A routine traffic stop late October 9, 2025, led to the arrest of two men and the discovery of methamphetamine near a child’s seat inside a vehicle.
Deputy Shane Harden stopped a white Ford F-250 on Springfield Road for a defective headlight and expired registration. The driver, Preston Ray Dobbs, 49, admitted he had no valid license or insurance. His passenger, Jared David Day, also lacked a valid license and was on probation. Dobbs was arrested at the scene.
Day informed deputies that the vehicle had belonged to him but had recently been sold to Dobbs, providing a bill of sale. He also disclosed that his seven-year-old daughter had been riding in the vehicle.
During a pre-tow inventory, deputies discovered a magnetic box containing methamphetamine behind the center console, near where the child had been seated. A spoon with meth residue was also found. Both men denied ownership of the drugs. Dobbs refused a urinalysis; Day admitted recent meth use and said he would fail a drug test. Both were transported to the Douglas County Jail.
Dobbs is facing charges of Possession Of Controlled Substance, Endangering Welfare of Child Creating Substantial Risk-1st Degree – 1st Offense – No Sexual Contact, Unlawful Possession Of Drug Paraphernalia plus violations related to driving status, his bond is set at $2500.
Day is facing charges of Possession Of Controlled Substance, Endangering Welfare of Child Creating Substantial Risk-1st Degree – 1st Offense – No Sexual Contact and Unlawful Possession Of Drug Paraphernalia – Prior Drug Offense, his bond is set at $10,000.
