On January 4, 2026, a Howell County deputy conducted a traffic stop in West Plains for inoperable lighting on a vehicle with registration that expired in April 2019. The driver, identified as Elijah Harper, was unable to provide proof of insurance.
For investigative purposes, Harper was instructed multiple times to exit the vehicle. He repeatedly refused, telling officers “no.” After continued noncompliance, officers removed Harper from the vehicle and placed him on the ground, where he continued to resist by tensing his arms and refusing to place his hands behind his back as ordered.
During the struggle, officers sustained minor injuries, including abrasions to both knees and a small laceration to one officer’s knuckle. Harper was eventually taken into custody.
A search of Harper’s person revealed a plastic baggie containing a white crystalline substance in his coat pocket. The substance field‑tested positive for methamphetamine using a NARTEC test kit.
A check of the vehicle identification number showed the vehicle had been reported stolen out of Taney County, Missouri, and the stolen status was confirmed. Although Harper claimed the vehicle was not his, he was aware of its model year, and his personal key fob was attached to the stolen vehicle’s keys.
Harper faces charges including possession of a controlled substance and tampering with a motor vehicle. All charges are allegations, and he is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.
