On October 16, 2025, Deputy Austin Combs of the Oregon County Sheriff’s Office responded to County Roads 342 and 341 regarding a truck obstructing traffic with a male subject asleep inside. The driver, identified as John Battles, was awakened after several attempts and exhibited slurred speech and pinpoint pupils. When asked about his location, Battles replied, “earth.”
Battles stated he was tired and uncertain about his last alcoholic drink. He also speculated that someone may have “put something in [his] drink.” A Preliminary Breath Test yielded a result of 0.000. Upon consenting to a search of his person and vehicle, deputies discovered a needle cap beneath Battles, two clear bags—one containing a crystal-like substance and the other a gray powder—in his coin pocket, and a used hypodermic needle lodged inside a Bible on the dashboard. Battles is not diabetic.
Sgt. Mike Bunting conducted a TRUNAC field test, confirming the presence of methamphetamine. The substances were submitted to the Missouri State Crime Lab for further analysis.
Battles is now facing charges including:
- Possession of a Controlled Substance
- Unlawful Possession of Drug Paraphernalia – Prior Drug Offense
- Peace Disturbance – First Offense
