A Howell County deputy arrested a Mountain View man after a late‑night traffic stop on January 2, 2026. Around 10:30 p.m., Corporal Timothy Gordon observed a vehicle on State Highway 17 failing to maintain its lane, repeatedly crossing both the center line and the outside white line. The vehicle was stopped near County Road 2900, where the deputy also noted black paint overspray partially obscuring the license plate.
The driver, identified as Dustin Collins, told the deputy he did not have a valid license and that the vehicle belonged to his brother. The passenger, Taylor Tate, had a valid license but was not driving. Both were recognized as individuals currently on probation or parole for prior offenses.
Collins consented to a search of the vehicle. During the search, deputies located a small amount of a white crystalline substance on the center console, which field‑tested positive for methamphetamine. Additional residue and a piece of cigarette‑pack cellophane containing more suspected methamphetamine were found between the console and passenger seat. The total field weight was 1.1 grams, and a TruNarc test also indicated methamphetamine.
Collins was taken into custody for driving while suspended, and both subjects were detained during the investigation. Evidence was secured and submitted for further testing at the Missouri State Highway Patrol Crime Lab.
Both Collins and Tate are charged with Possession of a Controlled Substance.
