Howell County, MO – July 16, 2025 — A woman was taken into custody by the Howell County Sheriff’s Department after allegedly violating a court-issued protection order just hours after receiving it.
According to authorities, Deputy Michael Pauly responded to a call from the victim, who reported that the suspect had returned to the residence intoxicated, despite having been served with the protection order earlier that same day. The victim met Deputy Pauly outside and informed him that the woman was inside the home, in a bedroom.
Deputy Pauly located the woman, Laura Barstow in bed and attempted to place her under arrest. During the arrest, she reportedly resisted, kicking a door frame and causing both herself and the deputy to fall. As she was being escorted to the patrol car, she allegedly wrapped her leg around a porch post in an attempt to further resist.
Additional deputies arrived on the scene and assisted in securing the suspect, who was then transported to the Howell County Jail without further incident.
No injuries were reported, and the woman now faces charges of Violation of Order of Protection, Resisting Arrest, and two counts of Assault on a Special Victim.
She is being held on a $25,000 Cash or Corporate Surety Bond.
