Excelsior Springs Police Apprehend Wanted Man After High-Risk Traffic Stop

Excelsior Springs, Mo. (Dec. 23, 2024) – Joshua Dawson, 31, was taken into custody Tuesday morning following a high-risk traffic stop conducted by the Excelsior Springs Police Department. According to ESPD, Dawson, a person of interest in multiple theft investigations, had been actively evading law enforcement across several local agencies in recent weeks.

Officers spotted Dawson riding in the back seat of a red Ford Ranger at approximately 9:27 a.m. on 10 Highway near Linda Lane, which many locals call “East End Hill.” With an active Clay County warrant for tampering with a motor vehicle, Dawson’s apprehension was a priority. Authorities had received intelligence suggesting Dawson might be armed with a handgun, prompting the decision to execute a high-risk traffic stop.

During the stop, Dawson was found hiding on the vehicle’s floorboard. He was taken into custody without incident and questioned about recent thefts, including a string of overnight vehicle thefts that have impacted the community.

Dawson was subsequently transported to the Clay County Detention Center, where he will face charges related to the active warrant. Further investigations into his possible involvement in other crimes are ongoing.

Excelsior Springs Police Lieutenant Dowdy praised the efforts of law enforcement in ensuring the safe apprehension of a suspect with a history of fleeing authorities. No injuries were reported during the incident.