Highway Patrol Arrests in Southwest Missouri

Multiple drivers charged with DWI and other offenses over 3-day period

Published on Feb. 15, 2026

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The Missouri Highway Patrol made several arrests in Southwest Missouri over a three-day period from February 12-14, 2026. The charges included felony drug possession, driving while intoxicated, driving with a revoked license, and other traffic violations.

Why it matters

Impaired and reckless driving pose serious risks to public safety on Missouri's roadways. These arrests highlight the ongoing efforts by law enforcement to crack down on dangerous driving behaviors and keep communities safe.

The details

The arrests included individuals from several towns in the region, including Bolivar, Neosho, Aurora, Webb City, Joplin, Mound Valley (Kansas), Clever, Springfield, Branson, and Carl Junction. Charges ranged from felony drug possession to multiple DWI offenses, as well as other violations like driving with a revoked license, no insurance, and careless and imprudent driving.

  • The arrests occurred over a 3-day period from February 12-14, 2026.

The players

Emalee Lockhart

A 32-year-old resident of Bolivar, Missouri, charged with felony possession of a controlled substance (methamphetamine) and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Sergio Lopez

A 23-year-old resident of Neosho, Missouri, charged with driving while intoxicated, no insurance, failure to register his motor vehicle, and driving without a valid license.

Carolyn R. Hermosillo

A 41-year-old resident of Aurora, Missouri, charged with driving while intoxicated and not having a front license plate light.

Deja N. Wilkins

A 39-year-old resident of Webb City, Missouri, charged with driving while intoxicated, driving with a revoked license, careless and imprudent driving, no headlights, and no insurance.

Donovan B. Epperson

A 36-year-old resident of Joplin, Missouri, charged with driving while intoxicated and speeding.

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The takeaway

These arrests underscore the ongoing need for vigilance and enforcement to address impaired and dangerous driving behaviors in Southwest Missouri communities. Law enforcement will continue to monitor roadways and hold accountable those who put public safety at risk.