Willow Springs man arrested on drug, driving charges

Joshua McCary faces felony and misdemeanor warrants in Howell County

Published on Feb. 9, 2026

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A 45-year-old man from Willow Springs, Missouri was arrested by the Highway Patrol on Friday on a felony warrant for possession of a controlled substance and a misdemeanor warrant for driving while revoked.

Why it matters

The arrest highlights ongoing issues with drug-related crimes and driving violations in the rural Howell County region, which has struggled with substance abuse and public safety challenges.

The details

Joshua McCary was taken into custody on a felony Howell County warrant for possession of a controlled substance and a misdemeanor West Plains Police Department warrant for driving while revoked. He was transported to the Howell County jail following the arrest.

  • McCary was arrested by the Highway Patrol on Friday, February 9, 2026.

The players

Joshua McCary

A 45-year-old man from Willow Springs, Missouri who was arrested on felony and misdemeanor warrants.

Howell County

The county where McCary was wanted on a felony warrant for possession of a controlled substance.

West Plains Police Department

The law enforcement agency that had a misdemeanor warrant out for McCary for driving while revoked.

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The takeaway

This arrest underscores the ongoing challenges rural communities like Howell County face in addressing drug-related crimes and driving violations, which can have significant impacts on public safety and quality of life for residents.