On September 27, 2017 Deputies responded to the Merwin area to assist in a vehicle pursuit that was initiated by a KS Game Warden. The suspect’s car was parked near the railroad tracks in Merwin. Additional Deputies and Agencies were called to the scene to assist in the search for the suspect. All of the houses in the immediate area were searched for the suspect with negative results. A short time later a man meeting the description of the suspect was seen walking along a ridge to the west of the scene. A Deputy made contact with the suspect who was hiding behind a cluster of trees.
The suspect was identified as Matthew Scott Joiner (DOB 10/1/1968). Joiner complied with the Deputy’s commands and was taken into custody. While they were leaving the trees a black bag was discovered that held a syringe and what appeared to be methamphetamine in it. The Deputy tested the syringe and the crystal substance and it tested positive for methamphetamine.
Joiner was transported to the Bates County Jail where he remains in custody. He was charged in Bates County with Possession of a Controlled Substance except 35 grams or less of Marijuana and for Unlawful Possession of Drug Paraphernalia. His bond was set $10,000.00 cash or surety.
The Bates County Sheriff’s Office was assisted by the Missouri State Highway Patrol and the Kansas Department of Wildlife.