Home Invasion in Vernon County Leads to Arrest of El Dorado Man

An El Dorado resident is in custody after an armed robbery took place west of Nevada
last week. According to officials with the Vernon County Sheriff’s Office, Deputies
responded to a 911 call of a home intruder with a gun on December 21. The suspect stole
items from the residence and left shortly before deputies arrived.
Vernon County Sheriff Jason Mosher said detectives developed a suspect from a previous
crime at the same residence and responded to an address in El Dorado Springs the
following day (Dec. 22). With the assistance of the El Dorado Springs Police
Department, a home was surrounded, and a search warrant was applied for. During the
incident, the suspect exited the home and surrendered to the police. A search warrant was
served at the residence by detectives who located stolen items from the victim and a
firearm believed to have been used during the crime.
The suspect has been identified as 39-year-old Tommy J. Toothaker from El Dorado
Springs, MO. Charges have been filed against Toothaker for the home invasion and a
previous theft of a vehicle. Charges against Toothaker include:
• Armed Criminal Action
• Robbery – 1
st Degree
• Burglary – 1
st Degree
• Unlawful Possession of a Firearm
• Stealing – All Other
• Stealing – Motor Vehicle
Toothaker was transported to the Vernon Couty Jail on December 22 and is being held
with no bond. Sheriff Mosher said he would like to thank the El Dorado Springs Police
Department for their assistance in this case. “When members of law enforcement work
together, we can keep the public safer and place the bad guys in jail where they belong.”
The Sheriff said Toothaker tried to run from his crimes but instead spent Christmas in
jail.
*This press release has been issued by the Vernon County Sheriff’s Office for information only. Any
names given in this release are to be considered innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.