Snow and cold cancel most scheduled activities
January 28, 2026
January 8, 2026
The Webb City Police Department reports that a woman held in jail on a charge of driving while intoxicated died in her cell Monday.
She has been identified as Teri S. Gaston, 41, of Joplin.
According to Police Chief Don Melton, Gaston was arrested at approximately 5:20 p.m. on Monday, Jan. 5, 2026, for driving while intoxicated – persistent offender (class e felony) and endangering the welfare of a child (class a misdemeanor). She was housed alone in the Webb City Jail pending transfer to the Jasper County Jail. As officers were preparing for the transfer, Gaston was found unresponsive.
According to Melton, “Officers immediately initiated CPR and requested medical assistance from the Webb City Fire Department and METS Ambulance Service. Despite extensive life-saving efforts by emergency personnel, the individual was pronounced deceased.
“The Jasper County Coroner’s Office and investigators from the Missouri State Highway Patrol’s Division of Drug and Crime Control have been contacted to conduct a thorough, independent investigation into the cause of death. We are fully cooperating with their efforts.” An autopsy is scheduled for Wednesday, Jan. 7, 2026.
“We appreciate the public’s patience and understanding as we work to determine the circumstances surrounding this incident,” Melton said.
He continued, “The Webb City Police Department extends its deepest condolences to Ms. Gaston’s family and loved ones during this difficult time. Our thoughts are with them as we continue to thoroughly investigate this matter.”
Thursday, Dec. 25
22:11 – Officers responded to 320 S. Main St. in reference to a domestic assault. One male was taken into custody for domestic assault.
Sunday, Dec. 28
19:54 – Officers made contact with a woman at 306 N. Main St. reference her yelling. The 39-year-old female was found to be operating a motor vehicle while intoxicated and was arrested for DWI-alcohol.
Monday, Dec. 29
08:34 – I stopped a vehicle at Third and Madison streets for a traffic violation. The driver was subsequently arrested for a Joplin warrant.
10:54 – I received a call for service 407 Ware St. in reference to property damage to a vehicle.
15:09 – Officers were dispatched to Wood and Oronogo streets for a motor vehicle crash.
15:48 – I was dispatched to the 1300 block of Nelson St. for a report of juvenile offenses. The juvenile officer was contacted, and the address was hotlined.
15:59 – I was dispatched to the roundabout for a two-vehicle non-injury traffic crash.
20:45 – Officers responded to 320 S. Main St. in reference to a domestic assault. One male was taken into custody for domestic assault.
Tuesday, Dec. 30
22:58 – A report was taken for the theft of a dog whose owners reside at 300-11 S. Madison St.
Wednesday, Dec. 31
17:07 – An officer conducted a traffic stop at Oronogo and 10th streets in reference to an expired license plate. The 57-year-old female driver was cited and arrested for expired license plates and driving while suspended.
18:50 – An officer conducted a traffic stop at Daugherty and Tom streets in reference to defective equipment. The35-year-old female driver was arrested for driving while revoked.
21:33 – Officers stopped a red Hyundai for a lane violation. A 33-year-old female was arrested for an outstanding warrant with the Webb City Police Department and failing to show valid proof of insurance at the time of stop.
21:48 – An officer observed a vehicle commit traffic violations at Madison Street and MacArthur Drive. A 39-year-old female was arrested for driving while suspended.
23:20 – Officers were dispatched to 1711-57 Redwood Drive in reference to a domestic in progress. One adult male was taken into custody for driving while intoxicated.
23:45 – Officers observed a grey Chevy Cruze fail to stop at the stop sign located at Cardinal Drive and Madison Street. One adult male, age 37, was taken into custody for driving while revoked and for a Newton County warrant.
Thursday, Jan. 1
01:21 – I observed a vehicle commit a traffic violation at Main and Arch streets. An 18-year-old male was cited for driving with no driver’s license.
02:48 – I made a traffic stop near MacArthur Drive and East Street in reference a moving violation. One adult male was taken into custody for driving while intoxicated-zero tolerance and minor in possession of alcohol.
20:36 – Officers conducted a traffic stop at the intersection of Galena and Webb streets for a traffic violation. One 39-year-old female was taken into custody for DWI combined.
20:39 – Officers responded to 1325 W. Daugherty St. for a domestic.
23:10 – Officers conducted a traffic stop at the intersection of Zora and Hall streets for a defective-equipment violation. One 24-year-old male was taken into custody for driving while suspended.
Friday, Jan. 2
09:57 – I was dispatched to the 4500 block of E. Zora St., for a report of a suicidal subject. The subject was transported to a hospital.
15:41 – I received a call for service at MacArthur Drive and Oakland Street in reference to a motor vehicle accident.
20:13 – An officer was dispatched to contact a subject via phone in reference to a possible sexual assault that occurred in the 500 block of S. Ball St. An investigation was started, and a 21-year-old male was taken into custody for sexual abuse.
22:46 – An officer conducting traffic enforcement at Mt. Hope Road and Madison Street observed a red Ford F150 with equipment violations. One male was taken into custody for driving while revoked and an outstanding warrant.
23:17 – A report was taken for an ongoing disturbance between neighbors who reside at the Ellis Point Apartments, 1502 S. Ellis St.
23:38 – An officer was conducting traffic enforcement near 1708 S. Madison St. when he observed a vehicle blocking a drive-thru. The officer located an unconscious female in the driver seat. He was able to wake her up and took her into custody for DWI-combination.
Saturday, Jan. 3
23:02 – I made a traffic stop near Fourth and Roane streets in reference to a license violation. The driver refused to stop and lead officers on a brief pursuit. One adult male was taken into custody for felony resisting arrest, driving while suspended and multiple warrants for his arrest.
