On Wednesday, December 27th, 2023, Adair County Road Foreman Barry Hamlett contacted Sheriff Josh Brockman in reference to damage to a truck owned by the Adair County Fiscal Court. Upon arrival and investigation of the scene, it was found that the truck stolen from the State Highway Department on December 25th, ran through the gate and proceeded over an embankment where it struck a truck used by the Adair County Road Department. The collision caused considerable damage to both vehicles.
48-year-old Joseph Shafer was arrested on Monday night, December 25th, by Columbia Police Officer Elliot Smith for public intoxication, criminal trespassing, criminal mischief, and theft by unlawful taking (an automobile). Sheriff Brockman has now charged Shafer with an additional count of criminal mischief and leaving the scene of an accident.
The Adair County Sheriffs Office is continuing the investigation.
