A Cabool resident faces multiple felony charges after allegedly using his pickup truck to intentionally ram and sideswipe a vehicle occupied by an ex-partner and another passenger.
John R. Collins, 57, is charged with first-degree domestic assault, first-degree assault and two counts of armed criminal action. He was arrested and released on a $15,000 bond, and is scheduled for arraignment on Monday before Associate 37th Circuit Judge Melissa Stewart, court records show.
The incident was investigated by West Plains Police Officer Brent Keepes on April 14. Two people reported Collins followed them in a black Chevrolet Colorado nd made threats of violence, including statements about running their vehicle off the roadway, if they did not pull over.
The victims stated that while traveling on the highway, Collins intentionally rammed the rear of their vehicle, causing the driver — who was in a past romantic relationship with Collins — to strike her face on the steering wheel. Collins then allegedly pulled alongside and sideswiped the vehicle, causing the driver to lose control and swerve. Keepes documented damage to the rear bumper and passenger side of the victims' rental vehicle consistent with those accounts.
According to the report, Collins sent multiple text messages to the victim immediately after law enforcement tried to contact him, including one using a derogatory slur.
Collins later reported his vehicle stolen to the Cabool Police Department, Keepes reported, noting Collins’ statements were inconsistent and contradicted by physical evidence and his own admissions during an interview.
Collins also reportedly provided an alibi that he had been fishing in Arkansas with an acquaintance at the time of the incident. The acquaintance provided conflicting timelines for the trip, initially stating they left at 1 p.m. before changing the time to 7 p.m., Keepes stated.
Collins is represented by Attorney Jacob Garrett. The case is being prosecuted by Howell County Prosecutor Mike Hutchings.
