On the night of April 30, 2016, the Livingston County Sheriff’s Department conducted an investigation at the Poosey Conservation Area in northwest Livingston County.
Assistance was requested from the Missouri State Highway Patrol and Conservation Agent, as there were multiple people allegedly violating the law and rules of the area. Multiple gunshots, with exploding targets were involved.
The investigation resulted in the arrest of Samuel J. Southers, 36, Trenton, for alleged unlawful use of a weapon while intoxicated. An arrest warrant was issued for Southers on May 1,2016 for alleged class D felony, unlawful use of a weapon. Southers has since posted bond.
Joshua A. Verhagen, 30, of Trenton was found hiding from law enforcement during the investigation at the scene.
Verhagen was arrested on 2 outstanding arrest warrants, 1 from Grundy County for alleged passing a bad check with bond of $500, and a warrant from Caldwell County for alleged criminal non-support, with bond set at $1,000 cash.
This investigation also resulted in citations being issued to 4 people for being on Department of Conservation areas during restricted hours, 1 person for operating a vehicle in area not designated for such use or travel, and 1 person for shooting an unauthorized weapon on a public range (exploding target). All 4 are scheduled to appear in Livingston County Associate Court on May 25, 2016.
Livingston County Sheriff Steve Cox was quoted in a news release:
“A note to everyone and not specific to this investigation. Alcohol and/or drugs have no business being involved with the possession or use of firearms.”
