Clay Goldsborough was named the Joplin Police Department’s Officer of the Month

(From the Joplin Police Department) Please join us in congratulating Officer Clay Goldsborough, who has been recognized as the Joplin Police Department’s Officer of the Month for March 2024.

On March 7, 2024, Officer Goldsborough was dispatched to a burglary in progress at a department store. The reporting party provided the dispatcher with the suspect’s name and vehicle information. In addition, the suspects were reported to have previously been trespassed and are believed to have stolen merchandise.

Upon arrival, Officer Goldsborough observed the suspect vehicle exiting the parking lot and a traffic stop was conducted. The driver stopped and suddenly got out of the vehicle. Officer Goldsborough issued commands and the driver was taken into custody without further incident. Three other passengers were asked to exit the vehicle, two of whom had just entered the business.

The criminals were arrested and the stolen goods were located where one of them had been staying. Consent was granted to search the vehicle, which yielded 13 pressed fentanyl pills, a scale and several items of drug paraphernalia. Officer Goldsborough began interviewing all occupants individually, advising them of their Miranda rights. Officer Goldsborough obtained confessions and developed probable cause to arrest all occupants. Searches conducted following the arrest yielded several drug paraphernalia and 3 grams of methamphetamine.

Suspect 1 was arrested for 1st Degree Burglary, Resisting Arrest, Out-of-State Felony Fugitive, Possession of a Controlled Substance and Unlawful Possession of Drug Paraphernalia. Suspect 2 was arrested for drug trafficking and illegal possession of drug paraphernalia.

Suspect 3 was arrested for possession of drug paraphernalia. Suspect 4 was arrested for trespassing. The Jasper County Prosecutor’s Office filed felony out-of-state fugitive and possession of a controlled substance charges against suspect 1. Suspect 2 was charged with drug trafficking.

Thanks to Officer Goldsborough’s quick response, attention to detail and thorough investigative skills, a lethal amount of fentanyl was off the streets. This is just one example of Officer Goldsborough’s exceptional work ethic and selfless service to the community.

Richard A. Pearson
Chief of Police