3 adults arrested at the scene

By Kyle Troutman [email protected]

Two Neosho residents and a Granby resident were arrested on Thursday after allegedly fleeing from a Missouri State Trooper in a stolen vehicle and wrecking in Barry County.

According to Missouri State Highway Patrol arrest reports, Stephen Lucariello, 21, of Neosho; Haley Nivens, 18, of Neosho; and Johnathan Chrisco, 19, of Granby, were all arrested at 11:13 p.m. in Barry County.

Lucariello has been charged in Barry County Associate Circuit Court with first-degree tampering with a motor vehicle, armed criminal action, resisting arrest, misdemeanor careless and imprudent driving, misdemeanor possession of drug paraphernalia and no seat belt. 

Nivens was arrested for first-degree tampering with a motor vehicle, and Chrisco was arrested for second-degree tampering with a motor vehicle.

According to a probable cause statement filed by Cpl. T. Morris, on Thursday, he received information regarding a 2022 Nissan Maxima reportedly stolen out of Newton County, and shortly thereafter, he observed a vehicle matching the description traveling west on Highway 60 near the intersection with Highway 97.

Morris said he observed the vehicle turn south onto Highway 97, and he began following it. As he closed on the vehicle, Morris said he confirmed the registration as the stolen vehicle, then followed the vehicle down a private driveway and initiated a traffic stop.

Morris said the driver of the Nissan, later identified as Lucariello, allegedly failed to yield and instead accelerated, initiating a pursuit.

“Lucariello demonstrated a willful disregard for public safety, traveling at a high rate of speed, more than the posted speed limit, and weaving through traffic at a controlled intersection,” Morris said in the statement. “The pursuit concluded near the intersection of Highway 60 and Farm road 1010 in Barry County. Lucariello lost control of the vehicle, sliding off the roadway and striking a deep ditch, disabling the Nissan.”

Morris said the chase reached speeds of more than 100 miles per hour and during torrential rain.

Morris said Lucariello allegedly admitted to knowing the vehicle was stolen and that was the reason for actively eluding apprehension. 

Morris said after Lucariello’s arrest, he was found to be in possession of a firearm, as well as a leather, lead-filled “slapper/blackjack” in his jeans pocket, located in a search after the arrest.

Morris said Lucariello also allegedly admitted to methamphetamine usage and admitted to ownership of a glass smoking device with residue consistent with methamphetamine located inside a bag.

According to a Missouri State Highway Patrol arrest report, Nivens was arrested for first-degree tampering with a motor vehicle.

Lucariello is being held in the Barry County jail on a cash-only bond of $50,000. 

Nivens was in the Barry County jail on a 24-hour hold, released at 12:27 p.m. on Friday. Chrisco was released on the scene for medical care.