A Missouri man’s attempt to steal a UTV came to an abrupt end when the vehicle’s owner decided to take matters into his own hands. By the time deputies arrived, the suspect was being held at gunpoint, and the investigation would eventually lead authorities to stolen property connected to an entirely separate incident.
According to the Newton County Sheriff’s Office, deputies responded to a theft in progress near 23524 East Highway 86 in the Stark City area on October 8, 2026, at approximately 6 p.m. When they arrived, they learned that a UTV had just been stolen and its owner was already detaining the suspected thief at gunpoint.
Authorities identified the suspect as 30-year-old Scottie Nunez, a resident of the Stark City area. Deputies took him into custody and transported him to the Newton County Jail on suspicion of vehicle theft.
However, the investigation didn’t end with Nunez’s arrest, as deputies continued looking into the circumstances surrounding the incident. Their efforts eventually led them to another person, a search warrant, and property stolen from the Newtonia Community Center.
UTV Owner Holds Suspected Thief at Gunpoint Until Deputies Arrive
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The Sheriff’s Office said deputies were dispatched to the Stark City area after receiving a call concerning an ongoing theft. By the time law enforcement reached the location, the UTV’s owner had already confronted the suspected thief and was holding him at gunpoint.
Deputies identified the detained man as Nunez and arrested him in connection with the vehicle theft. Authorities did not explain how the owner confronted Nunez or whether the suspect attempted to flee before deputies arrived.
While continuing their investigation in the surrounding area, deputies encountered 31-year-old Shyanna Sales, whom authorities described as a known associate of Nunez. During their contact with Sales, deputies discovered drug paraphernalia in her possession and took her into custody.
Search of Associate’s Home Uncovers Property Stolen From Community Center
As deputies continued investigating, they received information suggesting that additional stolen property might be inside Sales’ residence. A detective was called to the scene, and investigators obtained a search warrant before entering the home and recovering items they believed were stolen.
On October 9, investigators confirmed that the property seized from Sales’ residence had recently been stolen from the Newtonia Community Center. The Sheriff’s Office did not identify the specific items recovered or explain when the community center theft occurred.
Sheriff Matt Stewart praised his deputies for continuing their investigation beyond the initial vehicle theft and recovering community property. Nunez remained in custody for vehicle theft, while Sales was being held for possession of drug paraphernalia and receiving stolen property, with charges against both submitted to the Newton County Prosecutor for review.