Update: Bates County Sheriff's Office still searching for male who fled

On 8/10/23 a homeowner caught a subject on her property in the process of stealing. When confronted, the male subject fled on foot through a bean field and into a tree line. Upon the arrival of deputies a perimeter was set up and additional staff were called in to began a ground search. 

Many acres of heavy wooded trees and crop fields were searched with no results. The suspect’s vehicle was located about a 100 yards from the residence.

A second vehicle was stopped in the area and the female was detained as she is a known associate of the suspect.

The female was eventually released. The search was terminated but the suspect was identified. The Sheriff’s Office is asking the public’s assistance in locating Steven W Cox, 29 year old male of Butler Mo.

If you know of the whereabouts of Cox please contact the Bates County Sheriff's Office at 6606793232