MSHP Trooper Honored for Preventing Possible Kidnapping in Taney County

A member of Missouri Highway Patrol Troop D is recognized for his efforts in preventing a possible kidnapping in Taney County over the summer.

The Missouri Department of Public Safety honors Trooper Zachary T. Costley with their December Sworn Team Member of the Month honor for his work following a traffic stop in August. 

According to a release from Department of Public Safety, Trooper Costley called for back-up during the traffic stop when the driver of the vehicle refused to identify himself. After the back-up arrived, the driver was arrested after a brief struggle with a search of the vehicle reveling items that could be used in a kidnapping. Further investigation indicated the man and his wife were allegedly planning to kidnap their children from a foster home. 

The complete release from the Missouri Department of Public Safety can be seen below:

Trooper Zachary T. Costley, of Missouri State Highway Patrol Troop D, is the December 2021 DPS Sworn Team Member of the Month for the thoroughness of his investigative work following a traffic stop, which likely prevented an attempted kidnapping.

On Aug. 8, 2021, Zachary conducted a traffic stop for a registration violation on U.S. Highway 65 in Taney County. Zachary called for backup after the driver refused to identify himself. After two officers arrived on the scene, Zachary advised the driver he was under arrest.

The driver resisted, and it required all three officers to place the man in handcuffs after a brief struggle. A search of the man's pockets revealed a list of items that could be used in a kidnapping or planned assault – duct tape, zip ties, a bat and a stun gun. Zachary applied for a search warrant and found some of the listed items in the vehicle. He also applied for a search warrant for the driver's cell phone and learned the man and his wife were allegedly conspiring to kidnap their children from a foster home. A review of the foster home’s security camera footage revealed the man had recently surveilled the home.

Zachary's vigilance and ability to recognize certain criminal behaviors and then take immediate, necessary action most likely prevented a serious violent crime from occurring.