MCDONALD COUNTY, Mo. – A man is in custody after authorities say he stole a UTV, threatened two people with a firearm, and led officers on a search through woods and fields on Tuesday in McDonald County.
Deputies were called to a home on Edsell Road on Nov. 11 after a Razor UTV was reported stolen. According to the sheriff’s office, the incident began when Nicholas Hobbie broke into a garage attempting to steal power tools. When confronted by the homeowner, Hobbie climbed onto the UTV and brandished a handgun, threatening the homeowner before fleeing the scene.
A family member tried to stop Hobbie by blocking the road, but the UTV bumped into his vehicle. Hobbie again pointed the gun at the family member and demanded to get away.
Deputies, assisted by Anderson Police and K-9 Maverick, conducted a search of nearby woods. A neighbor later reported seeing someone hiding in tall grass in an open field. Officers and Missouri State Highway Patrol troopers located Hobbie, who was arrested after standing up from the grass.
Hobie did not have the gun on him at the time of arrest. A subsequent K-9 search recovered the firearm and loaded magazines in the field.
Hobie is being held without bond at the McDonald County Jail and faces multiple charges, including burglary, two counts of first-degree assault, armed criminal action, motor vehicle theft, property damage, and resisting arrest.
The sheriff’s office acknowledged the quick response and assistance from the neighbor, Anderson Police, Missouri State Highway Patrol, and local dispatchers in apprehending Hobbie.
