At approximately 11:20 a.m. this morning, while responding to assist one of
his deputies, Dekalb County Sheriff Andy Clark was involved in a vehicle
crash. Sheriff Clark died as a result of injuries he sustained.

Sheriff Clark took office on September 1, 2016. He is the first Missouri
sheriff to die in the line-of-duty since 1994. Maries County Sheriff Roy
Bassett was shot and killed while assisting a Missouri State Highway Patrol
Trooper investigate a minor traffic accident. Sheriff Clark was on his way to
help his deputy who was trying to catch a man accused of fleeing after
stealing a package of beer.

The Missouri Law Enforcement Funeral Assistance Team, Supporting
Heroes, and the Missouri Sheriffs’ Association Fallen Star Benevolent Fund
representatives, as well as representatives from many sheriffs’ offices
across Missouri are providing support.

Sheriff Clark leaves behind a wife and four young children.

While our deputies have never stopped working to keep you safe, we did close our facility to the public during the Governor’s Stay-At-Home Order. Now that the order has been lifted, our lobby will be again open during normal business hours starting tomorrow for CCW and Sex Offender registration.

The Ralls County Sheriff’s Office is seeking information regarding an incident that occurred late last night/early this morning at a residence in the rural Hannibal area.

A subject sustained non-life threatening injuries after reportedly being shot – possibly after some kind of disagreement.

Anyone who was present during this incident or who may otherwise have information to provide is asked to contact the sheriff’s office.  Tips and information can be provided anonymously by phone at 573-985-5611 or online at www.rallscountysheriff.com

RALLS COUNTY, MO – On February 28, 2020, the Ralls County Sheriff’s Office received a report of a burglary which took place in the 10000 block of Peters Road in the rural Hannibal area.

During the investigation it was learned that a subject unlawfully entered a building on the property and took tools and other miscellaneous items.

Evidence from the scene led to the arrest of Robert L. Ames 46, of Hannibal.  Ames was taken into custody yesterday evening (March 4^th) and is currently lodged in the Pike Co jail pending review of the case by the Ralls County Prosecuting Attorney.

All persons are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

On March 11, 2020, Missouri Sheriffs will hold a press conference at the Missouri State Capitol on behalf of Missouri law-abiding citizens. Sheriffs will unite to discuss the state of public safety as seen at the local level from all corners of the state. Sheriffs will be discussing the catch and release policies of the Missouri Department of Corrections, the Missouri Supreme Court bond reform, and the millions of dollars owed to local taxpayers who are merely upholding the rule of law.

Sheriffs hope to directly communicate with Senators and Representatives about the impact of the criminal justice reform measures taken over the past year including how this affects local citizens in our own neighborhoods.  

Sheriffs will be announcing the formation of a new organization called Missouri Sheriffs United. Missouri Sheriffs United will enhance Sheriffs’ ability to impact decisions made at the state level and will allow Sheriffs to be more of a voice for the law-abiding taxpayer.

Sheriffs also hope to hear good news regarding the $30 million owed by the state to local law-abiding citizens for the housing of state prisoners. Governor Parson has asked for $22 million to pay toward the debt this legislative year and has committed to working with Sheriffs to ensure that jail reimbursement is funded correctly every year.

Sheriffs will meet at 2:00 p.m. in the House Lounge located on the third floor of the Capitol.