10/08/2026
I want to commend our 911 team for their outstanding work during this recent serious assault incident. From the moment the initial 911 call was received, they had police, fire, and EMS en route in under 60 seconds.
Major incidents like this never happen in a vacuum. Other emergency and non-emergency calls continue to come in, and every one of them matters to the person on the other end of the line. During the first hour of this incident, the three Emergency Communications Officers on duty processed 38 phone calls and 468 radio transmissions — including EMS calls, an overdose, disturbances, a grass fire, animal issues, a lost item and a welfare check of a child.
What impressed me most is that no matter how busy they were, they handled every single call with courtesy and professionalism.
Behind every emergency in Phelps County, you will find our Emergency Communications Officers working diligently behind the scenes — supporting our field responders and keeping the citizens and visitors of Phelps County safe.
N E W S R E L E A S E
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT: William Loughridge
October 6, 2026 Chief of Police
Re: Assault Investigation
On October 4, 2026, at approximately 8:30 p.m., officers with the Rolla Police Department responded to a report of an assault in the 1000 block of East 10th Street.
Upon arrival, officers located a 43-year-old man who was unresponsive and suffering from life-threatening injuries. The victim was transported from the scene for emergency medical treatment and remains in critical condition.
Investigators determined the victim and suspect were known to one another and believe this was an isolated incident with no ongoing threat to the general public.
Rolla Police Department detectives collected evidence, interviewed witnesses, and obtained surveillance video. Through these investigative efforts, detectives identified a suspect in the assault.
On October 5, 2026, Stacey C. Johnson, of St. James, Missouri, was arrested and transported to the Phelps County Sheriff’s Department, where Johnson was placed on a 24-hour hold.
Johnson was subsequently charged with Assault in the First Degree, Armed Criminal Action, and Possession of a Controlled Substance. Johnson remains in the Phelps County Jail without bond.
Phelps County Prosecuting Attorney Taylor Banholzer stated, “More charges will be considered as information becomes available.”
“This was a serious act of violence, and our officers and detectives worked quickly to identify and apprehend a suspect,” said Rolla Police Chief William Loughridge. “ I appreciate the diligent work of our personnel and the assistance provided by our law enforcement partners throughout this investigation.”
The Rolla Police Department would like to thank the Missouri State Highway Patrol, Phelps County Sheriff’s Office, St. James Police Department, and Missouri S&T Police Department for their assistance during the investigation.
The charges for which the above-mentioned suspect was arrested are merely accusations and are not evidence of guilt. Evidence in support of the charges must be presented before a court of competent jurisdiction whose duty is to determine guilt or innocence.
If you have additional information pertaining to this case please call Detective Ian Mathews of the Rolla Police Department, (573) 308-1213, the Rolla Police Department’s confidential tip hotline at (573) 364-0111, or email [email protected]
