Booking photo Linn O. Hoskins III

On the morning of January 09, 2019 3 deputies and 2 state troopers responded to a location in the Bedford area in attempt to locate a fugitive with an outstanding Missouri Parole warrant. The fugitive was also a suspect on other investigations we were working.

Officers found the suspect, Linn O. Hoskins III, 29, Bedford, in the back end of a parked and stolen pickup and was quickly taken into custody. Mr. Hoskins was restrained and secured in a patrol vehicle. Investigation led to one or more stolen firearms in a home and information on a total of 3 stolen vehicles, 1 of which was later wrecked, and the location of other stolen property including a computer and cell phone.

The deputy went to obtain and secure the stolen firearm and Mr. Hoskins reportedly was able to exit the patrol vehicle while in restraints and flee on foot. Officers soon caught Mr. Hoskins and he was placed in additional restraints, which he made attempts to escape from. Mr. Hoskins even attempted to circumvent the restraints even while in the LCSO. Mr. Hoskins is now in the Daviess Dekalb County Regional Jail on the Parole Warrant and is being secured as a high-risk escape detainee.

We will be seeking charges on Mr. Hoskins for the Tampering with Motor Vehicle, Stealing a Firearm, Felon in Possession of Firearm, Theft, Escape and possibly other charges. One or more charges is also expected out of Carroll County, MO.

A 20-year-old Chillicothe woman was detained and later released from our custody but she may face felony charge(s) in the very near future.

In all 3 stolen vehicle cases between Livingston and Carroll County were solved, a computer, cell phone, firearm and other items have been seized as evidence of theft. Drug(s) and Drug Paraphernalia suspected of being used with Methamphetamine were also seized. Methamphetamine is alleged to be a key underlying issue of all these reported crimes.

Officers also seized two masks and 2 ball bats from the stolen vehicle and are still attempting to determine if, who, when and where someone, business, or home was going to be robbed or burglarized. The two suspects were not cooperative on this portion of the investigation.

The entire incident remains under investigation. The LCSO has addressed the issue on best practices and retention of those under arrest. Overall a great job on this case.

Sheriff Steve Cox

All persons are innocent unless and until proven guilty in a Court of Law. A mere arrest or arrest warrant is only an allegation and nothing more.