Gary F. Goodhart booking photo May 2020

On May 09 about 11:51 a.m. Livingston County Sheriff's Office (LCSO) responded to a call in Bedford of an adult male allegedly trespassing on private property, exposing himself, cursing and making threats to the victim while carrying a large knife and refusing to leave.  The suspect allegedly made advances toward the citizen while armed and the reported victim displayed his firearm ordering the suspect to back down and away.  Shortly thereafter the suspect reportedly fled from the area on an ATV when he heard sirens of approaching law enforcement. 

Officers obtained information for the criminal investigation and were assisted in a search for the suspect by the Missouri State Highway Patrol and Missouri Department of Conservation Agent.  The suspect was unable to be located on that date.

On May 10 about 12:16 p.m. LCSO Detective Ford was in the Bedford area following up on this investigation and observed the suspect on an ATV and attempted to stop the suspect who fled on the ATV down several roads.  The deputy pursued the suspect and requested assistance from area law enforcement.  The deputy chased the suspect into Hale in Carroll County and the suspect was driving around Hale at a slow speed and displaying sign language towards the deputy.  LCSO Chief Deputy Michael Claypole arrived and stopped ahead of the suspect which prompted him to stop and surrender without further incident.

Officers discovered a large sheath for the suspected knife reported the previous day and also a methamphetamine smoking pipe which was turned over to Carroll County Chief Deputy Dempsey for potential criminal charge in Carroll County.  The ATV was towed from the scene. 

Gary Forrest Goodhart, 39, Hale was arrested by the LCSO for alleged Resisting Arrest by flight and Driving While Suspended and subsequently incarcerated in the Daviess Dekalb Regional Jail.  Additional charges may be filed from the May 09 incident.  LCSO was assisted on scene by MSHP and Carroll County Sheriff's Office.

On May 11 Mr. Goodhart was being arraigned by Associate Judge via video and reportedly became extremely profane, insulting and yelling at the judge.  Mr. Goodhart was found to be in contempt of Court and given a 60 day sentence to be served consecutive to any other sentence.  The initial court hearing was due to Mr. Goodhart being charged in Livingston County Court with alleged Resisting Arrest and Driving While Suspended.  That case will be taken up at another date/time.

On May 12 LCSO learned that Mr. Goodhart allegedly assaulted a jail employee at some point since his video court hearing the previous day.  Daviess County may have additional charge(s) pending on the suspect for this allegation.

Sheriff Steve Cox

NOTE:  All persons are innocent unless and until proven guilty in a Court of law.  An arrest, arrest warrant or incarceration are merely allegations and nothing more.