Suspect At Large After Allegedly Crashing Boat, Kidnapping Injured Passengers

HICKORY COUNTY, Mo. — A Wheatland man is facing multiple felony charges for allegedly refusing to take injured passengers to shore after a boat crash on Pomme de Terre Lake.

The incident happened on Sunday, May 24, during Memorial Day weekend, reportedly leaving three people hurt and the driver on the run.

It all started with a 911 call after the crash. 

Two deputies were sent to Lightfoot Park while dispatch remained on line with the caller. According to the probable cause statement, a man in the background was overheard saying something to the effect of, "she's not bleeding, she's fine." 

Authorities have not shared many details on the crash itself; the biggest issue is what allegedly came after it. 

While deputies were en route, Hickory County dispatch received additional 911 calls, with reports that Michael G. Stock had allegedly been operating the boat when it crashed. The caller said Stock was refusing to bring injured passengers to shore for medical treatment, according to authorities.

Those allegations ultimately led to the kidnapping charges involving passengers Ashley Tucker, Ethan Tucker, and Colton Tucker.

Deputies arrived at Wheatland Boat Ramp about 30 minutes after the initial call, where Stock's wife reportedly told officers that Michael was on the way and that no one had been injured in the crash.

But Ashley Tucker's brother Aaron White arrived on scene with a different story. 

According to the statement, White told deputies that Ashley had been sharing her live location and had reported she was bleeding heavily aboard the boat. White also said Stock allegedly told passengers to disable their cell phones and refused to stop because he was concerned about going to jail and reportedly wanted to avoid contact with law enforcement.

Stock is a convicted felon, according to court records.

Information provided by White led authorities to Still Water Resort, where Stock allegedly exited the boat and fled on foot.

Officers searched the area but were unable to find him. They later returned to Wheatland Boat Ramp, where the vessel arrived with the Tuckers aboard and Stock's father, Glen Stock, at the helm.

Glen Stock allegedly claimed that his son had left the boat an hour earlier and wasn't driving it at the time of the crash. 

However, all three Tuckers stated that Michael Stock was the operator when the boat crashed and had left the boat only five minutes before they arrived at the ramp. Deputies noted that Ashley Tucker had suffered a significant facial injury.

"He kidnapped us," Ethan Tucker reportedly told investigators, according to the statement.

Authorities report Ethan Tucker shared similar information as White: that Stock had multiple chances to stop and allow them to receive medical help but allegedly refused because he didn't want to go to jail. Ethan also told deputies Stock was armed, restricting their freedom to leave, according to the court document. 

Authorities say Colton Tucker confirmed the story and reportedly admitted to hitting Stock in the face after the crash for not stopping the boat. The vessel was then secured as evidence. 

Michael G. Stock faces three counts of felony second-degree kidnapping, three counts of misdemeanor fourth-degree assault, negligent operation of a vessel, leaving the scene of an accident involving physical injury, and unlawful possession of a firearm.

A warrant has been issued for Stock's arrest. He remains at large.