The Reporter newspaper, Camdenton Missouri

The Reporter covers Miller, Morgan and Camden County in Central Missouri's Lake of the Ozarks and is published once per week on Wednesdays.

Published December 24, 2025

Fugitive and parole absconder arrested

MILLER COUNTY - A fugitive and parole absconder has been arrested after a tip to law enforcement sent them to the suspect.

Last Wednesday (December 17) deputies received a tip that a wanted fugitive and parole absconder, Daniel Wayne Witt, 43, of Eldon, was at a residence off Old Tuscumbia Road outside Eldon.

Deputies, along with detectives with the Mid-MO Drug Task Force and Troopers from the Missouri State Highway Patrol, began surveillance at the residence to confirm that Witt was in the home.

According to the Miller County Sheriff’s Office (MCSO) after a short time, a vehicle left the residence, and a traffic stop was conducted. During the stop, a deputy located Witt hiding in the back seat of the vehicle.

While attempting to take Witt into custody, a struggle ensued with Witt allegedly resisting arrest, resulting in the deputy being injured.

The Probable Cause Statement (PCS) filed with the court gave more details on what happened.

“Upon approaching the driver’s side, the female operator rolled down her window. I asked her to roll down the back driver’s side window due to excessive tint. She complied. When the window rolled down, I observed Daniel Witt sitting in the back seat on the passenger side. I advised dispatch that he was in the back seat.

“I advised Witt that he had a warrant and to step out. I drew my service weapon due to information passed on by other law enforcement that he was armed. I ordered Wilt out of the vehicle again and then went to the passenger side of the vehicle. Witt slid across the seat to the driver’s side and opened the door.

“I went back to the driver’s side, holding Witt at gunpoint. I was able to see that Witt was not currently armed. I then put my service weapon in my holster and drew my taser. Witt was very argumentative and did not follow orders. I was able to stand Witt up and faced him towards the open door. I secured Witt’s left wrist and ordered him to give me his other hand. Witt continued to pull away. I held my taser to Witt’s back and ordered him again to give me his arm or he would be tased. Witt continued to pull away, and I dry-stunned Witt in the middle of his back.

“Witt spun around and pushed me backwards. My taser flew out of my hand towards my patrol vehicle. Witt then took off running towards 16th St. Witt tripped and I was able to grab him and then we went to the ground. Witt was able to get back to his feet and started running away. Witt then tripped again and when he stood up, I tackled him to the ground. Witt was able to break free and started running back towards my patrol vehicle.”

At that point another officer arrived on the scene and pursued Witt in his patrol vehicle to the rear of the property. The first officer also got in his patrol vehicle and headed toward the back of the property.

Witt was located behind the residence with the second officer holding him at gunpoint. He was ordered to the ground and complied.

“While attempting to handcuff Witt, he continued to resist by pulling his arms away. Witt was cuffed and then helped to his feet. Witt continued to resist while being escorted to the patrol vehicle. It took three Deputies to get Witt into the patrol vehicle. While attempting to place Witt in the back of the patrol vehicle, he cleared his throat and spat towards one of the officers.”

The initial officer returned to the vehicle and identified the driver who gave consent to search the vehicle.

The officer said he located a syringe with a clear liquid in the back pocket of the vehicle where Witt was sitting.

According to the MCSO, the syringe field tested positive for methamphetamine.

The officer also seized a blue Android cell phone from the back seat that the driver stated was not hers.
A search warrant was executed at the residence where Witt had been hiding. Inside, deputies said they located a sawed-off shotgun, a handgun that had been reported stolen out of Camden County, approximately 10 grams of methamphetamine and various types of prescription narcotics.

Wit was charged with Possession Of Controlled Substance (Felony) Assault - 3rd Degree - Special Victim (Felony) Unlawful Possession Of Drug Paraphernalia - Amphetamine Or Methamphetamine (Felony) and Resisting Arrest/Detention/Stop By Fleeing - Creating A Substantial Risk Of Serious Injury/Death To Any Person (Felony)

Witt was taken to the Miller County Adult Detention Center on a NO Bond warrant for a parole violation with additional charges.