Felony Harassment Arrest of Joshua Matson

Press Release

Subject: Felony Harassment Arrest 
Date: September 10, 2026

Arrest Details:

 Arrested Individual: Joshua R. Matson, of Quincy, Illinois
 Arrest Date: September 03, 2026
 Arrest Location: Ewing, Missouri
 Arrest Agency: Lewis County Sheriff's Office 
 Charge: 1st degree Harassment

Incident Background:

 Date of Incident: September 03, 2026
 Location: Ewing, Missouri
 Time: 9:58 pm.

Details: 

On September 03, 2026, at approximately 9:58 pm., the Lewis County Sheriff's Office was dispatched to a residence in Lewis County after receiving a report that Joshua Mr. Matson was threatening to shoot two individuals at the residence.

Deputies were advised that Mr. Matson was reportedly traveling from Quincy, Illinois, toward the residence in a red Honda Accord. Three juvenile children were also present at the residence.

Deputy Steven Battaglia and Deputy Abigail Stroud responded to the residence along with Trooper Ezekiel Schieferdecker of the Missouri State Highway Patrol. Upon arrival, deputies spoke with the individuals involved, who reported that Mr. Matson had made multiple threats to shoot and kill them and had stated that he was on his way to the residence.

While deputies were on scene, one of the individuals received a telephone call from Mr. Matson's fiancé, who advised that Mr. Matson had left and was apparently traveling toward the residence. During the conversation, she also confirmed that Mr. Matson had been drinking. When asked whether Mr. Matson had access to a firearm, she stated that he had previously possessed her firearm but that she had taken it away from him.

Deputies and Trooper Schieferdecker then left the residence and began searching for Mr. Matson and his vehicle.

At approximately 10:38 pm., Deputy Stroud located the suspect vehicle traveling on State Highway 6, east of State Highway V, in Marion County. Trooper Schieferdecker conducted a traffic stop and took Mr. Matson into custody.

Following his arrest and after being advised of his Miranda rights, Mr. Matson admitted to making statements threatening to shoot and kill the individuals involved. Mr. Matson consented to a search of his vehicle and advised that no firearm was inside. No firearm was located during the search; however, alcohol was located in the vehicle.

Mr. Matson was arrested by the Missouri State Highway Patrol for Driving While Intoxicated and transported to the Lewis County Sheriff's Office. He was subsequently placed on a 24-hour investigative hold while Deputy Battaglia submitted a request for formal charges of Harassment in the 1st degree. 

On September 04, 2026, Lewis County Prosecutor Chelsea Fellinger filed formal charges alleging Mr. Matson committed the class E felony of Harassment in the 1st degree.

On September 04, 2026, the Honorable Corey Moon, Associate Judge of Lewis County, issued a warrant for Mr. Matson for Harassment in the 1st degree. Mr. Matson is currently lodged at the Lewis County Jail in Monticello, Missouri on no bond.

The Lewis County Sheriff's Office was assisted by the Missouri State Highway Patrol.

"All subjects are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law."

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 Contact Information:

 Lewis County Sheriff's Office
 Phone: 573-767-5287
 Website: www.lewiscosheriff.org