A Higginsville man is facing a felony charge for an alleged incident of tampering with a vehicle recently in Lafayette County.
A probable-cause statement says just after 4:30 a.m. on Wednesday, May 23, Higginsville Police officers responded to a report of a motor vehicle theft in progress at a residence in the 400 block of West Broadway. Officers received another report that the victim had the suspect held down and subdued.
Upon arrival, the victim stated he woke up to take his dog outside when he noticed 23-year-old Aaron Goetz inside one of his vehicles. The victim added an altercation began in which he was dragged as Goetz accelerated the vehicle in reverse and struck another vehicle owned by the victim. Goetz reportedly told authorities he was “drunk and getting into his vehicle” when asked why he tried to steal the victim’s vehicle.
Online court documents say Goetz has been charged with a Class D Felony for Tampering with a Motor Vehicle in the First Degree, as well as a DWI and fourth-degree assault misdemeanors. Bond was set at $7,500 cash or surety.
Goetz was formally arraigned on May 23 and entered a plea of not guilty. His cause has been continued for a case-hearing at 9:30 a.m. on Wednesday, May 30, at Lafayette County Circuit Court.