Warrant issued for Tecumseh man who is wanted for threatening Howell County family

A warrant has been issued for Joshua Allen Barnes of Tecumseh after allegedly threatening a family with a rifle.

According to the probable cause statement filed in the Howell County court, deputies responded to a call shortly before 4 a.m. Sept. 25 from a home on County Road 6350 near West Plains. 

The female victim told officers she had been drinking with Barnes when he became belligerent and grabbed a rifle in the home. She said he went outside and she followed him. She told officers that Barnes threatened to kill everyone who was there and when she returned to the house, she heard a gunshot outside. She said she then began to record Barnes yelling at her.

According to the statement, the deputy suggested that the woman leave the home. The woman took her young son and some clothes and left the residence with a witness for the night. The woman said they locked the doors to the home.

When the family returned to the home later, the woman said Barnes’ truck had been moved and they went to a local store to call the police. According to the probable cause statement, when deputies arrived at the home they were unable to find Barnes. However, the deputies did find a muddy rifle, Barnes’ cell phone plugged into a charge and his shoes on the floor. The victim stated that the door was kicked in and damaged beyond repair.

Barnes was convicted in 2018 in northern Arkansas for a similar incident. As a convicted felon he is not to be in possession of a firearm. 

Barnes is charged with second degree burglary, unlawful possession of a weapon - dangerous felon, unlawful use of a weapon - exhibiting, and armed criminal action.