Charges filed against Birch Tree man accused of kidnapping daughter

HOWELL COUNTY, Mo. — A Birch Tree man accused of kidnapping his two-year-old daughter has been charged.

According to online court documents, 30-year-old Joseph A. Raider has been charged with parental kidnapping.

A probable cause statement from the West Plains Police Department (WPPD) says officers were called to Casey’s General Store in the 1700 block of Gibson Avenue at around 9 p.m. on July 23 for reports of a man trying to take a child.

The child’s mother told police that her ex-boyfriend, Joseph Raider, had taken the child and ran from the gas station. She also told WPPD that while Raider was the child’s father, he was not listed on her birth certificate and there were no court documents stating he is her father.

Documents say the child’s mother told police that Raider had been messaging her, threatening suicide and asking to see the child. The child’s mother agreed to meet with him, but when she did, he appeared to be intoxicated and they started to argue.

The child’s mother said Raider then grabbed the child and ran off.

At around 7 a.m. the following morning, the owner of Lynch Equipment Company called to report having seen Raider and the child. WPPD said the business owner had gotten them to come inside the business, and had locked them inside until police arrived.

Raider is currently being held in the Howell County Jail.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KOLR - OzarksFirst.com.