March 25th, 2026 Local News
Bismarck, Mo. (KFMO) - Three people are in custody after the Bismarck Police Department investigated the theft of Union Pacific Railroad property and later found suspects hiding inside a residence.
According to police, the investigation began on March 13, 2026, after officers were called to look into the theft of railroad property. During the investigation, witnesses identified a U-Haul rental vehicle that was allegedly being used in connection with the theft.
Two days later, on March 15th, officers located the U-Haul in the 1100 block of West Main Street in Bismarck.
Police say probable cause was developed to search a residence at that location. The Bismarck Police Department was assisted in the search by the St. Francois County Sheriff’s Office, Park Hills Police Department, and the Missouri State Highway Patrol.
During the search, officers reportedly found three people hiding inside the home.
Authorities say Misty Hicks was located hiding in a bedroom closet. Jon Ayers was found in a separate closet in another bedroom and was located with the assistance of a sheriff’s office K-9. Timothy Reed was reportedly discovered in a hidden compartment in the attic.
All three individuals were arrested on outstanding warrants.
Police say Hicks had multiple Bismarck Municipal warrants and also received a no-bond Missouri Probation and Parole warrant for allegedly violating probation due to the arrest.
Ayers was wanted on a Bismarck Municipal warrant and also had a no-bond Missouri Probation and Parole violation warrant out of Franklin County on a felony case.
Reed was wanted on an Iron County felony stealing warrant, as well as an absconder warrant through Missouri Probation and Parole on a felony matter.
All three were transported to the St. Francois County Jail. Police say Reed was returned the following day to the custody of the Missouri State Department of Corrections.
The investigation remains with the Bismarck Police Department.