Police arrest candidate for Missouri statehouse in Joplin, Mo.

JOPLIN, Mo. (KY3) - Police arrested the Republican nominee for the 161st statehouse district on an unspecified warrant.

Thomas Ross won the nomination in August. The district serves mainly the city of Joplin.

Missouri Republican Party Chairman Peter Kinder released a statement.

“I was deeply troubled to learn of the arrest of Thomas Ross this morning. While Mr. Ross is entitled to due process and the facts surrounding this matter must be allowed to come to light, the circumstances of his arrest are serious and deeply troubling.

Being the Republican nominee for public office carries with it a responsibility to the voters, the community, and the principles our party represents. The people of the 161st District deserve a nominee who can devote his full attention to earning their trust and representing their interests in Jefferson City.

Given the seriousness of this situation, I believe the right course of action is clear. I am calling on Mr. Ross to immediately withdraw his candidacy and step down as the Republican nominee for House District 161. The people of Southwest Missouri deserve nothing less than leadership they can trust."

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