Criminal Threat Warrant Arrest

On Saturday afternoon, March 14, 2026, at approximately 5:00 p.m., officers with the Pittsburg Police Department were dispatched to a residence on Iris Lane, in Pittsburg, in reference to a check the welfare call of an individual who reported concerns for their safety due to another person having a firearm. While Officers were investigating the incident and interviewing multiple subjects, the suspect, who was identified as 40-year-old Justin J. Collins, of Pittsburg, fled from the scene. Officers pursued Collins however he was able to elude officers. As officers continued to investigate the incident, they discovered a stolen firearm, methamphetamine, and drug paraphernalia that were believed to be left behind and discarded by Collins. A report on the incident was taken and forwarded to the Crawford County Attorney’s Office for review.

Over the next few weeks, the Pittsburg Police Department received several reports that Mr. Collins was sending threatening messages of violence to a victim who was known to Mr. Collins. Officers attempted to apprehend Collins at several different locations, however they were not able to locate him. Several reports were taken to document each incident and they were forwarded to the Crawford County Attorney’s Office for review.

On Sunday, March 29, 2026, law enforcement officers with the Pittsburg Police Department, the Crawford County Sheriff’s Office, and the Kansas Bureau of Investigation conducted a surveillance operation which included multiple locations in and around Pittsburg, in an attempt to locate and arrest Mr. Collins in reference to the above reported incidents.

On Sunday, March 29th, at approximately 2:00 p.m., law enforcement involved in the operation approached a residence in the 800 block of Hugh Street in Frontenac. Law Enforcement believed Mr. Collins to be inside the residence and as they approached Mr. Collins was observed exiting the rear of the residence and fleeing on foot. Mr. Collins was pursued by law enforcement and after a short distance, Mr. Collins was taken into custody. Mr. Collins was transported to Mercy Hospital to be medically evaluated and was later transported to the Crawford County Jail.

A search warrant was applied for to search the residence in reference to the ongoing investigation into Mr. Collins’ cases in Pittsburg.

A resident of the house, 41-year-old Demitra Ann Durden, of Frontenac, was placed under arrest for felony interference with law enforcement and felony obstructing apprehension or prosecution. Ms. Durden was transported to the Crawford County Sheriff’s Office for booking.

As a result of the investigation, 40-year-old Justin J. Collins, of Pittsburg, was arrested and transported to the Crawford County Sheriff’s Office for booking.

Mr. Collins was arrested on the following Charges:

• Felony distribution of methamphetamine

• Felony possession of drug paraphernalia

• Felony possession of stolen property (firearm)

• Felony criminal possession of weapon by a felon

• Felony interference with law enforcement (2 counts)

• Misdemeanor possession of drug paraphernalia

• Felony criminal threat (3 counts)

• Criminal carrying of a weapon

Mr. Collins is currently being held in lieu of a $250,000 bond. Ms. Durden is currently being held without bond.

Mr. Collins and Ms. Durden are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

The investigation remains ongoing. Anyone with information related to this incident or other crimes is encouraged to contact the Pittsburg Police Department at (620) 231-1700 or the automated tip line at (620) 231-TIPS (8477). Callers may remain anonymous.