It was just past 9 p.m. on a summer evening in Joplin, Missouri, when I found myself walking my dog under a quietly dimming sky. Suddenly, my attention was grabbed by an enigmatic teardrop-shaped craft, high above in the northern sky, its orange lights piercing the dusk. Almost instantly, I realized it was moving toward me, descending silently yet deliberately.
As if summoned by the unknown, two others appeared nearby—John Cruzan, the local newspaper’s general manager, and his wife Traci. They arrived just in time to witness the unfolding mystery. Together, we gazed upward, trying to grasp what was before us: a massive, silent object adorned with glowing yellow, blue, and orange lights on its underside. Though the craft made no sound discernible to us, every dog nearby barked fervently, and my own dog nearly pulled free, leaping toward the lights.
The object lingered for over half an hour, moving slowly enough for us to follow it in pursuit. We traced its descent behind the trees, hoping to find where it might have touched down. That’s when unsettling phenomena began—our vehicle’s spotlight dimmed inexplicably, the seatbelt warning buzzer sporadically triggered, and even the automatic transmission faltered. These curious malfunctions were phenomena none of us had experienced before or since.
The most chilling aftermath was physical: a red mark appeared on John’s arm, reminiscent of a laser burn severe enough to warrant medical attention. The injury has since healed, but the memory lingers.
In all my years of investigation, few encounters resonate as vividly or as credibly as this one. John bore no hesitation in recounting the events as they happened—real, inexplicable, and undeniable. It’s encounters like these that remind us that some mysteries are not born from imagination alone.
This event in Joplin stands apart from typical clusters of sightings often explained away as mass misidentifications. Here, each witness encountered the phenomenon independently, unaware of any previous reports, their testimonies converging around a shared, haunting experience.
For those who have glimpsed the unknown—whether a fleeting shadow or a prolonged encounter—I invite you to share your story. Together, we can piece together the puzzle and shine a light on the unexplained. Reach me by email or phone; your anonymity is respected, but your truth is welcomed.