The following information is gleaned from incident reports, which are public record, from the Jones County Sheriff’s Department and Gray Police Department March 29 – April 3, 2024.
March 31
Marijuana odor coming from vehicle
Deputy Mattox was on patrol in the area of Hwy. 49 and Henderson Rd. when he passed a vehicle that had a strong smell of marijuana coming from it. Mattox turned around and got behind the vehicle and he could still detect the odor of marijuana coming from the vehicle. At that time, the deputy initiated a traffic stop on the vehicle. The deputy made contact with the female driver, a male front seat passenger and a female rear seat passenger. Mattox asked the female driver if she was smoking marijuana and the female told the deputy they were “smoking a black” (black and mild cigar). Mattox told the female that is not what he smelled. Mattox got the male passenger and female passenger’s information and ran a check via the NCIC system. The check came back to show everyone was clear. Mattox asked the driver and passengers to step out of the vehicle and when he did so, the deputy saw the male front seat passenger reaching under his seat. The deputy asked the male passenger what he was reaching for, and the male replied he was trying to get the food container at his feet. All occupants exited the vehicle and were patted down.
Deputy Allen arrived on scene to assist and Deputy Mattox conducted a probable cause search of the vehicle. Mattox located a shake of what appeared to be marijuana in the front passenger seat where the male was sitting.
Underneath the seat where the male was, the deputy found a Glock 19 firearm. Mattox ran the firearm information through the NCIC system, and it showed that it was stolen out of Bibb County. The deputy also found two open liquor bottles as well. The male passenger was placed in custody at that time.
The female driver did not seem to show signs of being under the influence of alcohol therefore she and the rear seat female passenger was able to leave the scene with a warning of the open alcoholic containers. The male passenger was transported to the Jones County LEC where he was charged with Theft by Receiving Stolen Property.
