The following information is gleaned from incident reports, which are public record, from the Jones County Sheriff’s Department and Gray Police Department June 28 – July 1, 2024.
JULY 5
Going the wrong way
Officer Pointer was patrolling the area of GA 11 around 3:07 a.m. when he observed a vehicle pull into the parking lot of some local businesses. Due to the time and recent thefts at one of the businesses, Pointer thought this to be suspicious. He turned around and observed the vehicle exiting out of the parking lot and back southbound on GA 11. He observed the vehicle slow down at a red light and then continue through the light that was still red. He pursued the vehicle and noticed that the driver was driving erratic and slow while straddling the center line. At that time, Pointer activated his emergency lights to conduct a traffic stop. The driver continued driving at a slower than normal pace. The driver then moved over to the left and into the left turning lane and then started driving into the northbound lanes.
Pointer activated his siren and continued to pursue the driver. The driver was still driving under the speed limit.
The officer pulled ahead of the vehicle slightly and noticed that the driver had both hands on the wheel and was looking forward as if he was focusing to drive. Sgt. Hathaway was setting up for a PIT maneuver near Creekside Drive, but the driver stopped in the road.
Sgt. Hathaway exited his patrol car and the driver took off again on the wrong side of the road. Pointer observed an opportunity due to the vehicle’s low speed and no other cars coming. He was able to conduct a successful PIT maneuver.
After giving the driver loud verbal commands to show Pointer his hands, the driver slowly lifted his hands with a look of confusion. The driver was taken into custody. He refused to give a breath sample in a portable roadside Alco sensor. During the search of the vehicle, a cup was found in the cup holder that has a small amount of liquid that smelled of an alcoholic beverage. A box of beer was also found in the back trunk area. The driver was transported to the Jones County LEC and was issued citations for DUI drugs less safe, DUI combination refusal, driving on the wrong side of the road, reckless driving, failure to obey a traffic control device, failure to maintain lane and improper lane change. A warrant was issued for fleeing or attempting to elude felony.
Didn’t stop because he had been drinking
Lt. Pennamon was patrolling on James Street when he noticed a vehicle traveling 57 mph in a 35-mph zone.
Pennamon activated his emergency lights and siren.
The vehicle continued to keep going and also passed another vehicle in the turning lane.
When the vehicle came to its final rest, the driver started reaching in his rear seat area.
Pennamon made contact with the driver and had him exit the vehicle. When asked why he didn’t stop, the driver stated he had been drinking. The lieutenant also smelled a strong alcohol odor coming from the driver. When asked why he was reaching in the back seat, the driver stated he was hiding his cup. Pennamon did not find a cup, but there were several cans of beer in the floorboard.
At that time, Deputy Langston arrived and asked the driver if he would submit to field sobriety testing and the driver refused. He was then placed under arrest for DUI and transported to the Jones County jail. The driver was given citations for DUI alcohol, DUI alcohol less safe, speeding, and improper passing on left.
JULY 6
Possession of marijuana
Officer Farley responded to a report of unlawful possession of a firearm. Farley made contact with the suspect and advised why he was there.
The suspect was placed in handcuffs due to the threat of a firearm. While speaking with the suspect, Farley noticed a clear bag under the rear of the car with what appeared to be marijuana inside. The suspect stated it was his. He was placed under arrest for possession of marijuana less than an ounce and transported to the Jones County Sheriff’s Department for booking.
JULY 7
Warrant for probation violation
Officer Joiner was observing traffic on Gray Highway when he observed a vehicle run a red light. The officer made a traffic stop. Joiner made contact with the driver and ran the driver’s license through GCIC and it showed that the driver had an outstanding warrant for probation violation.
Joiner allowed the driver to call someone to come get the vehicle because she had her dog in the vehicle. The driver was then placed under arrest and transported to the Jones County jail. The vehicle and dog were turned over to a family member. A verbal warning was issued for failure to stop at the red light.
