The following information is gleaned from incident reports, which are public record, from the Jones County Sheriff’s Department and Gray Police Department Aug. 15-20, 2022.
AUGUST 15
Sgt. Carr was working routine patrol when he was advised to be on the lookout for a vehicle that was involved in a theft. As Carr turned onto Dixie Street, a vehicle matching the description passed him. He noticed that the windshield was busted and the driver side taillight was also busted. Carr turned around and conducted a traffic stop on the vehicle. Once the vehicle stopped, the driver opened his door and attempted to exit the vehicle and walk away.
Carr gave a verbal command for the driver to remain in the vehicle, in which he complied. The driver advised Carr that he knew the vehicle was in rough shape, but he did not have the money to fix it. Carr explained it was illegal and the driver understood.
Carr had dispatched check both the driver and passenger through GCIC/ NCIC and was advised no wants. Due to the driver’s behavior, Carr asked if there was anything illegal inside the vehicle. The driver stated there was not, but would not give consent to search the vehicle. At that time, Carr had the driver and passenger exit the vehicle. K9 Rex was deployed for a free air sniff. K9 Rex alerted to the odor of narcotics. Both the driver and passenger stated there were no narcotics inside the vehicle.
A probable cause search of the vehicle was done. A small clear baggy with a clear crystal substance believed to be methamphetamine was found in the center console. Both the driver and passenger were handcuffed and placed under arrest for possession of methamphetamine. The vehicle was turned over to the registered owner.
Sgt. Humphries arrived on scene and transported both to the Jones County LEC. Carr secured warrants for both suspects. The driver was issued citations for brake light violation and windshield violation.
Deputy Ribeiro was dispatched to a home in reference to a burglary.
Upon arrival, Ribeiro met with the complainant and her grandfather.
The complainant advised that she checks on her grandfather’s property.
The grandfather advised that the garage door was open and when they went inside to turn on the lights, they noticed the wires were cut to the lights. Tools were missing. The barn behind the garage had a broken window and the door was unlocked.
The house had a broken window and the deadbolt on the door was unlocked, which they knew was locked before. A TV was missing inside the house. Ribeiro noticed that it was extremely hot in the house and it was determined that the pipe was cut off from the AC.
Deputy Shurley was dispatched to Joycliff Road in reference to entering auto. The complainants stated that when they arrived home, they noticed that their vehicle’s rear passenger door was open and the front passenger door was not closed all the way. The complainants noticed that clothes had been moved around inside the vehicle and the key that was in the ignition was turned on as if someone possibly tried to start it. No items appeared to be missing. Shurley advised that he would have dispatchers put in an increased patrol in the area.
AUGUST 19
While patrolling the area of Highway 49 and Elam Church, Deputy Ribeiro initiated a traffic stop on a vehicle for passing a vehicle on a double solid yellow line. Ribeiro gave the driver’s name to dispatch because he was unable to provide a driver’s license. The deputy was advised that the driver’s license was suspended. The driver was asked to exit the vehicle and then placed under arrest for driving with a suspended license. The driver was transported to jail and issued a citation for driving with a suspended/ revoked license and passing in a nopassing zone.
Deputy Morris was dispatched to a home on Chapel Hill Circle in reference to an entering auto. While en route, the deputy observed no vehicles in the area. Upon arrival, Morris met with the complainant who advised she believed two vehicles followed her home. She advised she walked inside and then her dogs started barking.
The complainant then looked outside and saw two vehicles parked at the top of the driveway and two shadowy figures walking around her vehicle.
The vehicle was checked and was secure and did not appear to be have been tampered with. Morris and another deputy checked the area and had negative contact with any other suspicious activity, persons or vehicles.
A patrol request was entered for the area.
AUGUST 20
Deputy Elliot was dispatched to Bethune Avenue in reference to a suspicious circumstance. The complainant advised that she was woken up by her dog barking and when she went to investigate, she heard her car alarm go off. There was no damage to the vehicle or disturbances.
