LAW ENFORCEMENT REPORTS

POSSESSION

OF MARIJUANA

On Sat. March 3, 2007, Dep. Mitchell was dispatched to 1373 Whites Bridge Rd. in reference to a subject asleep in a vehicle in Lawrence Howell's yard.

Upon arrival, the deputy spoke to Howell who stated that he had told Buford Smith (person asleep in vehicle) on Mon., Feb. 19, 2007 not to come back to his residence.

The deputy then went to the vehicle, a white Chevrolet S- 10 Pick-up truck, and woke up Smith. He asked Smith to exit the vehicle, and he stated that he was too drunk.

The officer then asked for his driver's license or a picture ID. Smith was asked again to exit the vehicle. The deputy could smell a strong odor of alcohol coming from him. Smith was informed he was under arrest for criminal trespass. While placing hand cuffs on him, he started trying to push away from the deputy. The officer placed Smith on the ground to maintain control of him.

Smith then started cursing at Lawrence Howell, who was in the residence. The deputy told Smith to quit cursing, and he did not comply. During this time, Dep. Mitchell had dispatch advise Capt. Shane Rathel to come to the location.

Upon Capt. Rathel's arrival, he assisted Smith to his feet to place him in Capt. Rathel's patrol vehicle. While walking to the vehicle, Smith pulled away from the deputy. He then restrained him against the truck to maintain control of him, damaging the rear passenger's side bed area. Smith was then placed into the truck by Capt. Rathel and Dep. Mitchell.

After restraining Smith in the patrol unit, Dep. Mitchell talked with Howell, who stated that he did not want Buford's truck in his yard. Dep. Mitchell then had dispatch call a wrecker. While waiting for the wrecker, Capt. Rathel and Dep. Mitchell inventoried the vehicle; they found what appeared to be marijuana and wrapping paper inside. A small box that contained what appeared to be marijuana residue in it was also found.

Smith was then transported to the Miller Co. Jail, by Capt. Rathel, where he was booked on criminal trespass, two counts of obstruction, possession Of marijuana less than ounce and public drunkenness.

THEFT BY TAKING

On March 4, 2007, Dep. Brad Cox was dispatched to 24 Martin Lane in reference to stolen property.

The deputy spoke with Willard Brown of Colquitt, who stated that someone had stolen his concession trailer which was parked beside Hwy. 27 North at Whites Bridge Rd.

Brown stated he had taken the tires off the trailer to keep someone from stealing it and that whoever took it had to take time to jack it up and replace the tires. A description of the trailer was recorded; there was nothing further at the time of the report.

They have no children together. As of time of report, both parties are being charged with family violence battery. Other warrants are pending on both subjects from Investigator Nix as well.

THEFT BY TAKING

Dep. Brad Cox spoke with Mike Wood of Lessburg and Willie Arthur Calloway of Colquitt at the Sheriff's Office. Both parties wanted to speak to Dep. Cox, in reference to a stolen vehicle.

Wood, who is a recovery agent for Georgia Locators and Recovery, stated that he was asked by his employer to file a writ of possession on a 1999 Chevrolet Tahoe, that was to be repossessed from Calloway. Wood stated that this came after a previous incident, in which he was told not to enter upon Calloway's property, unless he had a writ for the vehicle.

Wood stated that he and Calloway had to appear in court, as a result of the earlier incident, and that he asked Calloway about the vehicle. Wood stated that Calloway advised him that he no longer had possession of the vehicle and that he thought that it had been repossessed by recovery agents. Wood stated that he advised Calloway that nobody had repossessed the vehicle yet and that they were going to get a writ for it. Wood stated that Calloway advised him that the vehicle has been gone about two months and that someone must have stolen it. Wood stated that Autoland still has a lien on the vehicle and that it had not yet been repossessed.

Dep. Cox then asked Calloway about the vehicle, and he stated that he thought that it had been repossessed, until he spoke to Wood. Calloway stated that he knew that he had been behind on his payments and that an attempt had already been made to repossess it by Wood, at an earlier time. Calloway stated that the vehicle went missing around Nov. 16, 2006, during the middle of the night, and that he thought the recovery agents had finally got it. Calloway stated that was the reason that he had not reported it stolen. Calloway stated to the officer that he had no idea as to where the vehicle may be located.

Dep. Cox advised both parties that he would do a report and that the vehicle would be entered as stolen into GCIC, and NCIC. The deputy advised both parties that a copy of the report could be obtained, if needed at a later time, from the Sheriff's Office.

THEFT BY TAKING

On Feb. 19, 2007, Sgt. Dale Glover was dispatched to 833 Mayhaw Rd. in reference to currency being found missing. Upon his arrival, the sergeant spoke with

Monicle McLendon of Colquitt. McLendon stated $900.00 missing from a chest where it was hidden. McLendon said that the money was in a envelope under a quilt that was at the bottom of a cedar chest in her bedroom. She also advised that She had been missing $563.00 as well.

The money was found missing on Feb. 18, 2007. McLendon suspects a caretaker that had been working for her. The caretaker is identified as Margaret E. Liddell, of Cottonwood, AL. McLendon stated that Liddell had been working for her for approximately three months and had quit very suddenly on Feb. 16, 2007.

McLendon's daughter had contacted the person who had referred Liddell. The person who referred Liddell was Sherry McLendon, who is no relation to the victim. Sherry McLendon had contacted Liddell and had a conversation with her about some medication that the victim was taking. When Liddell was asked about some unresolved issues, Liddell stated "Bobbie got that money!!" Bobbie Tew is McLendon's daughter. Sherry McLendon had not even asked about any money or the taking of any at the time of the outburst.

Liddell is suspected of taking the money. This report has been turned over to Chief Dep. Williams, who will be investigating the case.

PAROLED SEX OFFENDER

On Feb. 19, 2007 Capt. Shane Rathel, Chief Investigator Ben Nix, Dep. Brad Cox and Dep. Dale Mitchell were in the county serving arrest warrants.

While serving an arrest warrant, they received information that John C. Eafford was staying in the county. Eafford was wanted out of Calhoun County on a probation violation. They received information that Eafford was living back in Miller County. Eafford is a registered sex offender in the state of Georgia. Eafford had failed to come and report as a sex offender in Miller County. They received information that Eafford was staying at a residence on Taylor St.. The officers went to the residence and spoke with the owner. They advised the owner of the residence who they were searching for. He advised that Eafford was not staying at this residence anymore, that he was possibly staying on Grow St. The home owner also gave officers permission to search the residence. They saw no need in searching it. While en route to another location, Chief Investigator Ben Nix received an anonymous call that John Eafford was at a residence on North Early Co. Line Rd. The address was 378 North Early Co. Line Rd. They went to this residence and knocked on the door. The residence is occupied by Tony Perkins. Perkins' wife answered the door; Capt. Shane Rathel asked her if John Eafford was at the residence and she advised yes - he was asleep. Capt. Rathel advised her that he needed to talk to him. Eafford came to the door, and Rathel advised him he was under arrest for a probation violation. Eafford was arrested and taken to the Miller Co. Jail. Calhoun Co. was notified that we had Eafford in custody. Calhoun came and picked Eafford up. They replaced a hold on him. Warrants will be taken on Eafford for failure to register as a sex offender.

CRIMINAL TRESPASS

Dep. Brad Cox was dispatched to Hwy. 45 South to make contact with an Oxford Construction Company employee, in reference to a piece of heavy machinery that had been damaged.

Dep. Cox made contact with the complainant, Clint Law of Albany, who was the work crew foreman.

Law stated that someone had broken the windows out of a road sweeper, which had been left parked beside Hwy. 45 South over the weekend. Law stated that the damage was discovered when workers returned to the job site. Law stated that he needed to file a report in reference to the damaged machinery.

The machinery involved was a 2006 Rosco Challenger 3 model 4860 Rd. Sweeper, property of Oxford Construction Company

Dep. Cox observed that the sweeper's windshield and left side window had both been shattered. The windshield had fallen out completely, and the side window was partially intact. It appeared that someone had intentionally struck the windows with an unknown object and completely destroyed them both. Dep. Cox advised Law that Oxford could obtain a copy of the report from the Sheriff's Office to turn over to its insurance company.

POSSESSION OF MARIJUANA

On Feb. 25, 2007, while Capt. Shane Rathel was performing a road check, Corry McNease of Colquitt pulled up on a 1997 Kia Sephia. Capt. Rathel asked him for his driver's license and insurance. McNease produced both and Capt. Rathel noticed he appeared to be a little nervous. An odor of burnt marijuana was coming from the vehicle. The captain asked McNease where he was headed and he advised he was headed to Donalsonville. At this time, the captain asked McNease if there was anything in his car, such as, guns, drugs, dead bodies, explosives or large sums of money that he should know about, and he advised he did not. The captain then asked McNease if he had any problem with him searching his vehicle. McNease hesitated, then advised no, but then stated he had something in his car. He reached into the back seat and pulled out a bottle of liquor. The captain then asked if there was anything else in the vehicle, and McNease said no.

Capt. Rathel then requested Sgt. Glover to bring the K-9 Riser over to the car to do a walk around. Sgt. Glover asked McNease to step out of the car. Sgt. Glover then walked K-9 Riser around the vehicle. The K-9 alerted on the driver's side door of the vehicle.

Capt. Rathel asked McNease again if there was anything in the car and he advised he had some weed in the console of the car. Capt. Rathel reached in the car and retrieved a small plastic bag that contained a green leafy substance that appeared to be marijuana.

McNease then advised that there were two roaches in the ashtray of the car. Investigator Ben Nix retrieved these from the ashtray. Investigator Ben Nix and Capt. Rathel then performed a search of the vehicle. A pack of Joker 1.5 Rolling papers was found. Investigator Nix asked McNease if there was anything else, McNease advised he had some more at his residence. Investigator Nix asked for permission to go and search his residence, and McNease consented.

McNease was transported to his residence by Capt. Rathel and Investigator Ben Nix.

Upon arrival at 327 Hwy. 45 South, they spoke with McNease's mother, Lynn McNease, and advised her of the situation.

McNease and his mother signed a consent to search form for Capt. Rathel and Investigator Nix to search McNease's bedroom. They discovered a set of scales, three small baggies containing residue and pipe screens. These items were located in a Whitman's chocolate candy box. They also located a Lambertz sugar cookie can that contained a blunt cigar and also stems and seeds that appeared to be marijuana. This can also contained tobacco out of cigars. All of the evidence was collected, and McNease was taken to the Miller Co. Jail and charged with possession of marijuana less than an ounce.

LARCENY FROM RESIDENCE

On March 1, 2007, Mark Williams of Colquitt came to the P.D. to report that he had some of his property stolen from his rental house at 356 Pine St. He stated that he had a previous renter that he let use the property while she was renting the house.

On Thurs., Feb. 22, 2007, Williams noticed that the renter had begun moving out of the residence and that his property was missing. Williams also stated that he noticed a black full size pick-up truck at the residence on Fri., Feb. 23, 2007, that was backed up to the residence. Williams said that the renter contacted him once since the move. The renter could not be contacted at the time of the report.

ACCIDENT

Jamie P. Johnson, of Colquitt, stated that he was driving north on Phillipsburg Rd. in a 1996 GMC Top Kick. The vehicle went off the road, and when he returned to the road, he felt that he was going to go across the road into the trees. He snatched the wheel, attempting to turn the truck when he began to roll.

It appears that the vehicle rolled over on the passenger side first, then onto the driver's side and again on the passenger's, and slid into the roadway, where it came to rest. Johnson was slightly injured, and no citations were issued.

There was some release of propane from the truck. All actions in regard to the propane release and the moving of the vehicle were handled and coordinated through Chief Tully and the Fire Department.

Off. Daniel John Stone was the reporting officer.

CRIMINAL TRESPASS

Off. Hollis Smith was called to 578 East Pine St. to a car being egged. Melissa Perez of Colquitt was outside the car and said she saw a white and black female running from the car when she looked outside.

There appeared to be no other damage to the vehicle other than the eggs and having baking flour on it. The case was turned over to investigations.

ACCIDENT

Sarah McCall Gardner of Headland, AL, was backing in an easterly direction from parking in front of the NAPA store in a 1997 Chevrolet C1500 pick-up.

Tammy Ladell Cainion of Iron City turned right onto South Third St. from Crawford St., traveling south in a 1999 Buick Regal.

Gardner backed up into the southbound lane, taking up 75% of the lane. Cainion veered to the left but struck Gardner in the rear step bumper, causing damage to both vehicles.

Cainion stated she noticed Gardner backing but was unable to avoid contact. Gardner stated she was backed into the roadway when Cainion struck her vehicle.

Off. Kenneth Kirkland was the reporting officer.

LARCENY- BICYCLE

Annie Bell Hills of Colquitt stated that her grandson's bike was parked near her front porch in the morning. She noticed it was missing when she returned.

Hills stated that the bike is a 15" Speed Rd. Master, silver in color.

Off. Daniel John Stone was the reporting officer.

DAMAGE TO PROPERTY

On March 2, 2007, Off. Kenneth Kirkland responded to 155 East Pine St. in reference to some windows being shot.

He spoke with Alan Clanton of Colquitt, who stated that when he arrived at work, he noticed the windows were damaged.

He looked around for any other possible damage and then called the police.

When Off. Kirkland investigated the damage, he saw that they had been shot by a B.B. Gun, due to small holes as well as a B.B. still lodged in a piece of glass. Photographs were taken, and extra patrol was assigned to the location.

D.U.I

On March 3, 2007, while Off Daniel John Stone was on patrol, and he saw a white Dodge truck coming off the closed Rd. in front of Bevis Furniture. The vehicle did not stop for traffic and almost caused an accident.

Off. Stone stopped the vehicle in the parking lot of the Petro Station. He noticed the vehicle had a "Carl Gregory" drive-off tag, which expired on Feb. 24, 2007.

The officer asked the driver for license and proof of insurance. A strong odor of alcohol could be smelled from inside the vehicle.

Off. Stone had the driver step out of the vehicle; he was unsteady on his feet. His eyes were blood shot, and he was confused as indicated by his speech.

A road-side alco-sensor test which revealed the driver had a high amount of alcohol in his system.

The driver, revealed as Vernon L. Hiers, of Camilla was placed under arrest, read the implied consent and placed in Off. Stone's patrol vehicle.

Hiers' vehicle was searched, and a quart-sized bottle of whiskey was found in the floor board, in easy access to the driver.

Hiers was taken to the S.O. and administered the Intox 5,000 test. Hiers was booked on D.U.I. charges.

ATTEMPTING TO ELUDE

On March 4, 2007, while Off. Kenneth Kirkland was patrolling south on Phillipburg Rd., he saw a maroon vehicle traveling north at a high rate of speed.

Off. Kirkland turned on his radar unit to verify the vehicle's speed. It showed 70 mph in a 55 mph zone. Off. Kirkland pulled the patrol vehicle to the right side of the road to turn around for a traffic stop. The suspect vehicle passed the officer's location, and the driver looked at him and the police car.

Off. Kirkland completed his turn, initiating his emergency lights, and saw the suspect vehicle appear to speed up. The officer advised dispatch of his location and of the situation. The vehicle did not slow but appeared to gain speed as it was leaving the city limits. The officer then advised dispatch that the suspect vehicle was running north on Phillipsburg Rd.

Off. Kirkland initiated his siren, attempting to stop the vehicle. While following the suspect vehicle, the officer observed his patrol vehicle speed at 110 MPH, thus verifying the suspect vehicle's speed. He followed the suspect vehicle, with lights and siren, approximately 2.5 Miles into the county before he was able to call in the tag number.

At that time, the suspect vehicle and Off. Kirkland approached a third vehicle, traveling north, at a hill crest, causing the suspect vehicle to slow. The suspect vehicle continued traveling north on Phillipsburg Rd., approximately .25 miles before pulling over at the intersection of Henley Rd. and Phillipsburg Rd..

Off. Kirkland called in his location and exited the patrol vehicle. Upon approaching the driver's side of the vehicle, the driver's door opened. The officer advised the driver to show his hands and to stay still. The driver obeyed the commands. He asked the driver for his license, and the officer detected an odor of alcohol on him.

Off. Kirkland then asked him to step from his vehicle and asked him why did he try to run.

The driver stated, "I did not see you." The officer then asked the driver if he had been drinking, at which time he stated he had a couple of beers earlier and that he had been drinking the night before.

Off. Kirkland then requested a Rd. side test consisting of an alcosensor. These tests were positive for alcohol. Other units were on scene at this time. Off. Kirkland asked for consent to search the suspect vehicle at which time he gave consent. Upon searching the vehicle, he saw a card board box of Corona alcohol in the back floor board. Lifting this container, the officer saw an open beer bottle. Off. Kirkland then requested Dep. Brad Cox to transport the suspect to the county jail for an intox. test.

After reading the suspect the implied consent, Off. Kirkland requested a breath test. The suspect was then transported to the Co. jail for this test and pending charges. Watson Towing was called to transport the suspect vehicle.

FLEEING/ATTEMPTING TO

ELUDE

On March 3, 2007, Sgt.. Dale Glover attempted to make a traffic stop on a bronze colored GMC pick-up that had turned around to avoid a driver's license check point at the intersection of Griffin Sheffield and Cooktown Rd.

Sgt. Glover had activated his overhead blue lights to make a traffic stop at Griffin Sheffield and Kelley Rd. and observed the pickup run the stop sign. The sergeant activated his blue lights.

The truck increased its speed and continued traveling north on Griffin Sheffield Rd. He activated my audible siren and advised dispatch that the vehicle was not stopping.

The trcuk was traveling at a very high rate of speed for the conditions of the road (rutted, bumpy, and wet). The speed limit for a county road is 35 MPH, and the subject was driving well over the limit. The pick-up turned right onto Miller Baker Co. Line Rd. from Griffin Sheffield Rd. and failed to signal a turn and did not stop at the stop sign.

The driver continued traveling east on Miller Baker Co. Line Rd. traveling at a very high rate of speed. The pick-up applied its brakes in a muddy area and stopped in the road.

Sgt. Glover was gaining ground on the pick-up, and he applied his brakes to keep from rear ending the truck. He turned to the right to avoid the collision and to pull in front of the vehicle. While doing so, the sergeant's unit hit a very wet and muddy portion of the road, and it pulled his unit into the ditch and became stuck.

Sgt. Glover exited his patrol unit and ran toward the suspect vehicle. The driver saw that he was stuck and could not continue his pursuit. The suspect vehicle accelerated into a field road and then turned into the woods.

Back-up arrived, and he advised where the vehicle had gone. Investigator. Nix and Capt. Rathel went to the location of where he had last seen the suspect vehicle. They advised that the suspect vehicle was stuck in the woods, and the driver was on foot.

Dep. Cox arrived, and Sgt. Glover advised him to drive toward the next intersection to see if he could find the suspect walking. Dep. Cox advised that he had a black male walking on the road in front of him.

Dep. Cox made contact with the male and observed him having muddy feet. Dep. Cox asked the suspect what he was doing. The suspect stated that he was going to "Grant City" on Griffin Sheffield Rd. and had turned around to go check a field. The male told Dep. Cox that he had stuck his truck in the field. Dep. Cox asked what kind of truck he was driving.

The male said a Chevy, and Dep. Cox inquired of the color. The male stated that the truck was brown in color. Dep. Cox knew from the location described by the make and model and color of truck that this was the suspect involved in fleeing from Sgt. Glover.

Dep. Cox placed the suspect under arrest at this time and returned to Sgt. Glover's location.

The suspect, identified as Andrew Lee Bell of Colquitt, was read his Miranda Warning and Implied Consent. Bell consented to taking a breath test and was transported to the Miller County Jail by Dep. Cox and tested on the Intoxilyzer 5000 by Capt. Dan Stone.