JCPD NEWS RELEASE

On 08/07/2013, Officers of the Johnson City Police Department arrested Kendra Hope Edwards, an 18 year-old female, of 768 Old Highway Rd Erwin, TN.  After responding to a call from JC Penney about two shoplifters, she along with her accomplice was found to be in possession of merchandise totaling $610.  The second subject involved was found to be a juvenile.  The two selected and concealed several articles of clothing and several pieces of costume jewelry.  They then proceeded to exit the store and passed all point of sale systems without attempting to pay for the merchandise.  Loss Prevention associates confronted and detained Edwards and the juvenile upon their exit of the store. Both Kendra Edwards and the juvenile were taken into custody.  The juvenile was charged with Shoplifting- Theft of Property Over $500 and was released to the custody of her mother on a citation pending an appearance in Juvenile Court.  Kendra Edwards was charged with Shoplifting- Theft of Property Over $500 and Contributing to the Delinquency of a Minor.  Kendra Edwards was transported to the Washington County Detention Center and arraignment is set for 08/08/2013 at 1:45 pm with bond set in the amount of $5,000.

JCPD NEWS RELEASE

On 08/08/13, Officers of the Johnson City Police Department arrested Jeff D. Sluder, 55 yo of 1009 Oracle Ct, Johnson City, TN 37604, after an investigation involving a shoplifting incident at Belk’s.  Sluder stole two vacuum cleaners and three sets of bed sheets valued at $974.  Sluder is currently being held in the Washington County Detention Center under a $5,000 Bond and is scheduled to appear in Washington County General Sessions on 08/09/13 at 10:00 am.

JCPD NEWS RELEASE

On 08/09/2013 officers of the Johnson City Police Department were conducting radar enforcement in the area of University Pkwy and Southwest Ave. A 2013 Toyota Tacoma was observed travelling 70 M.P.H. in a 30 M.P.H. zone. An attempt was made to stop the vehicle and the driver refused to stop. The vehicle continued northbound on University Pkwy and struck two vehicles that were stopped for the red light at University Pkwy and Lamont St. The vehicle continued North on University Pkwy at which time it came to the intersection of W. Market St. and turned right and then right again onto W. Main St. The driver lost control of the vehicle in the area of W. Main St. and Delaware St and struck a utility pole. The driver was identified as Justin Price who resides at 1278 Gap Creek Rd Elizabethton; Tn. Mr. Price is a 21 year old white male. Mr. Price was taken into custody and charged with Felony Reckless Endangerment, DUI 1^st Offense, Felony Evading Arrest, Red Light Violation, and Failure to provide proof of insurance. Mr. Price was lodged in the Washington County Detention Center with a $21,000.00 bond. He is awaiting his court date on 08/12/2013 in the Washington County General Sessions Court.

On 08-12-13, officers of the Johnson City Police Department arrested Sanders L. Dixon (Massachusetts), 22 years old, and charged him with two counts of attempted first degree murder.

The arrest came as the result of a stabbing investigation which occurred at a bus stop in east Johnson City.  Dixon allegedly came up behind his pregnant girlfriend who he was recently involved in an argument with.  Witness accounts advised that Dixon stabbed her as she was getting on to the bus and then fled on foot.  He was taken into custody a short distance away.  The victim was transported to the hospital for treatment of her wounds.

Dixon was placed under arrest and transported to the Washington County Detention Center, where he is being held in lieu of a $200,000 bond.  Arraignment is set for 9:00 a.m. on 08-12-13 in Washington County General Sessions Court. 

JCPD NEWS RELEASE

On Monday, 08-12-13, at approximately 10:05 P.M. officers of the Johnson City Police Department responded to AAA Package Store, 910 W. Market St. in reference to an Armed Robbery. Investigation revealed that an unknown black male entered the business and brandished a handgun. An undisclosed amount of cash was removed from the cash register and the male fled the scene. No injuries were reported. The investigation continues and anyone with information regarding the robbery is asked to contact the Johnson City Police Department’s Criminal investigation Division at (423) 434-6166.

THE CITY OF JOHNSON CITY

Police Department

NEWS RELEASE

On Sunday, August 11^th, 2013, at 9:09 pm, officers of the Johnson City Police Department arrested John S. Bishop, 27, of 1907 Triangle Rd, Johnson City, TN after he fled a traffic stop.  Bishop was driving a Chevrolet Nova that did not have operative tail lights or brake lights near University Pkwy and W. State of Franklin Rd. 

When the officers tried to stop Bishop for the traffic violation, he fled by motor vehicle, entering East Tennessee State University (ETSU) property, in an effort to evade police.  Bishop led officers to the intersection of Stout Dr. and Gilbreath St. where he stopped the vehicle, fleeing the traffic stop on foot, leaving two of his passengers behind—one of which was a four year old unrestrained child. 

Bishop ran through ETSU property toward the Carnegie Hotel.  With diligent assistance from the ETSU Police and the Veteran’s Affair’s Police, Bishop was later found and taken into custody unharmed.  No one was injured as this incident unfolded. 

Bishop was charged with Felony Evading Arrest, Violation of the Light Law, Violation of the Seat Belt law for ages 4 to 15 years of age, Failure to Comply with Financial Responsibility Law, and Driving on a Suspended License (3^rd Offense).  Bishop was taken to the Washington County Detention Center and placed under a $5,000.00 bond with a scheduled arraignment in Washington County General Sessions Court on Monday, August 12, 2013 at 1:45 p.m.

JCPD NEWS RELEASE

On 08/12/2013, officers of the Johnson City Police Department responded to 714 E. Maple Street in reference to an assault. Upon arrival, officers learned that Michael Debusk (49 YOA) of the same address assaulted his live-in girlfriend with a golf putter. According to the victim, an argument that began over their movie collection ended with Debusk striking her on the top of the foot with the putter. As a result, Debusk was charged with Aggravated Domestic Assault and transported to the Washington County Detention Center where he is being held in lieu of a $10,000 bond. Debusk’s arraignment hearing is set for 08/13/2013 at 1:45 p.m.

JCPD NEWS RELEASE

     Since July 27, 2013, the Johnson City Police Department has been conducting an investigation into a series of burglaries at local churches throughout the city. As a result of this investigation, three individuals have been arrested on various charges. Arrested was  Zackery Scott Toney, 8/7/1994 of 1308 E. Lynwood Circle Johnson City, Tennessee, Aaron Blake Davenport, 9/19/1994 of 146 Sheffield Circle, Gray, Tennessee and Nicholas Wayne Higgins, 9/12/1994 of 190 Skyline Drive, Johnson City, Tennessee.

      Nicholas Wayne Higgins was arrested and charged with ten counts of Burglary, two counts of Attempted Burglary, two counts of Theft of Property over $1,000.00, three counts of Theft of Property over $500.00 and two counts of Theft of Property under $500.00. Higgins is charged in connection to the July 27, 2013 burglary to Westerly Heights Baptist Church at 628 N. Center Street, the July 29, 2013 burglary to Skyline Heights Baptist Church at 1601 Skyline Drive, the July 30, 2013 attempted burglary to the Piney Grove Baptist Church at 1004 E. Lakeview Drive, the August 4, 2013 burglary to Hosanna Fellowship Church at 715 Sunset Drive, the August 12, 2013 burglary to AME Zion Saint Paul’s Church at 201 Welbourne Street,  and the August 14, 2013 attempted burglary to the Faith Fellowship Church located at 810 Gauranda Drive, Johnson City, Tennessee.

     Nicholas Wayne Higgins was additionally charged in connection with five other business burglaries occurring in the month of July and one in the month of August. These were the July 1, 2013 burglary to the Angry Penguin located at 123 W. Main Street, the July 9, 2013 burglary to the Johnson City Animal Shelter located at 525 Sells Avenue and the Classic Billards located at 429 W. Walnut Street, the July 10, 2013 burglary to the Mojo Skate Shop located at 729 E. Walnut Street,  the July 13, 2013 burglary to Kiwanis Park located at 717 W. Market Street and the August 6, 2013 burglary to the Landmark Corporation located at 935 N. State of Franklin Road. Higgins is currently being held in the Washington County Detention Center on a $143,000.00 bond.

     Zackery Scott Toney was arrested and charged with two counts of Burglary, two counts of Attempted Burglary and two counts of Theft of Property under $500.00. Toney was charged in connection with two church burglaries, the August 12, 2013 burglary to AME Zion Saint Paul’s Church located at 201 Welbourne Street and the August 14, 2013 attempted burglary to the Faith Fellowship Church located at 810 Gauranda Drive, Johnson City. Toney was also charged with the attempted burglary to the Boys and Girls Club located at 2210 W. Market Street in the early morning hours of August 14, 2013 and the November 7, 2012 burglary to the Mize Farm and Garden Warehouse located at 625 Wesinpar Drive, Johnson City. Toney is currently being held in the Washington County Detention Center in lieu of a $42,000.00 bond.

     Aaron Blake Davenport was arrested and charged with two counts of Attempted Burglary. Davenport’s charges stem from his involvement into the attempted burglaries occurring in the early morning hours of August 14, 2013, to the Boys and Girls Club located at 2210 W. Market Street and Faith Fellowship Church located at 810 Gauranda Drive, Johnson City. Davenport is currently being held in the Washington County Detention Center in lieu of a $20,000.00 bond.

     A fourth individual, Aaron Keith Coggins, 4/19/1995 of 1308 E. Lynnwood Circle, Johnson City was charged with Burglary and Theft of Property over $1,000.00 after his involvement into the August 6, 2013 burglary at the Landmark Corporation located at 935 N. State of Franklin Road, Johnson City was uncovered through this investigation. Coggins is being held in the Washington County Detention Center In lieu of an $11,000.00 bond.

     All four individuals will be arraigned in the General Sessions Court of Washington County, Tennessee on August 15, 2013 at 1:30 p.m. The investigation into these individuals is continuing with additional charges possible.

JCPD NEWS RELEASE

     On August 12, 2013, at approximately 10:06 p.m., the AAA Package Store located at 910 W. Market Street, Johnson City was robbed by an unknown black male subject. The incident was caught on video and the robber is described as a black male, approximately 6’0” to 6’2” tall, weighing approximately 200-220 pounds with black hair and brown eyes. The robber was wearing a black t-shirt, tan cargo shorts and a solid black baseball style cap with a round gold sticker on the bill of the cap. The male brandished an unknown caliber handgun and demanded money from the clerk. After obtaining an undisclosed amount of money, the subject fled the area on foot towards the back of the store.

      Anyone with any information on the possible identity of the black male pictured below is asked to contact the Criminal Investigation Division of the Johnson City Police Department at 423-434-6166. Tips can also be submitted via Crimestoppers by calling 423-434-6158, or anonymously by texting 423JCPD and your tip to 847411 (TIP411) or via the internet at www.citizenobserver.com.

      On August 16, 2013, officers of the Johnson City Police Department arrested Charles Michael Bales, 367 Saylor Hill Road, Limestone, Tennessee. Mr. Bales was charged with Contractor Fraud.  The arrest was result of an investigation where a city residence paid Mr. Bales $900.00 to install a concrete pad on his property.  Mr. Bales began the project on April 9, 2013, and then failed to return to complete the work.  The victim had requested a refund of his funds and Mr. Bales failed to respond. 

      Mr. Bales is currently being held in the Washington County Detention Center in lieu of a $5,000.00 bond.  He is scheduled to appear in the Washington County General Session Court on August 19, 2013 for a scheduled arraignment. 

JCPD NEWS RELEASE

On 08/17/2013 officers of the Johnson City Police Department arrested a 16 year old male juvenile on charges of Unlawful Drug paraphernalia and Possession of Schedule II and Schedule VI Narcotics with the Intent to Distribute.  While in the area of N Broadway Avenue and E Myrtle Avenue, officers observed a vehicle travelling north with a Light Law Violation and initiated a traffic stop.  Investigation revealed a strong odor of marijuana and after being given consent to search the vehicle officers discovered 6.79 grams of Marijuana and 14, 100mg Adderall pills in a backpack belonging to the defendant.  Officers also discovered plastic baggies, a grinder, and a glass pipe filled with marijuana.  The Juvenile has been charged with Unlawful Drug paraphernalia and Possession of Schedule II and Schedule VI Narcotics with the Intent to Distribute.  He was released on Citation to his parents and is scheduled to appear in Johnson City Juvenile Court on Friday, August 23rd 2013 at 9:00am.

On August 18, 2013 officers of the Johnson City Police Department arrested Jay Dennis, 254 Booher Road, Apt. C-4, Bristol, Tennessee.  Mr. Dennis was charged with Robbery.  The arrest was the result of an investigation where the victim reported he was walking in the Cherry Street parking lot around 3:30 AM, when he was approached by a black male and a verbal altercation occurred.  The victim stated the black male struck him in the face with his fist and he lost consciousness.  The black male then took an Apple cell phone, $50.00 cash, wallet, personal identification, and Sun Trust Bank card from the victim.

 A witness was able to provide a description of the suspect along with vehicle information the suspect fled the scene driving.  The vehicle was stopped near the intersection of State of Franklin Road and Harris Drive East. The driver was identified as Jay Dennis and witnesses identified him as the person who struck the victim. Mr. Dennis is currently being held in the Washington County Detention Center in lieu of a $50,000.00 bond.  He is scheduled to appear in the Washington County General Sessions Court on August 19, 2013 for a scheduled arraignment. 

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On 8/17/13, officers of the Johnson City Police Department arrested Jack H. Johnson, (210 W. Locust St. #1, 26 years old) and charged him with four (4) counts of aggravated assault.

On 8/13/13 at approximately 12:41 a.m., officers responded to a residence located at 1109 S. Roan St. in reference to shots fired. Victims, (three residents and a guest), advised that three bullets had penetrated a window of the residence. One round was lodged inside of a large speaker, a second penetrated the speaker and a third traveled through the living area and out a window on the opposite side of the room. The victim stated that they have had numerous disturbances involving Jack Johnson. These disturbances were documented recently by the Johnson City Police Department. A short time before the shots were fired an officer, familiar with Mr. Johnson, reported seeing Johnson in the area of the victim’s residence. A witness provided police with a statement that he had been in the company of Jack Johnson minutes before the shooting and also placed Johnson at the scene. No injuries were reported in the incident.

At the request of the Johnson City Police Department, Washington County Sherriff’s Office, located Mr. Johnson at a residence in their jurisdiction. He was transported to the Washington County Detention Center where he was placed under arrest. He is being held in the Detention Center in lieu of an $80,000 bond. Arraignment is set for 1:30 p.m. on 8/19/13 in Washington County General Sessions Court.

JCPD NEWS RELEASE

          On 8/19/13 at approximately 12:49 P.M. officers of the Johnson City Police Department responded to the 

Johnson City Medical Center in reference to an infant death. A subject at 1901 Knob Creek Road had found the infant unresponsive and contacted 911. The infant had been transported by Washington County EMS to the Johnson City Medical Center where it was pronounced dead. An autopsy is being conducted at the Quillen College of Medicine. The investigation is continuing.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                     

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