CITY OF JOHNSON CITY

                                  JOHNSON CITY POLICE DEPARTMENT

                                                        NEWS RELEASE

On 07/03/18, at approx. 5:23 a.m., officers of the Johnson City Police Department arrested Malcom Hopson (20 years old of 158 E. Highland Rd., JC), and charged him with five counts of Theft from a Motor Vehicle.   

At approximately 5:00 a.m., officers responded to the report of a suspicious subject on E. Highland Rd.  Upon arrival officers made contact with the subject described by the caller.  During the investigation, multiple vehicles were found to have been entered in the area.  Several victims of these offenses were located and interviewed.  A large amount of property was recovered at the scene. 

Mr. Hopson was taken into custody and charged with the five Theft from Vehicle offenses.  He was transported to the Washington County Detention Center, where he is being held in lieu of a $30,000 bond.  Arraignment is set for 1:30 p.m. on 07/05/18 in Washington County General Sessions Court.

JCPD NEWS RELEASE

On 7/3/18, the Johnson City Police Department arrested Malcolm Hopson (703 Hamilton St., 20 years old) and charged him with auto burglary and theft under $1,000. 

In the early morning hours of 7/3/18, officers of the Johnson City Police Department were dispatched to the area of 158 E. Highland Rd. on a suspicious person call. A man matching the description of the suspicious person was located and identified as Malcolm Hopson. Hopson was arrested after numerous items were found in his possession that were linked to multiple auto burglaries. An additional report was made later in the morning that described a wallet that was stolen from a vehicle at 733 Georgia St. Hopson was charged with another count of auto burglary and theft, in regards to this most recent report.  

Hopson was served with a separate warrant at the Washington County Detention Center, where he was already being held on similar charges. Hopson is being held on an additional $2,500 bond. Arraignment is set for 1:30 p.m. on 7/5/18 in Washington County General Sessions Court.    

Sgt. Don Shepard

Criminal Investigation Division

Johnson City Police Department

601 E. Main . St

Johnson City, TN 37601

Office 423-434-6166

Fax- 423-434-6247

dshepard@johnsoncitytn.org

        CITY OF JOHNSON CITY

                                   JOHNSON CITY POLICE DEPARTMENT

                                                         NEWS RELEASE

On 07/05/18, at approx. 3:03 p.m., officers of the Johnson City Police Department arrested Courtney A. Gass (24 years old of 844 Dyer St., JC), and charged her with Filing a False Report.

A warrant was obtained on 6/26/18 for Ms. Gass in reference to her report of a fight between a man and a woman in the 900 block of Pardee St.  An investigation conducted into the incident by numerous officers that were dispatched to this alleged fight found no evidence of this claim.  Several pieces of information revealed that this incident never occurred and that Gass’ statements were false.  Today, officers went to 844 Dyer St. and made contact with Ms. Gass. 

Mrs. Gass was taken into custody and charged with Filing a False Report.  She was transported to the Washington County Detention Center, where she is being held in lieu of a $5,000 bond.  Arraignment is set for 1:30 p.m. on 07/06/18 in Washington County General Sessions Court. 

JCPD NEWS RELEASE

On July 3, 2018, officers of the Johnson City Police Department were notified by the Muncie, Indiana, Police Department that they had obtained warrants on two individuals believed to be living in Johnson City in relation to a robbery and police pursuit that occurred in their jurisdiction. One of these individuals, Eugene Pettit (24 years old, 613 Montgomery Street), was located on July 3^rd and charged with being a fugitive from justice. The second individual, Rodney Brown (21 years old, 915 E Myrtle Avenue), was located on July 6^th. He was also charged with being a fugitive from justice.

Brown and Pettit were transported to the Washington County Detention Center, where they are awaiting bond hearings in Washington County General Sessions Court.

JCPD NEWS RELEASE

    On 07/06/2018, officers of the Johnson City Police Department arrested William T Johnson of 1151Ward Pl. Kingsport, TN 37660, 27 years old, and charged him with one count each of Altering a License Plate, Driving on a Revoked License 3^rd, and Expired Registration.

The arrest is the result of an investigation for a report of a shoplifting occurring at 3111 Browns Mill Rd. Upon arrival officers made contact with loss prevention personnel, who alleged that Mr. Johnson shoplifted from the business before leaving in a brown truck with a white camper top.  The described truck was located at the intersection of Browns Mill Rd & N State of Franklin Rd.  A traffic stop was initiated and Mr. Johnson was identified from video surveillance even though he had changed his clothing. During the stop it was discovered that Mr. Johnson’s license was revoked, registration was expired, and the vehicle license plate had been altered. Mr. Johnson was placed under arrest and transported to the Washington County Detention Center, where he is being held in lieu of a $6,000 Bond. His arraignment hearing is set for 01:30 p.m. on 7/09/2018, in Washington County General Sessions Court.

              JCPD NEWS RELEASE

     On 07/08/2018 officers of the Johnson City Police Department arrested Ryan G. Froom (33 years old, 154 Edwards Rd., Jonesborough, TN 37659) on the charges of Criminal Simulation under $1,000 and Theft of Property under $1,000.

At approximately 08:40 a.m., Mr. Froom was located in the woods of Unicoi County by Unicoi County Sheriff’s Deputies. Mr. Froom was taken into custody for an active warrant out of Johnson City.

Mr. Froom was transported to the Washington County Detention Center where he is being held in lieu of a $3500 bond.  His arraignment is set for 07/09/18 at 1:30pm in Washington County General Sessions Court. 

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JCPD NEWS RELEASE

On 7/7/18, officers of the Johnson City Police Department responded to a death investigation at Lakewood Village Apartments, Johnson City.

At approximately 6:30 p.m., officers responded to Lakewood Village, where the residents reported that an unknown person was found deceased in their apartment. The identity of the victim is being withheld at this time until a next of kin can be located and notified. The victim was sent to the William L. Jenkins Forensic Center, where an autopsy is being completed to determine the cause and manner of death.

The Johnson City Police Department’s Criminal Investigation Division continues to follow up on this case and seeks information regarding the incident. Anyone having information is requested to contact the Johnson City Police Department Criminal Investigations Division at (423) 434-6166 or to remain anonymous, Crime Stoppers at 434-6158.  To send a confidential tip text 423JCPD and your tip to 847411 (TIP411) or send a tip to www.citizenobserver.com. You can also send messages via the Johnson City Police Department Website http://www.johnsoncitytn.org/police/cid/

Sgt. Don Shepard

Criminal Investigation Division

Johnson City Police Department

601 E. Main . St

Johnson City, TN 37601

Office 423-434-6166

Fax- 423-434-6247

dshepard@johnsoncitytn.org

JCPD NEWS RELEASE

    On 07/09/2018 at 8:40 p.m., officers received information from the Mitchell County Sheriff’s Office in North Carolina that suspect Luz Brown-Chavez, 22yoa, 1404 Zaphyr Ave, Fort Pierce, FL, was at a location in Johnson City.  Officers confirmed the warrant issued by the Saint Lucie County Florida Sheriff's Office for Robbery with a Deadly Weapon.  Officers located Ms. Brown-Chavez and placed her into custody without incident.  Ms. Brown-Chavez was transported to the Washington County Detention Center charged as a of Fugitive from Justice.  Ms. Brown-Chavez is being held at the Washington County Detention Center in lieu of no bond and is scheduled for an arraignment on Tuesday 07/10/2018 at 1:30 p.m.

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JCPD NEWS RELEASE

On 7/8/18, officers of the Johnson City Police Department responded to a death investigation at Lakewood Village Apartments, Johnson City.

The victim has been identified as a white female, Mary E. Hammitt (37 years old) Elizabethton, TN. There was no trauma to the body that would indicate the cause or manner of her death.

The body of Hammitt was sent to the William Jenkins Forensic Center for an autopsy. The cause of death is unknown at this time pending an autopsy and subsequent results.

The Johnson City Police Department’s Criminal Investigation Division continues to follow up on this death and seeks information regarding the incident. Anyone having information is requested to contact the Johnson City Police Department Criminal Investigations Division at (423) 434-6166 or to remain anonymous, Crime Stoppers at 434-6158.  To send a confidential tip text 423JCPD and your tip to 847411 (TIP411) or send a tip to www.citizenobserver.com. You can also send messages via the Johnson City Police Department Website http://www.johnsoncitytn.org/police/cid/

JCPD NEWS RELEASE

On 7/8/18, officers of the Johnson City Police Department responded to a death investigation at Lakewood Village Apartments, Johnson City.

At approximately 6:30 p.m., officers responded to Lakewood Village, where the residents reported that an unknown person was found deceased in their apartment. The identity of the victim is being withheld at this time until a next of kin can be located and notified. The victim was sent to the William L. Jenkins Forensic Center, where an autopsy is being completed to determine the cause and manner of death.

The Johnson City Police Department’s Criminal Investigation Division continues to follow up on this case and seeks information regarding the incident. Anyone having information is requested to contact the Johnson City Police Department Criminal Investigations Division at (423) 434-6166 or to remain anonymous, Crime Stoppers at 434-6158.  To send a confidential tip text 423JCPD and your tip to 847411 (TIP411) or send a tip to www.citizenobserver.com. You can also send messages via the Johnson City Police Department Website http://www.johnsoncitytn.org/police/cid/

Sgt. Don Shepard

Criminal Investigation Division

Johnson City Police Department

601 E. Main . St

Johnson City, TN 37601

Office 423-434-6166

Fax- 423-434-6247

dshepard@johnsoncitytn.org

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On 7/9/18, the Johnson City Police Department arrested Marie Lynn Slayton, 814 Hubbard Church Rd. Jonesville, VA. (54 years old) and Rebecca Ann Sexton 997 Millers Chapel Rd. Jonesville, VA. (49 years old) and charged both with one count of theft of property over $1,000. 

The arrest is the result of a report that was filed on behalf of 2011 N. Roan St., Ulta Beauty, stating that both Sexton and Slayton entered the business and concealed merchandise valued at $7,704 then passed the point of sale without paying for the merchandise.

Both Sexton and Slayton are being held in the Washington County Detention Center in lieu of a $1,500 bond.  Arraignment is set for 1:45 p.m. on 7/10/18 in Washington County General Sessions Court. A warrant has been obtained on a third person related to this incident. The investigation is ongoing.

Sgt. Don Shepard

Criminal Investigation Division

Johnson City Police Department

601 E. Main . St

Johnson City, TN 37601

Office 423-434-6166

Fax- 423-434-6247

dshepard@johnsoncitytn.org

JCPD NEWS RELEASE

    On 07/13/18, at approximately 3:30 pm, officers of the Johnson City Police Department responded to a reported robbery at Subway, 6591 Bristol Hwy, Piney Flats.  A suspect was developed and was being sought for questioning by our agency, as well as the Sullivan County Sheriff’s Office for what was believed to be a related incident, in their jurisdiction.  At approximately 6:45 pm, while conducting a followup, Sullivan County investigators located the suspect vehicle near the State of Franklin Rd and Browns Mill Rd intersection.  The driver fled, but crashed on the entrance ramp to Interstate 26.  He then fled on foot, and positioned himself on the Interstate 26 bridge, over top of State of Franklin Rd, holding a knife to his neck.  Officers on scene began negotiating with the subject and negotiators were called in to assist.  The subject ultimately surrendered to officers at approximately 10:15 pm.  During this time, all Interstate traffic, as well as State of Franklin Rd traffic, was diverted with the assistance of the Tennessee Highway Patrol.  The subject was identified as Christopher Brown, 32 years of age, last known address of 415 E Holston Ave, Johnson City.  Mr. Brown was treated at a local hospital, and transported to the Sullivan County Detention Center.  He is charged with Aggravated Robbery, Theft of Property, and being a Convicted Felon in Possession of a Handgun.  His arraignment is scheduled for Monday, July 16, 2018, at 9:00 am, in Sullivan County General Sessions Court, Bristol.         

              JCPD NEWS RELEASE

     On 07/08/2018 officers of the Johnson City Police Department arrested Ricky Davis (57 years old, 10861 Asheville Hwy, Greeneville, TN 37743) on the charge of Aggravated Assault (Domestic.)

At approximately 12:27 p.m., Mr. Davis and his brother were involved in an altercation where Mr. Davis pulled and charged his brother with a knife.

Mr. Davis was transported to the Carter County Detention Center where he is being held in lieu of a $10,000 bond.  His arraignment is set for 07/24/18 at 09:00 a.m. in Carter County General Sessions Court. 

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JCPD NEWS RELEASE

On 7/16/18, the Johnson City Police Department arrested Robin Jones (902 McArthur St., 61 years old) and charged him with theft over $2,500.

The arrest comes as a result of an investigation into an ongoing series of thefts that occurred at 2711 E. Oakland Ave., Keller Glass Co. The initial theft was on 6/13/18 and continued until 7/15/18. Through the course of the investigation, it was determined that Jones had been selling material to a local recycling center and that same material was identified by employees of Keller Glass.

On 7/16/18, Jones was placed under arrest and transported to the Washington County Detention Center, where he is being held in lieu of a $1,500 bond. Arraignment is set for 1:30 p.m. on 7/17/18 in Washington County General Sessions Court.    

Sgt. Don Shepard

Criminal Investigation Division

Johnson City Police Department

601 E. Main . St

Johnson City, TN 37601

Office 423-434-6166

Fax- 423-434-6247

dshepard@johnsoncitytn.org

JCPD NEWS RELEASE

   On 07/17/2018 at 18:51 p.m., Officers of the Johnson City Police Department responded to E. Mountcastle Dr. near Cox Farm Court in reference to two suspicious males. Upon officer’s arrival contact was made with the suspects, Matthew Harvey (26 year old. W/M of Johnson City) and Phillip Carr (22 year old W/M of Piney Flats).  Matthew Harvey is being charged with unlawful drug paraphernalia, possession, delivery, sell, or manufacturing of methamphetamine, possessing a firearm during commission of a dangerous felony, and convicted felon in possession of a handgun. Phillip Carr is being charged with unlawful drug paraphernalia, possession, delivery, sell, or manufacturing of methamphetamine, and simple possession/casual exchange. Mr. Harvey is being held in lieu of a $31,000 bond and Mr. Carr is being held in lieu of a $12,000 bond awaiting arraignment in Washington County General Sessions Court on Monday 07/18/18 at 1:30 p.m.

   During this incident, it was discovered that Phillip Carr had an active warrant out of Johnson City for two counts of forgery over $1000 and two counts of theft of property over $1000 stemming from an incident at 255 W. Market St. on 08/17/2016. Mr. Carr was served this warrant and being held in lieu of a $40,000 bond awaiting arraignment in Washington County General Sessions Court on Monday 07/18/18 at 1:30 p.m.

JCPD NEWS RELEASE

On 7/17/18, the Johnson City Police Department arrested Michael Gosnell (928 Kendrick Creek Rd., Kingsport, 39 years old) and charged him criminal simulation.

The arrest comes as a result of an investigation, where on 7/27/18 officers responded to Bank of Tennessee, 112 E. Mountcastle Dr. due to a man at the business who was attempting to pass a fake check. Officers made contact with the man and he was identified as Michael Gosnell.

On 7/17/18, Michael Gosnell was placed under arrest and transported to the Washington County Detention Center where he is being held in lieu of a $10,000 bond. Arraignment is set for 1:30 p.m. on 7/18/18 in Washington County General Sessions Court.    

Sgt. Don Shepard

Criminal Investigation Division

Johnson City Police Department

601 E. Main . St

Johnson City, TN 37601

Office 423-434-6166

Fax- 423-434-6247

dshepard@johnsoncitytn.org

JCPD NEWS RELEASE

On 7/17/18, the Johnson City Police Department arrested Marcus Kelner (423 Emerald Chase Cir., 22 years old) and charged him with aggravated domestic assault.

The arrest comes as a result of an investigation into an incident that occurred in the early morning hours of 6/7/18 at 423 Emerald Chase Cir. The victim alleged her boyfriend, Marcus Kelner, choked her during an argument.

On 7/17/18, Kelner was placed under arrest and transported to the Washington County Detention Center, where he is being held in lieu of a $2,500 bond. Arraignment is set for 1:30 p.m. on 7/18/18 in Washington County General Sessions Court.    

Sgt. Don Shepard

Criminal Investigation Division

Johnson City Police Department

601 E. Main . St

Johnson City, TN 37601

Office 423-434-6166

Fax- 423-434-6247

dshepard@johnsoncitytn.org

JCPD NEWS RELEASE

On Wednesday, July 18th, 2018 at approx. 8:58 am, Officers of the Johnson City Police Dept. arrested Mr. Jordan Branch, age 27, for Felony Possession of Schedule II drugs and unlawful drug paraphernalia. Mr. Branch was found unresponsive in the driver’s seat of a running vehicle parked at a local business. During the encounter, officers checked for warrants on the subject finding that there was a confirmed warrant out of Sullivan County on the subject. While searching his person, officers found 17 small baggies containing a white, cloudy, crystal-like substance in them. There was also a small case containing a glass pipe, more baggies, and a scale, found in the vehicle. Mr. Branch is being held at the Washington County Detention Center with a $10,000 bond, charged with Felony Possession of Schedule II drugs and unlawful drug paraphernalia. Mr. Branch is awaiting a hearing in Washington County Sessions Court on 07/19/2018 at 1:30pm.