JCPD NEWS RELEASE

On 07/22/2019, officers of the Johnson City Police Department arrested Kathy Holloway (1102 King Springs Rd, Johnson City, 33 years old) and charged her with false reporting.

At approximately 7:15 p.m., officers responded to the area of Indian Ridge Rd and Riddell St in reference to a potential burglary. Holloway was located in the vicinity and during the course of the investigation provided purposefully false information to hide her identity due to an outstanding warrant.

Ms. Holloway was placed under arrest and transported to the Washington County Detention Center, where she is being held in lieu of a $1,000 bond. Arraignment is set for 1:30 p.m. on 07/23/2019 in Washington County General Sessions Court.

JCPD NEWS RELEASE

On 07/22/19, officers of the Johnson City Police Department arrested Kristina Ayers (427 Hamilton St, Johnson City, 24 years old) and charged her with possession of methamphetamine, possession with intent to distribute and unlawful drug paraphernalia.

On 07/22/19 at approximately 4:15 a.m., while on routine patrol, officers located a suspicious vehicle on the lot of 115 W Market St. During the course of the investigation, narcotics, paraphernalia and evidence of possession for resale were located.

Ms. Ayers was placed under arrest and transported to the Washington County Detention Center, where she is being held in lieu of a $12,000 bond. Arraignment is set for 1:30 p.m. on 07/23/19 in Washington County General Sessions Court.

SUBJECT: Fugitive from Justice                  DATE: 7/22/19                   TIME: 5:51 p.m.

PREPARED BY: Officer Cody Tester                          APPROVED BY:  Sgt. Josh Morgan

On 7/22/19, officers of the Johnson City Police Department arrested Jordan G. Ward (317 Flowering Road, VA, 26 years old) and charged him with one count of fugitive from justice for a crime in another state.

At approximately 4:55 p.m., officers responded to the Johnson City Medical Center after being notified by the Richlands, Virginia Police Department that a subject with warrants from their jurisdiction may be there. He had several outstanding warrants including felony evading and several traffic charges.

Police arrested Mr. Ward and he was transported to the Washington County Detention Center, where he is being held awaiting a bond hearing. Arraignment is set for 1:30 p.m. on 7/23/19 in Washington County General Sessions Court.

JCPD NEWS RELEASE

On 07/18/19, the Johnson City Police Dept. arrested Paige Silvers (24 yrs old, 112 Robert Smith Rd. Erwin) and charged her with Theft of Property (Motor Vehicles) over $1,000.  The arrest stems from an investigation into the theft of a 2005 Hyundai Sonata from Sai Auto Sales, 101 Creek Side Dr, on 03/13/19. 

On 03/13/19, a female came to the business expressing interest in the vehicle.  An employee retrieved the keys for her, at which point she entered the vehicle and took off in it.  Surveillance footage from the business was released to social media, which quickly resulted in her identification as Paige Silvers.  Ms. Silvers was apprehended by Erwin Police the following day in the stolen Hyundai.  She faced numerous charges from their jurisdiction.

Paige Silvers was released from Unicoi County Jail on 07/18/19 and was transferred to Washington County Detention Center.  She is being held there in lieu of a $5,000 bond.  She is scheduled for Arraignment in General Sessions Court on 07/22/19 at 1:00 pm. 

SUBJECT: Aggravated Assault                     DATE: 7/223/19                                 TIME: 2:10 p.m.

PREPARED BY: Officer Cody Tester                          APPROVED BY:  Sgt. Josh Morgan

On 7/23/19 officers of the Johnson City Police Department arrested Joel G. Jenkins (141 E Market Street, 43 years old) and charged him with one count each of aggravated assault and unlawful drug paraphernalia.

At approximately 1:30 p.m., officers responded to the area of the John Sevier Center in reference to an altercation between two individuals involving a knife. According to the victim, Mr. Jenkins charged at him with a knife and threatened to cut him. The victim was able to get away and call 911.

Police located Mr. Jenkins at the same location as the victim. While searching his property a glass pipe was found. He 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 7/24/19 in Washington County General Sessions Court.

JCPD NEWS RELEASE

On Tuesday, 7/23/19, officers of the Johnson City Police Department arrested Mark A. Horton (55 years old, 215 Slate Hill Rd, Telford) on the charges of Driving on Revoked License 3^rd (55-50-504), Financial Responsibility (55-12-139), Mobile Device-Illegal Use (55-8-199), Unlawful Drug Paraphernalia (39-17-425), and Fabricating/Tampering with Evidence (39-16-503).

On 7/23/19 at approximately 10:36 pm, an officer observed the suspect traveling on N Roan St while speaking on his cellphone and holding it up to his ear.  After initiating a traffic stop, the Defendant attempted to conceal evidence by throwing a glass pipe used to smoke illegal drugs underneath his vehicle.  The pipe was recovered, along with another found in the glove box.  Investigation revealed the Defendant’s Tennessee Driver’s License was revoked for  DUI since 2010, and that he did not have insurance coverage for his vehicle. 

The Defendant was placed into custody on the above charges and transported to the Washington County Detention Center where he is being held in lieu of $7,000 bond.  Arraignment is set for 1:30 p.m. on 7/24/19 in Washington County General Sessions Court. 

JCPD NEWS RELEASE

SUBJECT: Aggravated Assault                           DATE: 7/24/2019              TIME: 3:00 a.m.

PREPARED BY: Officer Alex Garrison        APPROVED BY:  Sgt. Tim Hensley

On 7/24/2019, officers of the Johnson City Police Department arrested Dalton Gill (204 E. Watauga Ave., Apt. 4, Johnson City, TN; 19 years old) and charged him with aggravated assault.

At approximately 12:00 a.m., officers were dispatched to the area of W. Market St. and Hillcrest Dr. in reference to Gill, who had reportedly pointed a handgun at the victim.  After a brief search, Gill was located near Carver Apartments.  He was not in possession of a weapon at the time, however a BB gun matching the victim’s description of the weapon was found hidden close by.  The victim positively identified both Gill and the weapon.

Gill was transported to Washington County Detention Center, where he was held on a $20,000 bond.  Arraignment was set for 1:30 p.m. on 7/24/2019 in Washington County General Sessions Court.

JCPD NEWS RELEASE

On 07/23/2019, officers of the Johnson City Police Department arrested Wesley Cade-Barber (Virginia Ave, Bristol, TN, 19 years old) and Bradley Necessary (S Roan St, Johnson City, TN, 21 years old) and charged them both with six counts of aggravated assault.

On 07/22/19 at approximately 8:00 p.m., officers of the Johnson City Police Department responded to a shooting in the 1300 block of E Fairview Ave. The victim’s told officers that two known suspects, Cade-Barber and Necessary, drove through the alley behind the residence and two shots were fired at the residence, striking the residence and nearly missing two victims. There were a total of six victims at the residence. None of the victims were injured.

On 07/23/19, Wesley Cade-Barber and Bradley Necessary were arrested and transported to the Washington County Detention Center, where they are being held in lieu of a $100,000 bond. They are scheduled to appear in Washington County General Sessions Court on Wednesday July 24, 2019 at 1:30 p.m.

NEWS RELEASE

Subject: Hands Free Campaign in School Zones       Date:  7-24-19    Time:  0930

Prepared by:  Sgt. Lorrie Goff                                      Approved by: Captain Brian Rice

The Johnson City Police Department is conducting a Hands Free Campaign the week of July 29-Aug. 2. The goal is to make the public aware of the law and the consequences for violating it as it pertains to school zones. The first day of school in Johnson City is Aug. 5. 

The law allows for the usage of hands free devices in active school zones for persons 18 and older. An active school zone is defined as warning flashers in operation. If a violation occurs in an active school zone, the fine is $200 and requires a referral to Sessions Court. 

While the law permits hands free devices in school zones, research shows the danger of using a device while driving. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reported that in 2017 over 3,000 people were killed by distracted drivers in the United States. Additionally, a study by the University of Utah showed that using a cell phone while driving is equivalent to a blood alcohol content level of .08.   

Johnson City Police Department records revealed that 120 traffic crashes occurred within one quarter mile of city schools between July 17, 2018 and July 17, 2019. Thirty-seven percent of those crashes occurred near Science Hill High School.

“Traffic safety is important to the Johnson City Police Department,” Goff said. “Statistics show that distracted driving is a factor in numerous crashes. Through the Hands Free Tennessee Campaign, we are striving to create awareness to gain voluntary compliance of the law.”

JCPD NEWS RELEASE

On 7/24/19, officers of the Johnson City Police Department arrested Daniel W. Brown (377 Brown Circle Blountville, TN 37617), 39 years old, and charged him with aggravated robbery, driving on revoked license/multiple, and unlawful possession without a prescription.

At approximately 4:00 p.m. officers responded to 3111 Browns Mill Rd, Walmart, in reference to a shoplifting. The victim, a loss prevention associate, advised that Brown had selected merchandise and proceeded to leave the store. When she confronted Brown he presented a knife and turned the blade toward the victim. Mr. Brown then fled the scene.

Officers located Mr. Brown behind a residence at 208 Chickasaw Street. He 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 7/25/19 in Washington County General Sessions Court. 

Sgt. Jeffery Wilson

Platoon 3

Johnson City Police Department

City of Johnson City, Tennessee

                               423.434.2858 o. / 423.930.4784 c. / www.johnsoncitytn.org 

JCPD NEWS RELEASE

On 07/27/19, officers of the Johnson City Police Department arrested Stephen J. Harris (1106 Fremont Dr.) 25 years old and charged him with 2 counts of aggravated assault.

At 12:57 p.m., officers responded to a disturbance at 2012 Leeland Rd. Lot 1, where it was reported that a man was threatening people with a knife. The male had fled the scene, but was located by responding officers and stopped. He was identified as Stephen J. Harris. Harris is the ex-boyfriend of one of the victims and was threatening to kill both victims with the knife. Harris and the victims got into a physical fight, and Harris fled the scene.

Harris was placed under arrest and 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 7/29/19 in Washington County General Sessions Court.

JCPD NEWS RELEASE

On 6/30/19, officers of the Johnson City Police Department obtained a warrant for Mark A. Benenati (232 Telford Rd, 49 years old) charging him with Identity Theft and Criminal Trespassing.

On 6/29/19 at approximately 10:40 P.M., officers responded to a fight in progress call at 117 E King St. Officers found Mr. Benenati in the area with two other individuals who were not engaged in a fight.  Upon attempting to identify Mr. Benenati he provided false information as to his identity, claiming to be his brother. Officers later determined that Mr. Benenati had used a false identity due to an outstanding warrant issued by the Washington County Sheriff’s Department.

On 7/20/19 at approximately 4:00 P.M., officers located Mr. Benenati near Woodridge Hospital while investigating reports of a vehicle that had been stolen out of Washington County. He was placed under arrest and transported to Washington County Detention Center, where he was held in lieu of a $5,000 bond. Arraignment was set for 1:30 on 7/22/19 in Washington County General Sessions Court. 

JCPD NEWS RELEASE

On 07/28/2019 at approximately 8:40 PM, officers of the Johnson City Police Department responded to the Marathon convenience store, 3211 S. Roan Street, upon the report of a robbery.  Upon arrival, officers discovered that a store employee was being held against his will by a subject brandishing a firearm who was later identified as Marc Kristopher Skeen, 35 years of age, of 130 May Bricker Road, Limestone, TN.  Officers and SWAT members set up a perimeter and secured the scene until hostage negotiators from the Johnson City Police Department were able to encourage Mr. Skeen to disarm himself and release the victim.  The standoff lasted over six hours and no injuries were reported. 

Mr. Skeen is charged with Especially Aggravated Kidnapping, two counts of Aggravated Assault, and Unlawful Possession of a Weapon by a Convicted Felon.  Mr. Skeen was transported to the Carter County Detention Center where he is being held pending a preliminary hearing in General Sessions Court.

The Johnson City Police Department received assistance from the Unicoi County Sheriff’s Office, the Carter County Sheriff’s Office, and the Tennessee Highway Patrol during the standoff.             

JCPD NEWS RELEASE

On 07/26/19, the Johnson City Police Department arrested Melinda Montgomery (2313 Elizabethton Hwy, Johnson City, TN, 27 years old) and charged her with forgery and criminal simulation.

On 06/26/19, officers of the Johnson City Police Department met with the complainant from Mountain Commerce Bank, located at 3122 Bristol Hwy. They provided information for a check that had been altered out of the victim’s business account. The suspect, Melinda Montgomery, entered the bank on Bristol Hwy on 04/25/19 and attempted to pass the forged check that was payable to her.

On 07/26/19, Melinda Montgomery was arrested and transported to the Washington County Detention Center, where she is being held in lieu of a $2,000 bond. Arraignment is set for 1:30 p.m. on 07/29/19 in Washington County Sessions Court.

JCPD NEWS RELEASE

On 07/29/19, Officers of the Johnson City Police Department arrested Cody Hailstock (1431 Hamilton Hill Dr., Cordova, TN, 38016, 23 years old) and charged him with Possession of a Stolen  Vehicle.

The arrest is due to an incident which occurred on 7/29/2019 at 601 E Main St., Johnson City Municipal Building. During the incident Officers saw the defendant behaving suspiciously within the Parking lot of the Municipal Building. Officers checked the defendant and discovered that he was in possession of a stolen vehicle reported out of Nashville on 7/27/19. The defendant is being held at the Washington County Detention Center on a total bond of $5,000.00 He is scheduled to appear in General Sessions Court on 7/30/2019 at 1:30pm.

JCPD NEWS RELEASE

    On 7/31/19, officers of the Johnson City Police Department arrested Jeffery Miller (1045 Horsehead Ln, Pikeville, TN, 27 years old) and charged him with aggravated burglary and resisting stop.  At approximately 11:45 a.m., Officers were dispatched to 904 E Myrtle Ave in reference to a possible burglary. When officers arrived Miller was observed standing by a window of the residence and attempting to pry it open. Miller fled on foot when he saw officers and continued fleeing after being instructed to stop. Miller was apprehended by officers after a short foot pursuit without incident.  Jeffery Miller was arrested and transported to the Washington County Detention Center, where he is being held in lieu of a $10,000 bond.  Arraignment is set for 1:30p.m. on 08/1/19 in Washington County General Sessions Court.

JCPD NEWS RELEASE

On 7/31/219, officers of the Johnson City Police Department arrested Amber Ramirez (101 Lilly Dr., Johnson City, 33 years old) and charged her with felony custodial interference.

On 7/31/19, officers spoke with the custodial father who provided court documents showing that he had full custody of their 2 children. Ramirez took the children earlier in the day while they were being cared for by a family member. The father returned home from work and learned that Ramirez had taken the children. Contact was made with Ramirez by phone and she refused to bring the children back or provide a location as to where the children were. Officers located Ramirez and the children on a traffic stop hours later. The children were released safely back to their father.

On 7/31/19, Ramirez 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 8/1/19 in Washington County General Sessions Court.

Lieutenant Don Shepard

Johnson City Police Department

City of Johnson City, Tennessee

423.434.2858

dshepard@johnsoncitytn.org

JCPD NEWS RELEASE

On 07/31/19, officers of the Johnson City Police Department arrested Kelsey E. Gentry (25 years old of 260 Bob Crookshanks Rd., Jonesborough, TN) on the charges of driving on an expired license and possession of stolen property over $1,000 (motor vehicle). The arrest is the result of a stolen vehicle reported to the police department earlier in the day. Gentry was observed in operation of the vehicle and placed in custody. She was transported to the Washington County Detention Center where she is being held on a $5,000 bond. She is scheduled to appear in General Sessions Court on August 1, 2019 at 1:30 p.m.

JCPD NEWS RELEASE

On 8/1/19, the Johnson City Police Department arrested Timmy Akins, 19, on multiple charges including Identity Theft.

Officers responded to Central Paper Supply, 101 Lafe Cox Dr., on a subject sleeping on the back dock. Officers located Akins and found that he was impaired, trespassing on the property and he resisted arrest. He then identified himself as his brother until officers were able to determine his true identity.

0n 8/1/19, Akins was arrested on charges of Identity Theft, Criminal Trespass, Public Intoxication and Resisting Arrest. He was subsequently booked into Washington County Detention Center in lieu of $5,00 bond and is scheduled for arraignment on 8/1/2019 at 1:30 p.m. in Washington County Sessions Court.

                 JCPD NEWS RELEASE

On 8/1/19, officers of the Johnson City Police Department served warrants on John L Walters (1908 Sherwood Dr.) 55 years old for aggravated burglary and violation of order of protection.

On 7/19/19 at approximately 11:48, officers responded to the 2409 Larkspur Dr. in reference to a burglary in progress. Upon arrival, the victim stated that she saw Mr. Walters pull into her driveway. She stated that Mr. Walters attempted to make entry at her back door and heard him hitting her house. Officers secured the scene and did not locate Walters. She stated to officers that she has an active order of protection against Mr. Walters, which was confirmed by officers. She stated that she has in-home security cameras and reviewed the footage. The footage shows Mr. Walters walking around the house attempting to locate the victim by screaming her name. Officers obtained a warrant for aggravated burglary and violation of order of protection.

Officers served Mr. Walters with the active warrant at the Washington County Detention Center where he was being held in lieu of a $30,000 bond. Arraignment is set for 1:30 p.m. on 8/2/19 in Washington County Sessions Court.