JCPD NEWS RELEASE

On 02/11/20, officers of the Johnson City Police Department arrested Randy Pritchard (831 Clairmont Rd, Johnson City, TN, 37601, 28 years old) and charged him with Aggravated Burglary and Theft Under $1000.

On 01/26/20, a resident in the 800 block of Clairmont Rd reported a burglary to the Johnson City Police Department. The victim returned home and noticed that his door was ajar. After looking inside the residence he noticed that his son’s Xbox was missing. Randy Pritchard was developed as a suspect and ultimately charged with the burglary.

Officers located the suspect on 02/11/20. He was placed under arrest and transported to the Washington County Detention Center, where he is being held in lieu of a $21,000 bond. Arraignment is set for 09:30 a.m. on 02/12/20.

JCPD NEWS RELEASE

On 02/11/20 at approximately 9:00 p.m., the Johnson City Police Department responded to a residence in the 600 block of Princeton Rd in reference to a shooting. The victim was transported to the hospital, where he later died. No foul play is suspected at this time. The investigation is continuing pending autopsy results.  

Anyone with any information relevant to this investigation is asked to contact the Johnson City Police Department’s Criminal Investigation Division at (423) 434-6166 or to remain anonymous, Crime Stoppers at (423) 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 to crimestopper@johnsoncitytn.org.

JCPD NEWS RELEASE

On 2/12/20, officers of the Johnson City Police Department arrested Zayra Arzate Bello (8221 Bettina Rd, Raleigh NC, 27616, 22 years old.) and charged her with criminal simulation, criminal impersonation, and theft of property.

On 2/12/2020 officers responded to 1120 W State of Franklin Rd (Verizon Wireless) in reference to a female using false identification to obtain two cell phones.  The complainant stated that on 2/6/2020 the female, later identified as Ms. Arzate Bello, was able to obtain two cell phones without paying and using a fake identification card.  Ms. Arzate Bello was identified during the course of an investigation in relation to another incident. 

Ms. Arzate Bello was already in custody at the Washington County Detention Center where she was served the warrant, she is being held on bond set at $5,000. Arraignment is set for 1:30 p.m. on 2/13/20 in Washington County General Sessions Court. 

JCPD NEWS RELEASE

On 2/12/20, officers of the Johnson City Police Department arrested Zayra Arzate Bello (8221 Bettina Rd, Raleigh NC, 27616, 22 years old.) and charged her with criminal simulation, criminal impersonation, and theft of property.

On 2/12/2020 officers responded to 1120 W. State of Franklin Rd., Verizon Wireless, in reference to a female using false identification to obtain two cell phones.  The complainant stated that on 2/6/2020, the female, later identified as Ms. Arzate Bello, was able to obtain two cell phones without paying and using a fake identification card.  Ms. Arzate Bello was identified during the course of an investigation in relation to another incident. 

Ms. Arzate Bello was already in custody at the Washington County Detention Center where she was served the warrant. She is being held on bond set at $5,000. Arraignment is set for 1:30 p.m. on 2/13/20 in Washington County General Sessions Court. 

Lieutenant Don Shepard

Johnson City Police Department

423.434.2858 / dshepard@johnsoncitytn.org

JCPD NEWS RELEASE

On 2/12/2020, officers of the Johnson City Police Department arrested Melanie Woods (107 Bill Booth Rd., 28 years old) and charged her with possession of methamphetamine and possession of drug paraphernalia.

At approximately 11:05 p.m., officers responded to the area of W. Market St. and Knob Creek Rd. in reference to a white Subaru hatchback driving recklessly. Officers were told that the vehicle pulled into Walgreens, 429 N. State of Franklin Rd. When officers spoke with the driver of that vehicle, they observed drug paraphernalia in plain sight. A search of the vehicle revealed a white crystalized substance that field tested positive for Methamphetamine.

On 2/12/2020, Woods was placed under arrest and 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 2/13/2020 in Washington County General Sessions Court.

Lieutenant Don Shepard

Johnson City Police Department

423.434.2858 / dshepard@johnsoncitytn.org

JCPD NEWS RELEASE

On 02/14/20, the Johnson City Police Department arrested Jelesa Hackler (31 years old, General Delivery). Ms. Hackler was charged with vandalism over $1,000.

This arrest comes as the result of an investigation into an apartment that was vandalized at the John Sevier Center, 141 E Market St, Johnson City, TN, on 11/24/19. It was found that Ms. Hackler was evicted from her apartment. Prior to leaving the premise, Ms. Hackler vandalized several items in the apartment causing $1,261 in damage.

On 02/14/20, Jelesa Hackler was placed under arrest and booked into the Washington County Detention Center, where she is being held in lieu of a $3,000 bond.  Ms. Hackler’s arraignment is set for 02/17/20 in Washington County Sessions Court.

JCPD NEWS RELEASE

On February 15^th 2020 at 12:22pm, Officers of the Johnson City Police Department arrested Dionnica Doreen Wilson, 37 years old, 2485 Mint Hill Rd, Johnson City, TN 37601 and charged her with convicted felon in possession of a handgun and theft of property under $1,000

The arrest stems from Officers stopping a car for speeding. During the stop, the occupants of the vehicle were ask to step out. When an Officer proceeded with a pat down of Ms. Wilson, a handgun was discovered inside her pants. Investigation revealed the gun to be stolen and Ms. Wilson having several felony convictions.

Ms. Wilson was arrested and taken to the Washington County Detention Center where she was being held on an $11,000 bond. Ms. Wilson’s arraignment was set for February 11^th 2020 at 01:30 pm in Washington County General Sessions.

JCPD NEWS RELEASE

On 02/15/20 officers of the Johnson City Police Department arrested Richard Cody (36 Morris St. Harlan, KY, 59 years old) and charged him with being a fugitive from justice. 

At approximately 1:45pm., officers responded to the area of E. Main St. near the city limits after receiving information that Cody could be travelling in to Johnson City when his white F-150 pickup was seen parked at 1420 E. Main St.  Contact was made with Cody and he was placed under arrest for being a Fugitive from Justice and transported to the Washington County Detention Center where he is being held without bond and his arraignment is set for 02/18/20 at 1:30pm in Washington County General Sessions Court. 

JCPD NEWS RELEASE

On 02/15/2020 at 9:52 p.m. officers of the Johnson City Police Department arrested Kevin Nelms (21 years old) General Delivery, and charged him with one count of Theft of Property (over $1, 000) and Driving on a Revoked License.

The arrest was the result of a traffic stop at 2111 N Roan St. Officers observed a white vehicle make an improper lane change.  Officers ran the tag of the vehicle and found it was reported stolen out of Sullivan County in December 2019. The vehicle was stopped and the driver, later identified as Kevin Nelms, was taken into custody without incident.  Kevin Nelms driving history showed his driving privileges are currently revoked.

 Kevin Nelms was transported to the Washington County Detention Center. He is being held in lieu of a $6,000 Bond. A preliminary hearing is set for 1:30 p.m. on 02/17/2020 in Washington County General Sessions Court.

JCPD NEWS RELEASE

On 02/17/20, officers of the Johnson City Police Department arrested Eric Saults (305 Orchard Rd, Elizabethton, TN, 37643, 53 years old) and charged him with Aggravated Assault.

On 01/05/20, officers were dispatched to the Johnson City Medical Center in reference to a patient with stab wounds. The victim stated that he and his girlfriend were visiting at 1814 E Fairview Ave. The victim stated that he heard someone knocking on the front door. The victim stated that when he answered the door that the suspect, Eric "Ricky" Saults, immediately swung a knife at him. The victim stated that the fight proceeded into the yard and that is when someone broke the fight up. The victim received non-life threatening stab wounds to the back of the neck and left arm. The victim stated that the suspect got into his vehicle and left.

Officers located Eric Saults on 02/17/20. 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 9:30 am on 02/18/20.

On 2/17/2020, investigators of the Johnson City Police Department arrested Joseph Stout (3829 Bonita St, Kingsport, 29 years old) and charged him with Theft of Property over $10,000.

The arrest occurred as a result of a reported theft involving contract work in which Stout charged the victim for material or labor which was never delivered or completed. 

Stout was placed under arrest and transported to the Washington County Detention Center.  Arraignment was set for 2/18/2020 at 1:30 p.m. in Washington County General Sessions Court.

JCPD NEWS RELEASE

On 02/18/20, the Johnson City Police Department arrested Virginia Craig (23 yrs old, 2426 Textile St. Johnson City) and charged her with Auto Theft over $2,500.

The arrest stems from an investigation into the theft of a 2010 Scion XB from an address on W. Poplar St. in Johnson City on 12/02/19.  The vehicle was later involved in a crash in Carter County on 12/03/19. Virginia Craig was determined to be the driver and was charged with DUI by the Carter Co. Sheriff’s Office. 

Ms. Craig is being held in the Washington County Detention Center in lieu of a $750 bond.  She is scheduled for arraignment in General Sessions Court on 02/19/20 at 1:30 pm.

JCPD NEWS RELEASE

On 02/18/2020, Officers of the Johnson City Police Department arrested Christa L. Bailey (160 Guinn Ln. Erwin TN, 26 years old) and charged her with Burglary.

At approximately 1:30 pm on 02/16/2020, Officers responded to a storage building located at 1412 E Main St in reference to someone trespassing on the property. Officers made contact with the victim, who is the owner of the building. The owner advised that when they opened the door to the building they discovered a female who they did not know inside it. Officers located the female exiting the building and detained her. Officers identified her as Christa L. Bailey.  While checking the inside of the building, officers discovered multiple items had been taken out of storage boxes that belonged to the building owner and packed into bags. The bags also contained property belonging to Ms. Bailey. Ms. Bailey was also discovered to have an active warrant out of Washington County Tennessee.  The Washington County Sherriff’s Office responded and took custody of her.

 On 02/18/2020 Officers obtained an arrest warrant charging Ms. Bailey with Burglary. The warrant was served at the Washington County Detention Center where Ms. Bailey was being held on unrelated charges. She was charged with one count of Burglary and being held in lieu of a $10,000 bond. Arraignment was set for 1:30 pm on 02/19/2020 in Washington County General Sessions Court.

JCPD NEWS RELEASE

On 2/19/20, officers of the Johnson City Police Department responded to a robbery at Greer Convenience Center, 815 West Walnut Street, Johnson City, Tennessee. A black male, dressed in jeans and a black shirt, entered the store and asked to use the telephone. After using the telephone, the suspect, walked behind the counter, punched the clerk in the face and took money from the cash register. The suspect then fled the scene.

The Criminal Investigation Division responded to the scene and assumed the investigation. Anyone with any information relevant to this investigation is asked to contact the Johnson City Police Department’s Criminal Investigation Division at (423) 434-6166 or to remain anonymous, Crime Stoppers at (423) 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 to crimestopper@johnsoncitytn.org.

JCPD NEWS RELEASE

On 2/20/2020, officers of the Johnson City Police Department arrested Levi Holt (105 Robin Rd., Jonesborough, 35 years old) and charged him with burglary of a motor vehicle, felony vandalism, unlawful drug paraphernalia, and prohibited weapon.

On 2/20/2020, at approximately 8:00 a.m., officers responded to a suspicious person call at 3410 W. Market St. Officers made contact with Levi Holt behind the residence of 3408 W Market St. Officers observed Holt taking items from the yard of that residence. Further investigation revealed that Holt had burglarized and vandalized a motor vehicle in the parking lot of the 11-E Motel, 3500 W. Market St. Officers also located drug paraphernalia, marijuana, and brass knuckles in Holt’s possession after a search.

On 2/20/2020, Holt was placed under arrest and transported to Washington County Detention Center, where he is being held in lieu of a $7,000 bond. Arraignment is set for at 10:30 a.m. on 2/21/2020 in Washington County General Sessions Court.

Lieutenant Don Shepard

Johnson City Police Department

423.434.2858 / dshepard@johnsoncitytn.org

JCPD NEWS RELEASE

On 02/20/20, officers of the Johnson City Police Department arrested 28 year old Luther Easley (2718 Zion Rd, Henderson, KY) and charged him with robbery and theft of property under $1,000.

On 2/19/20, officers of the Johnson City Police Department responded to a robbery at Greer Convenience Center, 815 West Walnut Street, Johnson City, Tennessee. A black male, dressed in jeans and a black shirt, entered the store and asked to use the telephone. After using the telephone, the suspect, walked behind the counter, punched the clerk in the face and took money from the cash register. The suspect then fled the scene.

Luther Easley was identified as the suspect. He was located at 137 W Market St in Johnson City and arrested. He was transported to the Washington County Detention Center where he is being held in lieu of a $15,000 bond. He is scheduled for arraignment in Washington County General Sessions Court on 02/21/20 at 9:00 a.m.

JCPD NEWS RELEASE

On 2/19/20, officers of the Johnson City Police Department responded to a robbery at Greer Convenience Center, 815 West Walnut Street, Johnson City, Tennessee. A black male, dressed in jeans and a black shirt, entered the store and asked to use the telephone. After using the telephone, the suspect, walked behind the counter, punched the clerk in the face and took money from the cash register. The suspect then fled the scene.

The Criminal Investigation Division responded to the scene and assumed the investigation. Anyone with any information relevant to this investigation is asked to contact the Johnson City Police Department’s Criminal Investigation Division at (423) 434-6166 or to remain anonymous, Crime Stoppers at (423) 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 to crimestopper@johnsoncitytn.org.

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JCPD NEWS RELEASE

On 02/20/2020, Officers of the Johnson City Police Department arrested Anston G Baker (739 Sylvan Dr. Chattanooga TN, 28 years old) and charged him with possession of methamphetamine for resale, 2 counts of possession of schedule 2 narcotics for resale, possession of schedule 1 for resale, simple possession of marijuana, 2 counts of possession of drug equipment, convicted felon in possession of handgun, possessing a firearm during commission/attempt to commit dangerous felony, theft of property under 1,000.00, and misdemeanor evading arrest. The arrest stems from an investigation that occurred at a north Johnson City hotel.

On 02/20/2020, Officers were on routine patrol and observed two occupants in a parked, Jeep Grand Cherokee. Officers smelt the odor of marijuana coming from the vehicle. Officers made contact with the owner of the vehicle Anston Baker. Officers asked for consent to search the vehicle and it was denied. While officers were waiting for a K9 to respond, Baker exited his vehicle on his own accord. Baker was searched for weapons, the search revealed a quantity of suspected crystal methamphetamine and suspected crack cocaine. Officers attempted to take Baker into custody but he fled on foot. A short foot pursuit ensued and Baker was taken into custody. A K9 unit arrived and deployed to conduct a free air sniff of the Jeep. The K9 alerted to the presence of an illegal narcotic odor emitting from the vehicle. A search of the vehicle revealed approximately 358 gram(s) of suspected crystal methamphetamine and a digital scale. Officers then received consent to search a hotel room, Baker had been frequenting. Officers located in the hotel room, a stolen handgun, suspected crack cocaine, approximately 367 dosage units of suspected oxycodone pills, 223 dosage units of suspected ecstasy and a digital scale. During the investigation, Baker admitted to being a convicted felon for a robbery charge he received in Hamilton County Tennessee.

Baker was transported to the Washington County Detention Center where he is being held on a $70,000 bond. Arraignment is set for 10:30 am on 02/21/2020 in Washington County General Sessions Court.

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JCPD NEWS RELEASE

On February 20, 2019, Officers of the Johnson City Police Department arrested Michael C Miller, (116 Hensley Loop, Jonesborough TN, 29 years old) and charged him with one count each of Theft under $1000 and Identity theft.

The arrest stemmed from an incident in which Mr. Miller left Belk Home Store, located at the Johnson City Mall, 2011 N Roan St, without paying for a backpack. He hid the backpack behind a dumpster and was apprehended a short time later. He then provided a false name and birthdate, fearing that warrants were active for his arrest. The name and date of birth he provided revealed active warrants. He then provided his real identity, which confirmed he was wanted out of Washington County Tennessee, for failure to appear and a violation of probation. The backpack was recovered and found to be valued at approximately $55.00.

Mr. Miller was arrested and transported to the Washington County Detention Center, where he is being held in lieu of an $11,000 bond. He is awaiting arraignment in Washington County General Sessions Court.

JCPD NEWS RELEASE

On 2/21/20, at approximately 11:12 a.m., officers of the Johnson City Police Department responded to assist emergency medical services in the 300 block of East Chestnut Street. When officers arrived, they discovered a 19 month old female deceased inside of a residence.

The Criminal Investigation Division responded to the scene and assumed the investigation. The body was transported to the William L. Jenkins Forensic Center for autopsy. The investigation is continuing and no additional details will be released at this time.

JCPD NEWS RELEASE

On 2/22/2020, officers of the Johnson City Police Department arrested Justin S. Crain (115 Blakemore Circle #3, 19 years old) and charged him with Aggravated Assault (Domestic).

At approximately 10:35 a.m., officers responded to 115 Blakemore Circle in reference to a possible disturbance. Officers made contact with a subject who stated they could hear fighting in apartment three. Officers made contact with Mr. Crain and the victim, his girlfriend, at the apartment. An investigation revealed Mr. Crain had caused a physical altercation involving a knife that produced a small laceration to the victim’s hand. Mr. Crain also pinned the victim to the floor by her neck and covered her nose and mouth rendering her unable to breathe.

Mr. Crain was taken into custody and charged with Aggravated Assault (Domestic) He was transported to the Washington County Detention Center where he is being held in lieu of a $5,000 bond. Arraignment is set for 2/24/2020 at 1:30 p.m. in Washington County General Sessions Court.