JCPD NEWS RELEASE

On 2/22/20, at approximately 5:30 pm Officers of the Johnson City Police Department responded to death investigation at a residence in the 2100 block of Indian Ridge Rd. A 69 year old male was found deceased in his residence by a friend. No foul play is suspected at this time. The investigation is ongoing pending autopsy results.

Investigator John Chapman

Johnson City Police Department

City of Johnson City, Tennessee

423.434.5764 o.  / www.johnsoncitytn.org

JCPD NEWS RELEASE

On 2/23/20, officers of the Johnson City Police Department arrested Diana Lynn Brewster (2525 Orr St. Stone Gap, VA 24219), 36 years old, and charged her with being a fugitive from justice.

At 2:14 a.m., officers responded to an unwanted guest complaint at 1608 Old Gray Station Road. During the investigation, officers made contact with Brewster. The investigation revealed Brewster had an active arrest warrant issued by the Wise County Sheriff’s Office for failure to appear, on 12/09/19, for failure to pay child support. After confirmation of the active arrest warrant and extradition, officers took Brewster into custody on the active arrest warrant without incident.

Brewster was transported to the Washington County Detention Center where she is being held pending a bond hearing. Arraignment is set for 1:30 p.m. hours on 2/24/20 in Washington County Sessions Court.

JCPD NEWS RELEASE

    On 02/21/20, officers of the Johnson City Police Department arrested Meredith A. Deloach (214 Big Valley Dr.) 37 years old for Burglary, Theft of Property, Possession without Prescription, and Unlawful Drug Paraphernalia.

At approximately 1:40 pm, officers responded to Walmart, 3111 Browns Mill Rd, in reference to two females concealing merchandise in a backpack and handbag.  The two females exited the store after failing to purchase the concealed merchandise.  Officers were able to locate the females and one of them was identified as Ms. Deloach.  Their investigation revealed that she had signed trespass forms on multiple occasions from the business.  During a search incident to arrest, Ms. Deloach had unlawful drug paraphernalia and loose suboxone pills in her handbag.  As a result of the investigation, she was charged for Burglary, Theft of Property, Possession without Prescription, and Unlawful Drug Paraphernalia.

Ms. Deloach is currently being held in the Washington County Detention Center in lieu of a $13,000 bond.  Her arraignment hearing is set for 02/24/2020 at 1:30 p.m. in Washington County’s General Sessions Court.

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JCPD NEWS RELEASE

On 02/25/20, officers of the Johnson City Police Department arrested Joey Lohse (405 Whitney St. ), 25 years old and charged him with Convicted Felon in Possession of Handgun, Possession of a firearm while intoxicated, Possession of Methamphetamine and Unlawful Drug Paraphernalia.

At approximately 2:55 a.m., officers were dispatched to the Johnson City Medical Center in reference to a disturbance.  Dispatch advised officers that the hospital security staff was out with a vehicle occupied by four subjects, that were passed out inside of a vehicle. Upon  arrival officers  observed a white Nissan Maxima, parked at the main lobby of the hospital.  Officers then made contact with Mr. Lohse sitting in the front passenger seat, after a firearm had been removed from his waistband.  Mr. Loshe  had  glassy eyes and glazed look on his face. He was incoherent and not making any sense. Officers could also smell the odor of alcohol when he would try to speak. Officers then placed him into custody due to being drunk with a firearm and took him to the patrol vehicle.   Based on search incident to arrest officers discovered a bag that contained a white rock like substance believed to be Methamphetamine and a digital scale.  A records check revealed Loshe had a warrant out of Washington County for a failure to appear.

Mr. Lohse was placed under arrest and transported to the Washington County Detention Center, where he is being held in lieu of a $13,000 bond, arraignment at 1:30 p.m. on 2/25/20 in Washington County General Sessions Court.

SUBJECT: Aggravated Burglary                   DATE: 2/25/20                   TIME: 8:06 pm.

PREPARED BY: Officer Mike McIntosh                    APPROVED BY:  Sgt. J. Morgan

On 2/25/20, Officers of the Johnson City Police Department arrested David Earl Robertstad (496 Bristol Caverns Hwy, Bristol TN, 37 years old) and charged him with Aggravated Burglary, Simple Assault, and Attempted Theft of a Motor Vehicle.                                                                    

 The arrest was the result of an investigation into a home invasion at 521 Hart Ave. Mr. Robertstad had forced his way into the residence and assaulted the home owner. When officers arrived, Roberstad was taken into custody while still inside the residence. During the investigation, officers were contacted by a resident at 1203 John Exum Pkwy. He reported someone had “popped” his ignition and steering column in an attempt to steal his 1990 Isuzu pickup. A black bag belonging to Mr. Robertstad was found in the bed of the truck.  

Mr. Robertstad was transported to the Washington County Detention Center where he’s being held in lieu of a  $26,000 bond. A hearing is set for 1:30pm. on Wednesday February 26^th in Washington County General Sessions Court.

JCPD NEWS RELEASE

On 02/26/2020, officers of the Johnson City Police Department arrested 39 year old Christopher R. Lash, 3005 Highway 91, Elizabethton, Tennessee, and charged him with Possession of Stolen Property (Theft over $1,000).

On 02/22/2020 a red two-door Honda Accord was reported stolen from 2560 Plymouth Road.  On 02/26/2020 at 11:00 p.m., officers located the stolen vehicle parked at the Roadrunner Market at 1908 East Unaka Avenue.  The vehicle was discovered to be in the possession of Christopher R. Lash.  Mr. Lash was taken into custody and transported to the Washington County Detention Center where he is currently being held in lieu of a $5,000 bond.  His arraignment is set for 02/27/2020, at 1:30 p.m., in Washington County General Sessions Court.

JCPD NEWS RELEASE

On 2/28/20, officers of the Johnson City Police Department arrested Demas LeBron (206 Edna Ct.) 35 years old, and Christopher Hughes (1806 Lamons Ln. Apt 314) 36 years old, and charged them both with aggravated assault.

At approximately 9:17 a.m., officers responded to 110 Topside Cir in reference to an assault. Officers spoke with both individuals and other witnesses. An investigation revealed that both parties are coworkers who got into an argument over tools. During the argument Hughes pulled a knife out of his jacket pocket and during the confrontation LeBron suffered a minor laceration to his hand. A manager arrived and separated the parties. LeBron then drove his truck to where Hughes was located and brandished a baseball bat at Hughes where another verbal confrontation occurred until separated by staff.

Hughes and LeBron were placed under arrest and transported to the Washington County Detention Center, where both are being held in lieu of a $10,000 bond.  Arraignment is set for 1:30 p.m. on 3/2/20 in Washington County General Sessions Court.

JCPD NEWS RELEASE

On 02/29/2020, officers of the Johnson City Police Department arrested Amy M. Crawford (2321 E. Brook Ln, 48 years old) and charged her with DUI (1^st Offense), introduction of contraband into a penal facility, open container law and possession of unlawful drug paraphernalia.

On 02/29/2020 at approximately 3:30 a.m., officers responded to the intersection of N. State of Franklin Rd. and I-26 on a call about a vehicle driving on the wrong side of the road. Officers arrived and observed the vehicle facing the wrong direction in the South bound lane of I-26, stopped on the side of the road. During the investigation, it was discovered that Crawford was too impaired to be operating a motor vehicle and was in possession of unlawful drug paraphernalia. Crawford was transported to the Detention Center where it was discovered that Crawford had methamphetamines hidden on her person that she took into the facility.  

Ms. Crawford is currently being held in the Washington County Detention Center on a $13,000 bond with arraignment set for 1:30 p.m. on 3/3/2020 in Washington County General Sessions Court.

Lieutenant Don Shepard

Johnson City Police Department

423.434.2858 / dshepard@johnsoncitytn.org

JCPD NEWS RELEASE

On 3/3/20, officers of the Johnson City Police Department arrested Joseph A Black (General Delivery), 26 years old and charged him with unlawful drug paraphernalia, public intoxication, possession of methamphetamine, possession of a handgun while under the influence, and possession of a handgun by a convicted felon.

At approximately 7:30 a.m., officers were flagged down by an employee of McDonald’s at 417 E Main St. about a man being passed out in their dining room. Officers located the gentleman, who was identified on scene as Mr. Black by an officer who was familiar with him, and attempted to wake him up. Mr. Black would not respond to officer’s questions, and appeared to be under the influence of an unknown substance. Officers were notified that Mr. Black had an active warrant out of Carter County,  a search of his person led to the discovery of a loaded .22 cal. pistol and 1.26 grams of methamphetamine in his possession.

Mr. Black was placed under arrest and transported to the Washington County Detention Center, where he is being held in lieu of a $13,500 bond. Arraignment is set for 1:30 p.m. on 3/2/20 in Washington County General Sessions Court.  

SUBJECT: Burglary of Motor Vehicle       DATE: 3/2/20    TIME: 1:00 p.m.

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

On 3/2/20, officers of Johnson City Police Department arrested Ashley Maynor (1400 Rockgarden Rd. 39 years old) and charged her with two counts of burglary of motor vehicle, one count of theft under $1,000, one count of simple possession, and one count of false reporting.

At approximately 8:30 a.m., officers responded to 150 Lynn Rd in reference to a female sleeping in a vehicle. Upon making contact with Ms. Maynor it was discovered that she did not own the vehicle and that she had entered another vehicle parked in the lot from which she had removed property. During the investigation it was discovered that Ms. Maynor provided officers with a false name, which hindered the investigation.

Ms. Maynor was taken into custody. A small baggie containing pieces of pills was found on her person. She was transported to the Washington County Detention Center where he is being held in lieu of a combined $8,000 bond. Arraignment is set for 1:30 p.m. on 3/4/20 in Washington County Sessions Court.

JCPD NEWS RELEASE

On 3/2/2020, officers of the Johnson City Police Department arrested Kristy C. Barsz (1220 Indian Ridge Rd., 46 years old) and charged her with aggravated domestic assault, evading arrest, reckless driving, and driving on a revoked license (5^th offense).

On 3/2/2020, at approximately 2:57 a.m., officers responded to 135 Pinnacle Dr., WoodSpring Suites, where the hotel clerk advised officers that he observed a male and a female in the elevator and the male appeared to be covered in blood. When contact was made with the male, officers noticed abrasions on his neck that were consistent with a knife wound. After a brief investigation, the female was determined to be the primary aggressor and she was identified as Kristy Barsz. Barsz fled the scene on foot prior to officer’s arrival.  Officers obtained an arrest warrant charging her with aggravated domestic assault.

On 3/2/2020, at approximately 4:03 a.m., officers observed a white Buick leaving the area of WoodSpring Suites, where officers positively identified Kristy Barsz as the driver. The Buick then fled the scene travelling at a high rate of speed. Officers obtained an arrest warrant charging her with evading arrest, reckless driving and driving on a revoked license (5^th offense).

On 3/2/2020, Barsz was located at a residence during an unrelated investigation. Barsz was placed under arrest and transported to the Washington County Detention Center, where she is currently being held on $13,000 bond. Arraignment set for 1:30 p.m. on 03/03/2020 in Washington County General Sessions Court.

Lieutenant Don Shepard

Johnson City Police Department

423.434.2858 / dshepard@johnsoncitytn.org

On 3/2/2020, investigators of the Johnson City Police Department arrested Lonnie Cole (202 W Fairview Ave, Johnson City, 48 years old) and charged him with burglary and theft of property over $10,000.

The arrest was made after a report of a burglary from a business located at 214 E Watauga Ave.  Numerous items were stolen including a 2019 Chevrolet Traverse owned by the business.  The Chevrolet Traverse was later located at 707 Wilson Ave and the suspect was found sleeping inside the vehicle. 

Cole was placed under arrest and transported to the Washington County Detention Center where his bond was set at $20,000.  Arraignment was set for 3/3/2020 at 1:30 p.m. in Washington County General Sessions Court.

SUBJECT: Aggravated Assault Domestic                    DATE: 3/3/20                     TIME: 11:10 am.

PREPARED BY: MPO Cody Tester                              APPROVED BY: _Sgt. Joshua Morgan_____

On 3/3/20 officers of the Johnson City Police Department arrested Matthew Weems (602 Stanley Ave., 29 years old) and charged him with one count of aggravated assault (domestic).

At approximately 6:00 p.m. on 2/25/20, officers responded to 602 Stanley Avenue in reference to a domestic disturbance involving a knife. Upon arrival officers spoke with the victim who advised that her grandson Mr. Weems pulled a knife during an argument and punctured her vehicle’s passenger seat while she was in the driver’s seat. The incident caused the victim to fear for her safety. Mr. Weems fled the scene prior to officers arrival.

On 3/4/20 officers responded to Mr. Weems residence and were able to locate him. He was placed under arrest and transported to the Washington County Detention Center where he is being held in lieu of a $5,000 bond. Arraignment is set for 1:30 p.m. on 3/4/20 in Washington County General Sessions Court.

JCPD NEWS RELEASE

    On 3/5/2020, officers of the Johnson City Police Department arrested Michael Kimes (32, 136 Greyland Dr., Gray) on charges of being a fugitive from another state.  At approximately 3:45 a.m., officers responded to the area of 505 Lamont St. in reference to a suspicious person complaint. Officers made contact with Mr. Kimes and further investigation revealed him to be wanted for a violation by Kentucky Probation and Parole.  Mr. Kimes was arrested and booked into the Washington County Detention Center. He is being held without bond pending a hearing in Washington County Sessions Court on March 6, 2020, at 1:30 p.m.

JCPD NEWS RELEASE

On 03/05/20, Investigators with the Johnson City Police Department arrested Tomeka Dawn Brooks (28 yrs old, Sugar Grove, VA) and charged her with Motor Vehicle Theft over $250,000. 

The arrest is the result of an investigation into the theft of two RV’s from the lot of A&L RV, 4503 Bristol Hwy, on 06/10/18.  The combined value of both vehicles was over $288,000.  Ms. Brooks was arrested by the Washington County VA Sheriff’s Office shortly after the theft on unrelated charges.  At the time of her arrest she was found to be in possession of the keys and window decal belonging to one of the stolen RVs.  Both RVs were ultimately recovered at different locations in the Bristol/Abingdon area.

On 03/05/20, Tomeka Brooks was released from Southwest Regional Jail, having waived extradition, and was transported to Washington County Detention Center.  She is being held in lieu of a $50,000 bond.  She is scheduled for Arraignment in Washington County General Sessions Court on 03/06/20 at 9:30 am. 

JCPD NEWS RELEASE

On 03/06/20, Officers of the Johnson City Police Department arrested Justin Murabito, (116 Spring City Dr. Johnson City, TN, 38 years old). Murabito was charged with Criminal Simulation.

The arrest stemmed from an incident in which clerks at Easy Money, 2221 N Roan St, reported that Mr. Murabito was attempting to pass a check that was not valid. The investigation revealed Mr. Murabito had attempted to pass a counterfeit check valued at $750.

Mr. Murabito 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 03/09/20 1:30 p.m. in Washington County General Sessions Court.

JCPD NEWS RELEASE

On 03/07/2020, officers of the Johnson City Police Department arrested Robert Morris, General Delivery, 58 years old, and charged him with Criminal Impersonation, two counts of Identity Theft, and Resisting Arrest.

At 1:17 a.m., officers responded to a suspicious person in the area of 213 E. 10^th Ave. Officers located a male matching the suspect description and made contact with him. During the investigation, the male provided a false last name and birthdate, as well as two different social security numbers belonging to two separate individuals. The male actively resisted when officers placed him under arrest. Mr. Morris was identified after officers located his driver’s license in his wallet during a search incident to arrest.

Mr. Morris was placed under arrest and transported to the Washington County Detention Center where he is being held in lieu of a $22,000 bond. Arraignment is set for 03/09/2020 in Washington County General Sessions Court.

JCPD NEWS RELEASE

On 3/6/2020, officers of the Johnson City Police Department arrested Bradford Clark (236 Buckingham Ct., Greeneville, 26 years old) and charged him with felony Evading, reckless driving, seatbelt violation, and financial responsibility.

At approximately 12:10 p.m. on 3/6/2020, officers attempted to stop a black mustang, due to the driver not wearing a seatbelt. Officers attempted to conduct a traffic stop at W. Main St.//Winter St., but the driver, later identified as Bradford Clark, evaded police in the described vehicle. The vehicle took a wrong way turn onto Winter St. and then turned left onto W Market St. The vehicle traveled at a high rate of speed while also swerving through heavy traffic.

Officers then observed the described vehicle on N. Belmont//W. Market St. Upon seeing officers, Clark attempted to evade them again but lost control of the vehicle and crashed into 504 W. Market St., Doyle’s Tire Services.

On 3/6/2020, Clark was placed under arrest and transported to Washington County Detention Center, where he was held on a $10,000 bond. Arraignment is set for at 1:30 p.m. on 3/9/2020 in Washington County General Sessions Court.

Lieutenant Don Shepard

Johnson City Police Department

423.434.2858 / dshepard@johnsoncitytn.org