JCPD NEWS RELEASE

     On 08/22/20 officers of the Johnson City Police Department arrested Sean Brown (25 year old male, 425 W Maple St, Johnson City) for aggravated assault (domestic violence).

Officers responded to Silvercreek Apartments in reference to an assault that had occurred on 08/19/20. Officers spoke with the female victim who stated she had been into a verbal dispute with her boyfriend, Sean Brown, over relationship issues. Investigation revealed Brown had assaulted the victim, holding her down and choking her. The victim sustained scratches to her neck and bruises on her arms and legs during the assault.

Mr. Brown was later located and transported to the Washington County Detention Center where he is being held in lieu of a $10,000 bond. Arraignment is scheduled for 08/24/20 at 1:30 p.m. in Washington County General Sessions Court.

JCPD NEWS RELEASE

     On 8/15/2020, officers with the Johnson City Police Department arrested Gene Schaepe (34 year-old male, 713 E. Fairview Ave. Johnson City, TN) for aggravated assault (domestic).

On 8/10/2020, at approximately 11:55 a.m., officers responded to 713 E. Fairview Ave., in reference to a physical domestic that had taken place. Upon arrival, officers made contact with a female victim. She stated that she and her boyfriend, identified as Gene Schaepe, had gotten into an argument. During the course of the argument, Mr. Schaepe kicked down a bedroom door and struck the female victim in the face. When he struck the victim, she fell to the ground. Once on the ground, Mr. Schaepe began to choke the victim to the point that she was afraid of losing consciousness. The victim was then able to get Mr. Schaepe off of her. He then fled from the residence prior to police arrival.

Gene Schaepe was later located by Washington County Sheriff’s Office deputies and was transported to the Washington County Detention Center where he is being held in lieu of a $50,000 bond. Arraignment was scheduled for 8/17/2020 at 1:30 p.m. in Washington County General Sessions Court.

LT Mike Adams

Johnson City Police Department

City of Johnson City, Tennessee

423.434.2509 o. / 423.483.5891 c. / www.johnsoncitytn.org 

JCPD NEWS RELEASE

    On 08/22/20, officers of the Johnson City Police Department arrested Elijah Taylor (2383 Lakewood Dr., Johnson City, TN 37601, 36 years old) and charged him with Aggravated Assault

On 08/22/20 at approximately 01:20 a.m., officers responded to a complaint of shots fired. Officers located the victim and told police that Elijah Taylor shot into his vehicle.

On 08/22/20 at 07:15 p.m., Mr. Taylor was taken into custody. 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 08/24/20 in Washington County General Sessions Court.

JCPD NEWS RELEASE

               On 8/25/20 at approximately 2:38 a.m. officers of the Johnson City Police Department were called to Scotchman Convenience Store, 2300 South Greenwood Drive, Johnson City, Tennessee on a report of an armed robbery. Upon arrival, officers spoke with the store clerk who reported that a male entered the store posing as a customer. The male selected an item and walked to the cash register. Once at the register, the male displayed a firearm and demanded money from the register. After receiving the money, the male fled in a vehicle.

A short time later, officers observed the suspect’s vehicle and attempted to conduct a traffic stop. The suspect refused to stop and a vehicle pursuit ensued. The vehicle pursuit ended when the suspect crashed his vehicle on Barkley Road in Telford, Tennessee.

The suspect was identified as Shoun Stevenson (48 years old, Johnson City, Tennessee). He was charged with robbery, evading arrest and driving on a revoked license. He is being held in the Washington County Detention Center in lieu of $72,000 bond with an arraignment scheduled for August 26, 2020.

JCPD NEWS RELEASE

    On 08/18/2020, the Johnson City Police Department arrested Sapora D. Walton (4218 Potter Rd, Bristol, TN, 20 years old) charging her with one count of criminal simulation.

On 04/27/2020, Sapora D. Walton remotely deposited a check in the amount of $2,350. On 04/28/2020, Walton made a withdrawal of $2,300. On 04/30/2020, the bank was notified that the check was fraudulent.

Sapora D. Walton was transported to the Washington County Detention Center, where she was being held in lieu of a $5,000 bond. A hearing was set for 09/01/2020 @ 1:30 p.m. in Washington County General Sessions Court.

JCPD NEWS RELEASE

On 8/25/2020 officers arrested Michael Chastain (22 years old, 6370 Industrial Park Dr., Lenoir City, TN) and charged him with Schedule VI drug violation for resale, Possession of a firearm in the commission of a dangerous felony, unlawful drug paraphernalia, and criminal impersonation.

On 8/25/2020 at approximately 11:00 a.m., officers responded to the Quality Inn for an assist medical. Officers made contact with Mr. Chastain in his hotel room. Officers observed a tray containing a green leafy substance on a table in the room. In the course of the investigation officers located over 75 vials of CBD oils that contained higher than legal levels of THC, a large amount of marijuana pre-packaged for sale, and unlawful drug paraphernalia. He also provided officer with a false identity in an effort to conceal outstanding warrants.

On 8/26/20, officers placed Michael Chastain under arrest and transported him to the Washington County Detention Center, where they are each being held in lieu of a $22,000 bond. Arraignment is set for Wednesday, August 26, 2020 at 1:30 p.m. in Washington County General Sessions Court.

JCPD NEWS RELEASE

On 08/26/2020, officers of the Johnson City Police Department arrested Brandy Williams (135 Saylor Rd. Gray, TN, 39 years old) and charged her with shoplifting-theft of property and burglary.

On 08/26/2020, at approximately 21:54 p.m., officers responded to 3111 Browns Mills Rd., Wal-Mart Supercenter, in reference to a shoplifting subject. Ms. Williams had concealed numerous items inside of her purse and had passed all points of sale without rendering a total payment of $52.05. Additionally, asset protection provided a signed notification of restriction from Wal-Mart property on 09/01/2018. Furthermore, Williams has a prior shoplifting conviction from 11/13/2018.

On 08/26/2020, officers placed Williams under arrest at Wal-Mart Supercenter. She was taken into custody and transported to the Washington County Detention Center, where she is being held in lieu of a $3,000 bond. Arraignment is set for 1:30 p.m. on 08/27/2020 in Washington County General Sessions Court.

JCPD NEWS RELEASE

On 08/27/20, the Johnson City Police arrested Randall Bennett (36 yrs old, Knoxville, Tennessee) and charged him with Auto Theft over $1,000.  The arrest stems from an investigation into the theft of a 2003 Cadillac Deville from Roadrunner Market, 2607 South Roan Street, Johnson City, Tennessee. 

Mr. Bennett is being held in the Washington County Detention Center in lieu of a $2,500 bond.  He is scheduled for an arraignment in Washington County General Sessions Court on 08/27/20 @ 1:30 pm.

JCPD NEWS RELEASE

On 07/13/2020, the Johnson City Police Department arrested Robert Aaron Hansel (193 Cutshall Ave, Greenville, TN, 31 years old) charging him with forgery.

On 07/25/2019, the victim reported her purse being stolen in Greenville, TN. She said that her checkbook was in her purse and one of the checks was deposited into an account with First Tennessee Bank. After an investigation revealed that Robert Hansel had written the check to himself and forged the victim’s name. He deposited the check into his account.

Robert Aaron Hansel was transported to the Washington County Detention Center, where he was being held in lieu of a $250 bond. A hearing was set for 09/10/2020 @ 1:30 p.m. in Washington County General Sessions Court.

JCPD NEWS RELEASE

With the 2020-2021 school year set to begin in-person instruction in Johnson City, the Johnson City Police Department will begin increased police visibility and school zone enforcement the morning of August 31. 

This year it is anything but a usual back-to-school routine.  With school resuming in Johnson City for the first time since March, this enhanced enforcement serves to remind all citizens to use extreme caution when operating a vehicle in a school zone and sharing the road with school buses.  Drivers are reminded to slow down, adhere to the posted speed limit in active school zones, and lookout for children in crosswalks. 

 “The Johnson City Police Department is asking drivers to be alert and allow our children to arrive to and from school safely.” said Major Brian Rice.  “This has been an unprecedented school year for children and we anticipate more students arriving by car so safety and patience during back-to-school is required from all drivers on the road.”

The return of school buses to the road also requires extra vigilance in safety.  The Johnson City Police Department reminds drivers that Tennessee State Law requires that all vehicles must come to a complete stop at a safe distance from a stopped school bus when traveling in the same direction. Vehicles traveling in the opposite direction must stop unless there is a physical barrier dividing the road or pavement that vehicles are not allowed to travel. If there is a two-way continuous turn lane then vehicles in all lanes of traffic are required to stop for a stopped school bus. 

While increased enforcement of school zone and bus stops will be visible during the back-to-school weeks JCPD wants to remind all drivers that these efforts will be permanently implemented as a way to protect children getting on and off school buses in Johnson City.   

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JCPD NEWS RELEASE

On August 30^th 2020, Officers of the Johnson City Police Department arrested Arwen Permenter 29 year old white male, 141 E Market St, Johnson City, TN 37604 and charged him with Vandalism over $2,500

The arrest stems from Officers investigating a flooding at the John Sevier Center in downtown Johnson City. On scene, officers discovered water running through two floors at the complex. Mr. Permenter had stopped up the drains inside his bathroom and left the water on. This forced water onto the floor and caused excessive damage.

Mr. Permenter was taken into custody and is currently being held at the Washington County Detention Center on a $10,000 bond. His arraignment is set for August 31^th 2020 at 10:00 am in Washington County General Sessions.

Sgt Mike Adams

Johnson City Police Department

City of Johnson City, Tennessee

423.434.6175 o. /  www.johnsoncitytn.org 

JCPD NEWS RELEASE

     On 8-30-20, officers of the Johnson City Police arrested 36 year old Heather Arp of Elizabethton, TN charging her with identity theft, 5^th offense driving on a revoked/suspended license and violation of the vehicle light law. Ms. Arp was arrested subsequent to a traffic stop during which she gave the investigating officer the name, date of birth, and social security number of another person to identify herself. After Ms. Arp’s true identity was discovered, it revealed that her driver’s license is revoked and multiple warrants for her arrest were outstanding. Ms. Arp is currently being held in the Washington County Detention Center in lieu of a bond of $11,000.00. Her initial court appearance for Washington County General Sessions Court is scheduled for August 31^st at 1:30 p.m.

LT Mike Adams

Johnson City Police Department

City of Johnson City, Tennessee

423.434.2509 o. / www.johnsoncitytn.org 

JCPD NEWS RELEASE

     On 8/30/20, officers of the Johnson City Police Department arrested Jewon Gaines (1170 Snowden Terrace, TN, 24 years old) and charged him with one count of theft of motor vehicle over $1000.

At approximately 6:10 p.m. on 8/30/20, officers responded in reference to a motor vehicle theft.  The victim advised that while a friend had his Dodge Dakota another male stole the vehicle from Walmart, 3111 Browns Mill Rd.  A short time later, officers were notified by the Elizabethton Police Department that the vehicle was found in their jurisdiction.  Johnson City officers responded and made contact with Mr. Gaines, who was in possession of the stolen truck.  He was transported to Johnson City Police Headquarters in order to be interviewed.  

After being questioned Mr. Gaines was placed into custody.  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 1:30 p.m. on 8/31/20 in Washington County General Sessions Court.

JCPD NEWS RELEASE

     On 9/1/20, officers of the Johnson City Police Department arrested Alicia Byington (32 years old of 2013 Brown Dr. Rogersville, TN,) and Elvis Coffey (36 years old of 601 Ridge Dr. Piney Flats, TN) and charged them each with one count of stolen property (receiving or concealing) over $10,000.

At approximately 11:30 p.m. on 8/31/20, an officer observed a black Chevrolet Equinox parked behind the business at 3302 W Market St.  Upon checking the registration of the vehicle it was discovered that the vehicle was reported stolen out of Rogersville. While on scene two subjects identified as Ms. Byington and Mr. Coffey were found to be in possession of it.

After being questioned by officers Mrs. Byington and Mr. Coffey were placed under arrest.  They were transported to the Washington County Detention Center, where they are being held in lieu of a $10,000 bond.  Arraignment is set for 1:30 p.m. on 9/1/20 in Washington County General Sessions Court.

JCPD NEWS RELEASE

On 9/01/20, at approximately 6:30 p.m., Officers of the Johnson City Police Department arrested Anthony Williams (41 years old, Johnson City, Tennessee) and charged him with Aggravated Sexual Battery.

On 9/01/20 officers were dispatched to 1705 Nathaniel Drive, Johnson City, Tennessee concerning a minor who had been touched inappropriately.  The investigation resulted in the arrest of Anthony Williams for fondling a minor under the age of 13.

Williams was transported to the Washington County Detention Center and is being held in lieu of a $40,000 bond with an arraignment scheduled for 1:30 pm on 9/02/20 in Washington County General Sessions Court.      

JCPD NEWS RELEASE

On 9/2/20, the Johnson City Police Department arrested Brad Mullins (39 years old, Elizabethton, Tennessee) and charged him with theft over $1,000, theft over $2,500 and theft over $10,000.  

The arrest comes as a result of multiple theft investigations that occurred in the Johnson City area from 6/24/20 to 8/15/20. Of these thefts, two involved thefts of trailers from 118 Julie Ln and 2512 S Roan St. The third investigation stemmed from a motor vehicle theft that occurred at 180 Cedar Creek Rd.  

Mullins was placed under arrest and transported to the Washington County Detention Center, where he is being held in lieu of $23,000 bond. An arraignment is set for 1:30 p.m. on 9/3/20 in Washington County General Sessions Court.    

JCPD NEWS RELEASE

On 9/02/20, at approximately 9:40 p.m., Officers of the Johnson City Police Department were dispatched to a railroad track adjacent to McKinley Rd where Norfolk Southern Railroad had reported striking a victim with the train. The victim’s vehicle was found near the scene of the incident at a section that was between crossings. First responders found the victim deceased upon their arrival.

At this time, the investigation is ongoing.      

JCPD NEWS RELEASE

Update to previous news release.

The victim of this incident was identified as Linda S Brandon (48 years old, Johnson City, Tennessee). Foul play is not suspected in this death.

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On 9/02/20, at approximately 9:40 p.m., Officers of the Johnson City Police Department were dispatched to a railroad track adjacent to McKinley Rd where Norfolk Southern Railroad had reported striking a victim with the train. The victim’s vehicle was found near the scene of the incident at a section that was between crossings. First responders found the victim deceased upon their arrival.

At this time, the investigation is ongoing.      

JCPD NEWS RELEASE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

JOHNSON CITY POLICE DEPARTMENT INCREASES DUI ENFORCEMENT FOR LABOR DAY HOLIDAY

As many Johnson City residents plan to celebrate the traditional end-of-Summer holiday this weekend with socially distanced enthusiasm, the Johnson City Police Department (JCPD) wants to remind everyone about the dangers of impaired driving. The Johnson City Police Department is partnering with the Tennessee Highway Safety Office (THSO) to place additional officers on the lookout for impaired drivers as part of the “Booze It and Lose It” campaign this Labor Day holiday weekend. 

Dangerously, the statistics prove that we have a lot of work to do to put an end to impaired driving.  According to National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), during the 2018 Labor Day Holiday Weekend there were 439 traffic crash deaths of which 43% involved drivers who had been drinking. During Labor Day weekend in 2018 JCPD arrested three suspected impaired drivers and investigated two alcohol-related vehicle crashes.

The Johnson City Police Department reminds everyone that buzzed driving is drunk driving.  Working together, we can reduce crashes, injuries, and deaths on Johnson City roadways.  JCPD and THSO want to remind all drivers that impaired-driving is not only illegal, it is a matter of life and death.  If you choose to celebrate the Labor Day holiday the decision to not drink and drive should never be a tough one.

·         It is never okay to drink and drive. Designate a sober driver or plan a ride service to get home safely.  Don’t let friends drive home drunk.

·         If you see an impaired driver on the road, call 911.

The consequences of a single DUI conviction for a first-time offender in the state of Tennessee may include costly fines, court costs, legal fees, jail time, mandatory drug and alcohol treatment, and/or the installation of an ignition interlock device in their vehicle.

The THSO provides grant funding to support Johnson City Police Department’s increased enforcement efforts during the “Booze It and Lose It” campaign. For more information about the THSO, please visit www.tntrafficsafety.org.

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