JCPD NEWS RELEASE

                On 08/21/2015 at approximately 6:30 p.m., Officers of the Johnson City Police Department arrested George J. Harrison, 21, 420 W. E St., Elizabethton, TN. The arrest stems from an attempted traffic stop for speeding on Interstate 26 in Johnson City, TN. The vehicle began to evade police immediately and was traveling at an excessive speed which made pursuit of the vehicle too dangerous.  Mr. Harrison was located by Elizabethton PD as he pulled into his residence within minutes of eluding Johnson City officers and taken into custody. Mr. Harrison was charged with Felony Evading Arrest by Motor Vehicle, Reckless Driving, Driving on Revoked License and Speeding. He is being held in the Washington County Detention Center on a $12,000 bond and is scheduled for arraignment in Washington County Sessions Court on 08/24/2015 at 01:30 p.m.

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JCPD NEWS RELEASE

On 08/16/2015 Officers of Johnson City Police Department responded to The Johnson City Jail at 601 E. Main St. Officers received information that someone was supposed to attempt to bring narcotics to an inmate while visiting. Officers met with Joshua Linebarger, D.O.B. 10/30/85, of Knoxville, TN. and Terry Sanders, D.O.B. 7/24/68, of Oak Ridge, TN. After they arrived at the jail and delivered bags for an inmate, Officers checked the bags and located narcotics inside a container. After an investigation into the incident Officers arrested Joshua Linebarger for introduction of contraband into a penal facility and Terry Sanders for Conspiracy to introduce contraband into a penal facility. Both Linebarger and Sanders have a $5000.00 bond and are scheduled to appear in Washington County General Sessions Court on 08/17/15 at 1:30 pm for arraignment.

UPDATE:

On 08/24/2015 Officers of the Johnson City Police Department arrested Jessica L. Linebarger, D.O.B. 09/19/1989, of Knoxville, TN. The arrest stems from an investigation that occurred on 08/16/2015 at the Johnson City Jail. The investigation revealed that Ms. Linebarger had attempted to get acquaintances of hers to bring narcotics into the jail inside her belongings. A search of the belongings revealed narcotics found inside a container. Further investigation revealed that Ms. Linebarger falsified a statement in regards to the incident. Officers charged Jessica Linebarger with introduction of contraband into a penal facility and filing a false report. Ms. Linebarger continues to be held in the Johnson City Jail. Her arraignement is scheduled for 08/25/2015 at 1:30 p.m. in Washington County General Sessions Court.

On 08/24/15, Officers of the Johnson City Police Department arrested Teena Louise Hopson 50 yr. old female 214 Hillcrest Drive, Johnson City, TN 37604.

The arrest stems from an investigation into a report that on 07/27/15 Hopson is accused of stealing a motor vehicle from a residence in Johnson City TN. Hopson was found in possession of the stolen vehicle when she was arrested for allegedly committing crimes in Morganton County, North Carolina on the same day. 

Teena Hopson is charged with Theft of Property over $10,000.00. She is currently being held in the Washington County Detention Facility on a $10,000.00 bond and is scheduled to appear in Washington County Session Court on 08/25/14 at 1:30 PM.

JCPD NEWS RELEASE

On 8/25/15, investigators of the Johnson City Police Department arrested Brandon Horvath (1117 Jay St., 27 years old) charging him with auto burglary and theft under $500.

The arrest comes as a result of an investigation into an auto burglary that occurred in the 300 Block of Bettie St. in the early morning hours of 8/5/15. Investigators learned Horvath had been in contact with police at a local gas station after the auto burglary happened. Evidence gathered from that contact with police linked Horvath to the incident. 

Horvath was placed under arrest and transported to the Washington County Detention Center, where he is being held in lieu of an $11,000 bond. Arraignment is set for 1:30 p.m. on 8/26/15 in Washington County General Sessions Court.    

Sgt. Don Shepard

Criminal Investigation Division

Office: 434-6166

Desk: 434-6118

dshepard@johnsoncitytn.org

JCPD NEWS RELEASE

On 8/25/15, investigators of the Johnson City Police Department arrested Kimberly C. Crowe (1214 E Lakeview Dr., 50 years old) charging her with hindering secured creditors.

On 8/17/15, a report was made by Tennessee’s Best Title Loans that they were trying to repossess Crowe’s vehicle, which she had taken out a loan against. Tennessee’s Best Title Loans could not locate the vehicle and received information that the vehicle had been crushed.

On 8/25/15, Crowe came to the Johnson City Police Department where she admitted to selling the vehicle for scrap. She was arrested 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 8/26/15 in Washington County General Sessions Court.

Sgt. Don Shepard

Criminal Investigation Division

Office: 434-6166

Desk: 434-6118

dshepard@johnsoncitytn.org

JCPD NEWS RELEASE

On 8/25/15, officers of the Johnson City Police Department arrested Steven P. Smith (100 E. Watauga Avenue, Apt. 9B; 45 years old) and charged him with Aggravated Assault, Aggravated Burglary, and Interference with Emergency Calls.

At approximately 11:25 a.m., officers responded to the Johnson City Medical Center, 400 N. State of Franklin Road, in reference to an assault. Upon speaking with the victim, it was discovered that during the early hours of 08/25/15, Mr. Smith entered the victim’s home without her permission and struck her several times in the face and side, causing severe bruising, a broken nose, a rib fracture, and a possible injury to one eardrum. It was also revealed that during the assault the suspect damaged the victim’s phone to prevent her from calling for help.

Police located Steven P. Smith and transported him to the Washington County Detention Center, where he is being held in lieu of a $61,000 bond.  His arraignment is set for 1:30 p.m. on 8/26/15 in Washington County’s General Sessions Court.

                      JCPD NEWS RELEASE

On 08/27/2015 Officers of the Johnson City Police Department arrested Barry Hankins, 56 y/o of 100 N Roan St, Johnson City TN 37601 after an investigation into a separate incident. While investigating a separate incident the suspect Barry Hankins was found to be a witness. Upon entering his information into NCIC for the separate report it was found that he had a warrant out of Tazewell County Virginia. Mr. Hankins was charged with Fugitive from Justice and was arrested and transported to the Washington County Detention Center. He is scheduled to appear in Washington County Sessions Court on 08/28/2015 at 10:30 a.m.

JCPD NEWS RELEASE

   On 08/29/15, the Johnson City Police Department received a complaint from a citizen of a phone scam.  The caller represented himself as a “Deputy Beasley” with the Sullivan County Sheriff’s Office.  He advised the victim that they had outstanding warrants through their jurisdiction and the victim could satisfy these warrants with a monetary payment.  The caller instructed the victim to load a sum of money, in excess of $1,000.00, to a prepaid card and contact him back.  Through a search of the phone number, officers were able to locate a related story out of Hamilton County, TN, involving the same scam and same phone number.  The Sullivan County Sheriff’s Office was contacted and they verified they have no employee by the name of “Detective Beasley” and they have had similar complaints.  The phone number in question is (423) 223-9598.  If contacted by this number, the public is encouraged to contact their local law enforcement agency.      

JCPD NEWS RELEASE

On Saturday, August 29,2015 officers of the Johnson City Police Department arrested Matthew Tyler

Thrailkill, 30, 9 Coventry Woods Drive, Arden NC., charging him with felony shoplifting.  The arrest

was a result of an investigation into the theft of a DeWalt mitre saw valued at $599 which was taken

from the Home Depot on Peoples Street.  Thrailkill was transported to the Washington County Detention

Center and placed under a $5,000.00  bond with arraignment set in General Sessions Court on Monday,

August 31, 2015 at 1:30.

On 8/30/15, officers of the Johnson City Police Department arrested Angela Gutierrez (110 Wilson Ave. #3, 36 years old) and Lisa Smith (100 W. Watauga Ave. #2, 29 years old) charging both with aggravated assault. 

The arrest is the result of an investigation into a report that was filed by the victim who stated that while she was sitting in her vehicle at 1001 S. Roan St., Gutierrez began to cuss and yell at her. The victim advised that she was then cut on the arm by Smith and then cut a second time on the arm by Gutierrez.  The victim was treated by EMS for two lacerations on her arm and released. 

Gutierrez and Smith were arrested and transported to Washington County Detention Center, where they are being held in lieu of a $25,000 bond.  Arraignment is set for 1:30 p.m. on 8/31/15 in Washington County General Sessions Court.

Sgt. Don Shepard

Criminal Investigation Division

Office: 434-6166

Desk: 434-6118

dshepard@johnsoncitytn.org

JCPD NEWS RELEASE

On 8/29/15, officers of the Johnson City Police Department arrested John Samuel Bishop (Johnson City, 27 years old) charging him with tampering with evidence.

On 7/1/15, officers responded to the Johnson Inn, 2700 W Market St, in reference to a shooting investigation. Investigators received information that Bishop facilitated the concealment of two stolen guns prior to police arriving on scene. The firearms were located after the incident where witnesses gave accounts that Bishop facilitated the relocation of the stolen firearms.  

On 8/29/15, Bishop was arrested and transported to the Washington County Detention Center where he is being held in lieu of a $50,000 bond. Arraignment is set for 1:30 p.m. on 8/31/15 in Washington County General Sessions Court.

Sgt. Don Shepard

Criminal Investigation Division

Office: 434-6166

Desk: 434-6118

dshepard@johnsoncitytn.org

JCPD NEWS RELEASE

On 9/1/15, officers with the Johnson City Police Department arrested Shaun Herbert Shasteen (844 Marbleton Rd., Unicoi, 24 years old) charging him with (2cts) worthless checks over $500 and (2cts) worthless checks under $500.

On 8/25/15, the police department was contacted by victims at three Johnson City businesses; Village Antiques, 111 Sunset Dr., Bargain Hunters, 2808 W. Walnut St., and Zak’s Furniture, 4524 N. Roan St.  Between all three businesses, a total of four checks were written on a closed account. 

On 9/1/15, officers with the Erwin Police Department located Shasteen in their jurisdiction and placed him under arrest on the warrants. Shasteen was then transferred to the Johnson City Police Department.  Shasteen is currently being held in the Washington County Detention Center in lieu of a $12,000 bond.  Arraignment is set for 9:00 a.m. on 9/2/15 in Washington County General Sessions Court.

SUBJECT: Sales of Schedule II                    DATE: 9/2/15                    TIME: 2:00 a.m.

PREPARED BY: Officer Kirt Stillwagon                     APPROVED BY:   Lt. Becky West  

On 9/01/15, officers of the Johnson City Police Department arrested Branson J OQuinn (614 W 8^th St., Elizabethton, TN, 20 years old). Branson J OQuinn was charged with Sales Schedule II/ Methamphetamine and Unlawful Drug Paraphernalia.

At approximately 10:44 p.m., officers were on routine patrol when they stopped a black Ford Mustang for a traffic infraction on S Roan St. While speaking with the driver of the vehicle he consented to letting officers search the vehicle. During the search officers located a large amount of Methamphetamine, over a hundred small baggies, and a glass pipe that is consistent with illicit drug use.  All items located in the car were determined to be the passenger who was Branson OQinn.

Police arrested Mr. OQuinn, and he was transported to the Washington County Detention Center, where he is being held on a $11,000.00 bond. Arraignment is set for 1:30 p.m. on 7/02/15, in Washington County General Sessions Court.

JCPD NEWS RELEASE

On 8/28/15, Investigators with the Johnson City Police Department arrested Tracy Nicole Beals (W/F, 29 yoa, 707 Hoover St., Johnson City, TN) on charges of Auto Burglary, Credit Card Fraud under $500 and Theft of Property under $500.

On 6/28 15, Officers with the Johnson City PD received a report of an Auto Burglary that occurred 707 Hoover St.  The victim reported that someone entered her vehicle and stole her wallet and credit cards.  Her credit cards were then used in Tennessee as well as Virginia and North Carolina.  The defendant was identified through video surveillance from one of the locations where the victim’s credit card was used.  An arrest warrant was then issued.

On 8/28/15, the defendant was located by the Washington Co. Sheriff’s Department and transported to the Washington Co. Detention Center where the warrant was served.  She was held on $12,000 bond and scheduled to appear in General Sessions Court on 8/31/15.

JCPD NEWS RELEASE

        On Sept 01, 2015 at approx. 10:55 pm.,  officers arrested 39 year old Roy P Hyder,  825 Cambridge Ave.,  Elizabethton,  TN after falsified information during a crash investigation. Mr. Hyder said he was inside McDonalds, 6706 Bristol Hwy and had allowed someone else to drive his vehicle in the parking lot. Upon returning to the lot, he said he found his vehicle crashed into another vehicle, injuring its occupants. Further investigation proved Mr Hyder was driving the vehicle at the time of the crash and there was no other person accompanying him. Mr. Hyder was arrested, charged with providing a false report and Driving on a Suspended License. Mr. Hyder also had two active warrants for his arrest from Carter County TN. He is being held in the Sullivan County Detention Center on a $3000 bond and is set to appear on Sullivan County Sessions Court on October 06, 2015 at 1:30pm. 

JCPD NEWS RELEASE

On 9/3/15/15, Investigators with the Johnson City Police Department arrested Tony Michael Whitehead (W/M, 36 yoa, 145 Kings Mountain Ct., Johnson City, TN) on charges of Aggravated Burglary and Theft of Property under $500.

On 8/19/15, Officers with the Johnson City PD received a report of a Burglary that occurred at 501 Pardee St.  The victim reported that someone entered his residence and stole property from inside.  A witness later identified the defendant as a subject who as at the victim’s residence at the time of the Burglary.

On 9/3/15 a warrant was issued for the defendant.  He was located at the Washington Co. Detention Center, where he was being held on unrelated charges, and the warrant was served.  He is being held on $21,000 bond and scheduled to appear in General Sessions Court on 9/4/15 at 10:00 am.

JCPD NEWS RELEASE

     On September 03, 2015 at about 7:00 pm., officers of the Johnson City Police Department responded to a vehicle crash with injuries on S. Roan St. at Old Watson Rd.  Officers were advised that a vehicle had struck a motorcycle and then left the scene.  A witness to the crash followed the vehicle while notifying E-911 of its location.  Officers located the vehicle, a  white Ford Taurus, on University Pkwy at the Milligan Hwy. ramp.  The driver, Gary Love, was taken into custody.  After further investigation, it was found that Mr. Love had cut into the path of a motorcycle driven by Daniel Blackman, age 23, 1775 Chestoa Pike, Erwin, TN.  Mr. Blackman was transported to the JCMCH ER with serious injuries.  The suspect, Gary Love, age 54, 307 Colorado St., Johnson City, TN, was charged with aggravated assault, leaving the scene of an accident with injuries and violation of the financial responsibility law and was taken to the Carter County Detention Center where he is being held in lieu of $5000 bond.  Court date is scheduled for October 12, 2015 at 1:30 pm in Carter County General Sessions Court.

SUBJECT: Identity Theft                                DATE: 9/3/15                      TIME: 2:00 a.m.

PREPARED BY: Officer Kirt Stillwagon                     APPROVED BY: Sgt. Hodges

On 9/03/15, officers of the Johnson City Police Department arrested Sean R Garber, 895 Summerville Rd Kingsport, TN, 28 years old, charged with Identity Theft and Resisting Arrest.

At approximately 7:20 p.m., Officers were on the lookout for two possible suspects that fled the scene from a crash that occurred on S. Roan St. Officers located two individuals walking down Quarry Rd. that fit the description and they were checked. While speaking with the male subject, he gave a false name and birth date and was later identified as Sean R. Garber.  After officers found out his true identity officers attempted to place Mr. Garber under arrest which he actively resisted by not following instructions to place his hands behind his back. Officers were eventually able to gain control of Mr. Garber and he was detained.  During the course of the investigation, officers discovered that Mr. Garber had two active warrants out of Washington County, Tn.  Mr. Garber was transported to the Washington County Detention Center, where he is being held on a $3,000.00 bond. Arraignment is set for 10:30 a.m. on 9/04/15, in Washington County General Sessions Court.

CITY OF JOHNSON CITY

JOHNSON CITY POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

The Johnson City Police Department will be placing additional officers on the streets this Labor Day weekend on the lookout for impaired drivers.  These high visibility patrols will be conducted in partnership with the Tennessee Governor’s Highway Safety Office’s “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” campaign.  The Governor’s Highway Safety Office is providing grant overtime funding for Johnson City officers to conduct these DUI enforcement patrols aimed at removing impaired drivers from the road during this busy holiday weekend.

The Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security reported 961 vehicular deaths statewide in 2014.  This was the lowest number of Tennessee traffic deaths since 1963.  There was also an 18.6 percent drop in alcohol-related traffic deaths in Tennessee from 2013 to 2014.  Of the three traffic fatalities occurring in Johnson City in 2014, one death involved an alcohol-impaired driver. 

The Johnson City Police Department reminds everyone that buzzed driving is drunk driving.  Getting behind the wheel after even just one too many drinks can lead to disaster.  Of the 336 injury crashes investigated by the Johnson City Police Department last year, 54 (16.1 percent) of those injury crashes were alcohol-related.  One of the five accident injuries reported during last year’s holiday weekend also involved an impaired driver. Working together, we can reduce crashes, injuries, and deaths on Johnson City roadways.