Johnson City Crime November 2015

by Lewis Loflin

Follow @Lewis90068157

On 11-06-15, officers of the Johnson City Police Department arrested Valdare Johnson, 24 yoa, of 1406 Baxter Street, Johnson City, and charged him with Felony Evading Arrest, Reckless Driving, and Driving on a Revoked License, 2nd offense. The arrest occurred after an officer attempted to stop Mr. Johnson for speeding and driving erratically.

Mr. Johnson then attempted to evade police action by pulling into the garage of his residence and lowering the garage door as the officer was approaching the vehicle. He is currently being held in the Washington County Detention Center in lieu of a $12,000.00 bond. An initial court appearance has been scheduled for 10:30 a.m. on 11-06-15 at the Washington County Justice Center.

Johnson City fight involving gun leads to assault arrest JAN 20, 2015

A Johnson City man was arrested Sunday afternoon following an aggravated assault and death threat.

Valdare Johnson, 24, 1406 Baxter St., was jailed on a signal charge of aggravated assault. Johnson City police responded to Johnson's residence after someone called 911 about the incident.

Johnson told police that Johnson and John Chance, also of Johnson City got into an altercation that led to a physical fight. Afterward, Chance left. Police found him and took him back to the scene.

Chance told police he and Johnson got into an argument and he hit Johnson. Chance said he left after Johnson pulled out a gun and told Chance, "let's go outside and fight I'll blow your brains out." A witness told police that after Chance left, Johnson took the weapon to his motorcycle parked outside.

Officers found the gun with a moped parked there.

Johnson will be arraigned on the charge in Washington County General Sessions Court on Tuesday

More Johnson City Crime

On 10/30/15, officers of the Johnson City Police Department arrested a 15 year old juvenile and charged him with one count of running a stop sign, one count of driving without a license, and one count of motor vehicle theft (over $1,000).

At approximately 11:25 p.m., officers observed a gray Volkswagen Jetta run a stop sign at the intersection of Roosevelt Street and E. Fairview Avenue. A stop of the vehicle was conducted, allowing officers to discover that the driver had stolen the vehicle earlier in the day from his parents in an attempt to run away. The juvenile was placed under arrest and transported to the Upper East Tennessee Regional Juvenile Detention Center.

On 10/29/15, the Johnson City Police Department arrested Preston Eugene Neal (805 Hamilton St., #2, 25 years old) and charged him with theft over $10,000, felony evading arrest and (2 cts.) identity theft.

The arrest comes as a result of an investigation into a stolen vehicle that occurred at approximately 4:30 a.m. this morning. Officers of the Johnson City Police Department observed the vehicle on W. Market St. Officers attempted to stop the vehicle, but the driver fled.

The vehicle was located in the 800 Block of Hamilton St. Items in the vehicle led police to 805 Hamilton St., where Neal was apprehended. Neal initially gave false information to police concerning his identity, but his true identity was soon discovered.

Neal was placed under arrest and transported to the Washington County Detention Center, where he is being held in lieu of a $40,000 bond. Arraignment is set for 1:30 p.m. on 10/30/15 in Washington County General Sessions Court.

On 06/14/15, officers of the Johnson City Police Department arrested Heather M. Probst (General Delivery, Johnson City, TN; 26 years old) charging her with identity theft.

Shortly after 7:00 p.m., officers responded to Walmart, 3111 Browns Mill Road, in reference to theft. Prior to officers' arrival, the female suspect fled from the business in a maroon vehicle, possible a Ford Taurus. Just before 8:00 p.m., officers observed a vehicle matching the description at the interchange of I-26 and University Parkway and stopped it. Upon determining one of the occupants, Heather M. Probst, was responsible for the theft she was taken into custody. During the stop, Probst used her sister's identifying information in an attempt to avoid arrest.

Ms. Probst was transported to the Washington County Detention Center, where she is being held in lieu of a $10,000 bond. Her arraignment is set for 1:30 p.m. on 06/15/15 in Washington County's General Sessions Court.

On 6/7/15, at approximately 10:45 pm, officers of the Johnson City Police Department arrested Tamba Poindoe, 23 year old male, 103 Cedar Grove Rd, Johnson City, for Possession of Schedule II for Resale and Simple Possession of Schedule VI. Officers also arrested Melissa Davis, 47 year old female, 1112 King Springs Rd, Apt 22, Johnson City, for Maintaining a Dwelling where Narcotics are Kept or Sold, Simple Possession of Schedule II, and Unlawful Drug Paraphernalia.

The arrest occurred after officers received information that illegal narcotics were being sold and used inside 1112 King Springs Rd, Apartment 22. Upon making contact with the occupants inside the apartment, Mr. Poindoe fled to a back bedroom where he was then detained. It was determined Mr. Poindoe had a small amount of marijuana in his possession. Located on the floor nearby was a bag of a white rock like substance believed to be crack cocaine. The apartment was leased and maintained by Melissa Davis.

Inside the apartment was a large amount of drug paraphernalia. Ms. Davis also had a small bag of a white rock like substance in her possession, also believed to be crack cocaine. Mr. Poindoe was charged with Possession of Schedule II for Resale and Simple Possession of Schedule VI. Ms. Davis was charged with Maintaining a Dwelling where narcotics are kept or sold, Simple Possession of Schedule II, and Unlawful Drug paraphernalia.

Mr. Poindoe is being held at the Washington County Detention Center in lieu of an $11,000 bond. Ms. Davis is being held at the Washington County Detention Center in lieu of a $12,000 bond. Arraignments are set for 6/8/15, at 1:30 pm, in Washington County General Sessions Court.

On 6/5/2015, Officers of the Johnson City Police Department arrested Tyler W Shanks, a 20 year male, of 163 Morning Star Rd Church Hill, TN. The arrest was a result of an attempted traffic stop on Interstate 26. Officer attempted to stop a vehicle driven by Shanks for a speeding violation; however Shanks failed to stop his vehicle. At this time, Officer discontinued the attempted traffic stop.

A short time later, while searching the surrounding area, Officer located Shanks inside of the vehicle behind a closed business. Shanks was placed under arrest and charged with evading arrest, driving on a suspended license, unlawful drug paraphernalia, speeding and financial responsibility.

Shanks was transported to the Washington County Detention Center and held on a $12,000 bond. Shanks has a preliminary court date set for 6/5/2015 at 10:30 in Washington County Sessions Court.

On 06/01/15 at approximately 12:33 am officers of the Johnson City Police Department arrested Erik Purcott, 30 year old male, 1107 Althea St. Johnson City, for Theft over $1000. The arrest stems from an investigation into an alleged theft of a gun that had just occurred at 1107 Althea St.

The victim advised she kept her gun stored in her bedroom vanity drawer and when they were talking about the gun she went to find it and noticed it missing along with her IPhone 6. The victim confronted the suspect about the items, and he first denied having involvement.

After the victim called 911 and upon officers arrival he was attempting to give the property back that he retrieved from his vehicle in the driveway. The suspect admitted to taking the items from the victim. The suspect Erik Purcott was arrested and transported to the Washington County Detention Center for Theft over $1000 and is being held on a $10,000 bond with an arraignment scheduled in Washington County General Sessions Court on 06/01/15 at 1:30pm.

On Monday, June 1, 2015 at approximately 9:25 pm., officers of the Johnson City Police Department arrested Joseph Cranfield, age 33, and Kimberly Bennett, age 32, both of 839 Okalona Rd., Johnson City, Tenn. after a traffic stop was conducted on their vehicle on N. Broadway St. near Myrtle Ave. A Toyota Tacoma was being driven without the headlights being activated.

As officers approached the vehicle, a strong odor of marijuana emitted from the vehicle. Further investigation recovered a felony amount of marijuana, scales, prescription pills, and large sum of money. The driver, Joseph Cranfield was arrested and charged with Manuf/Del/Sell Controlled Substance (schedule VI), Manuf/Del/Sell Controlled Substance (schedule III), Unlawful Drug Paraphernalia, and Violation of light law.

The passenger, Kimberly Bennett, was also arrested for Manuf/Del/Sell Controlled Substance (schedule VI). They were transported to the Washington County Detention Center where Mr. Cranfield is being held in lieu of $3000 bond and Ms. Bennett is being held in lieu of $2000 bond. The two are scheduled to appear in Washington County General Sessions Court Tuesday June, 2nd at 1:30 PM.

On 5/26/2015, officers of the Johnson City Police Department arrested Carlo W. Gerarde (205 W. College St., 38 years old) and charged him with Promotion or Manufacture of Methamphetamine.

At approximately 6:45 p.m., officers made contact with suspect Carlo Gerarde on W. Market St., at Lynn Rd. Officers had personal knowledge of Gerarde's criminal background, he has been charged twice in 2015 with meth-related charges. Gerarde gave officers consent to search his backpack, and several items consistent with the manufacture of meth via the "one pot" method, were located.

Gerarde 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 5/27/2015 at 1:30 p.m., in Washington County General Sessions Court.

On 4/09/15, officers of the Johnson City Police Department arrested William Shamblin (404 1/2 Hamilton St, Johnson City TN, 29 years old) and charged him with aggravated assault. At approximately 12:15 a.m., officers responded to 23 Veterans Way due to a male being assaulted with a baseball bat.

Officers located the victim who advised that he had gotten into a fight with Shamblin during which Shamblin struck him multiple times in the arm with a baseball bat. Shamblin left the scene before officers arrival, but was located a short time later at 820 Hamilton St. The victim was transported by ambulance to the Johnson City Medical Center for a possible broken arm.

The baseball bat was located on the porch of 820 Hamilton St and Shamblin 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 1:30p.m. on 4/09/15 in Washington County General Sessions Court.

On 04/07/2015 at approximately 10:15pm officers of the Johnson City Police Department arrested Anthony Ledbetter, a 25 year old male, of 503 W Watauga Ave., Johnson City, TN. Officers were dispatched to an attempted robbery that had occurred between a cab driver, the victim, and a customer, Mr. Ledbetter. Mr. Ledbetter had been picked up by the cab. Mr. Ledbetter had the victim drive around Johnson City instead of taking him home. Mr. Ledbetter then became irate and hostile towards the cab driver.

During which time Mr. Ledbetter grabbed the victim's shirt collar and demanded all of his money. The victim refused to give his money to Mr. Ledbetter and told him to get out of the cab. Mr. Ledbetter was unable to obtain any property from the victim, and the victim was not harmed. Mr. Ledbetter was arrested and charged with robbery: attempted. Mr. Ledbetter is scheduled to appear in Washington County Sessions Court on 04/08/2015 at 1:30pm. Mr. Ledbetter is being held on a $20,000 bond.

On 4/8/2015 officers of the Johnson City Police Department arrested Joseph E. Carter, a 54 year old male of 250 W Main Street Johnson City, TN, on multiple charges. Officers stopped the vehicle the defendant was driving for a Light Law Violation and failure to maintain lane control.

Investigation revealed the defendant to have a revoked TN Driver's license for DUI and be classified as a Habitual Motor Offender. The suspect also displayed signs of impairment. The suspect was taken into custody for Driving Under the Influence (6th Offense), Driving While Restrictions are in Effect (Habitual Motor Offender), Failure to Comply with Financial Responsibility, Driving an Unregistered Vehicle, and Violation of Light Law.

He is being held in the Washington County Detention Center without bond , pending a court hearing on 4/8/2015 in Washington County General Sessions Court.

On Tuesday, April 7, 2015, at approximately 5:16 am, Kenneth Hodge was taken into custody on a warrant after an investigation into a theft occurring at a construction site the day prior. Officers had stopped suspect Hodge leaving a construction site off of Silverdale Dr. with a truckload of materials.

Further investigation revealed the materials had been stolen from the site. Suspect Kenneth Hodge is being held on a $5,000.00 dollar bond at the Washington County Detention Center with an arraignment scheduled for April 7, 2015, at 1:30 pm, in Washington County General Sessions Court.