It seems local price gougers weren’t the only ones taking advantage of Hurricane Matthew last week. Coffee County Sheriff’s officials released the following statement Thursday, indicating at least nine people arrested over the hurricane weekend on charges ranging from burglary to outstanding criminal warrants:
The weekend of October 7-9 was a busy weekend for the Coffee County Sheriff’s Office. The evacuees from Hurricane Matthew received our undivided attention, and the employees of the sheriff’s office worked around the clock providing directions to travelers, evacuation route guidance, and conducting routine visits to all the shelters that housed the displaced victims, both Red Cross and Good Samaritan alike.
Officials also kept a close check on the evacuees that were staying in our motels. While tackling these additional duties, deputies continued with their normal calls for service.
The first major incident happened at a residence located on Mills Creek Rd., where a burglary was reported with several items taken, including several firearms. This investigation was fast moving with three arrests and most of the property being located within a few short hours.
The Coffee County Sheriff’s Office would like to thank the Atkinson County Sheriff’s Office for their assistance in this case. James Bryan Stevens (30) of Dougals, Chaffter (Chad) Tanner II, and a male juvenile were charged first degree burglary. Stevens was also charged with possession of a firearm by convicted felon.
While officers were following up on a previous investigation, they were able to locate and arrest several fugitives in the Groves Mobile Home Park area, including Shonda Gillespie (36) of Douglas, Jason Smith (45) of Pearson, and Dennis Harrison (41) of Douglas.
Also over the weekend Garrett Zachary Adams (24) of Douglas, Stacy Bowen (23) of Pearson, and Tierney Cline (18) of Pridgen were located and arrested on outstanding warrants.
James Bryan Stevens