Jennifer Lea Smith, 38, of Douglas, has had quite a week. On March 25, 2024, she was arrested on multiple charges, including possession of methamphetamine and simple battery against a police officer, but was released. Several days later, she was arrested again on an unrelated charge and remains jailed.
The March 25 incident took place at a mobile home park on Highway 32 West. Officers received a call in reference to someone entering a home at the park. The complainant had left for work but his wife was at home when the alleged intruder, identified as Smith, came into the house.
The incident report states that the couple’s son had left for school. The wife was at home alone when she heard someone come into the house. She thought her husband had returned home and called out to him. The intruder then ran out of the house. She saw the intruder and was able to take a picture of her.
The first deputy arrived at the scene and was talking to the wife when Smith came walking back through the park. The deputy spoke with Smith, who, the report says, was rambling on about several different subjects. The officer told Smith that someone had a picture of her and she replied that no one had a picture of her stealing. The report adds that the officer never said anything about her about stealing anything. Smith refused to answer any further questions, the report says. The officer attempted to grab her arm and then Smith took off running, crossing Highway 32 and nearly getting hit by a vehicle, according to the report.
Two more officers arrived to assist. While Smith was running, she allegedly threw a few items down on the ground. One of the deputies caught her and, the report says, “the two went to the ground.” At that point, Smith began digging into his arms and wrist repeatedly, breaking the skin, according to the report.
Meanwhile, a third officer found the items she threw down, which included suspected methamphetamine. Smith was eventually arrested and charged with first degree burglary, simple battery against a police officer, possession of methamphetamine, and obstruction. She was transported to the Coffee County Jail but was later released on $19,000 bond.
Then she was arrested again on Monday, April 1, 2024, on criminal trespass charges at the Dollar General store on Highway 32 West. She had been asked to leave but refused, according to another incident report. She was arrested again and transported back to the jail where she remains.
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