The Oconee County Sheriff’s Office reported the following incidents:
PHONE TO JAIL: On Dec. 13, Deputy Chris Haag was patrolling on Daniells Bridge Road when he observed a motorist violating state law by using his cell phone. A traffic stop was made and the driver said he didn’t have his license on him, then admitted he didn’t have a license. He was given a ride to jail on charges of being an unlicensed driver and distracted driving.
SHOPLIFTER FLEES: On Dec. 1, Sgt. Samuel Masters was dispatched to Walmart, where a woman was seen putting wash cloths, underwear and other items into a backpack. A loss prevention officer confronted her, but she ran, got into a silver Honda car and fled. The woman apparently made a clean getaway as they were unable to get her tag number.
DAMAGE: On Dec. 5, Deputy Robert Perrin was dispatched to a location on Wellington Drive, Bogart, where a 31-year-old Winder man showed him damage to his work vehicle. Someone had scratched the truck, cracked a headlight, damaged the tool box, dented the trailer, and pried open a door. Also, a tire on a lawn mower was cut.
Deputy Grinch:Oconee deputies delight students as they direct school traffic dressed as holiday characters
SHOPLIFTERS FLEE: On Dec. 6, Deputy Jonathan Strum was dispatched to American Eagle at the Oconee Connector, where two women entered the store and began browsing. One woman pulled a plastic tote from her purse and the pair began collecting 12 pairs of jeans and four jogger pants, all valued at $1,069. When an employee approached them, the pair rapidly left the store. If identified, the women face felony shoplifting charges.
SUSPECT NABBED: On Dec. 6, Deputy Annessa Glenn was dispatched to Athens Academy on Spartan Lane, where a woman reported a window in her vehicle was shattered and her purse was stolen. She received a text that one of the stolen credit cards was being used at Walmart, so deputy Baer Schiffer went to Walmart to investigate. He was able to determine a suspect from the failed attempt to use the card. A lookout was posted and police in the city of Monroe stopped a vehicle and arrested the suspect, identified as a 33-year-old Loganville man.
RECKLESS CONDUCT: On Dec. 7, Deputy Daniel Ellis was dispatched to Walmart, where a child was left inside an unlocked car in the parking lot. Capt. Vic Green had arrived earlier and was flagged down by a shopper, who reported the child in the car. The child’s mother returned to explain she left the child while she went inside to purchase him some juice. The Department of Family and Children’s Services sent a representative to the scene and the 26-year-old Athens woman was taken to jail on charges of reckless conduct.
SHOPLIFTERS CAUGHT: On Dec. 8, Deputy Joshua Warren was dispatched to Walmart, after a loss prevention officer caught two Elberton women trying to shoplift $653 in merchandise after skip-scanning at checkout. One woman was taken to jail, while the other, who had small child, was allowed to leave but was told she is also charged.
WRECK INVESTIGATED: On Dec. 17, Sgt. Pat Holl was dispatched to a location on the Athens Perimeter, where a 2015 Chrysler 200 had crashed against the barrier fence. Holl found the car heavily damaged. He also saw six barrier posts that were knocked down. Sgt. Daniel Ellis arrived to assist and the 21-year-old Bishop man was charged with DUI and failing to maintain a lane. The man told the officer he didn’t know what happened to cause the crash.
Oconee Blotter:Shoplifting suspects run, give excuses, bring children
CAR WRECKS: On Dec. 17, Deputy Baer Schiffer was dispatched about 1:40 a.m. to a wreck on Highway 316 near Virgil Langford Road. A witness reported he saw the 2021 Volkswagen fishtail in the road, then the driver appeared to lose control as it went off the road. The car flipped onto its top and the witness saw a woman exit and run into the woods. Sgt. Pat Holl located the driver at the nearby Quik Trip station. The 42-year-old Monroe woman was charged with DUI, then taken to a hospital for observation due to the extent of the crash.
SHOPLIFTER RUNS: On Dec. 14, Cpl. Quinton NeSmith was dispatched to Home Depot, where a man attempted to steal a reciprocating saw. The man fled, but deputy Dustin Mines captured the 34-year-old Athens man.
PROWLING CHARGED: On Dec. 14, Deputy Doug Mattocks was dispatched to Home Depot at about 4:40 a.m. after employees reported seeing a man in the parking lot looking into vehicle windows and pulling on the door handles. The deputy located the man at the nearby Kroger store. The 58-year-old Augusta man, who reported he was homeless, told the deputy he was looking for a female friend and was not doing anything wrong. A check showed the man was wanted on a felony charge in Clarke County. During the arrest, the man resisted. A search found him in possession of methamphetamine and marijuana.
