Driver speeds on Felton Drive
On Nov. 23, law enforcement was patrolling near Felton Drive when an officer observed a vehicle traveling 78 miles per hour in a 55 mile per hour zone. The officer initiated a traffic stop and made contact with driver Tavares Hooks. According to the report, Hooks’ eyes were watery and bloodshot and his breath had the odor of an unknown alcoholic beverage. The officer noted an open Modelo bottle in the passenger compartment of the vehicle and Hooks reported that he had one beer. The officer conducted a search of the car, with permission, and located an open bottle of liquor in the back floor board and an open purse with a handgun inside it, behind the passenger seat. Criminal history confirmed that Hooks was a convicted felon. Hooks was issued citations for speeding and open container and a warrant for possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.
Unknown individual breaks into storage unit
On Nov. 23, law enforcement was dispatched to North Columbia Street in reference to a burglary. The complainant had been gone since July but recently returned to his storage unit to find the lock cut. The lock was located on the ground nearby and he reported missing two Stihl Trimmers, one push lawn mower, and a Craftsman toolbox.
Hall also noticed the items inside of the storage unit had been moved around. As of The Baldwin Bulletin’s deadline, there is no further information.
Water department truck strikes Windstream lines
On Nov. 23, law enforcement was dispatched to North Clark Street in reference to damage to property. A water department truck was in the area working and knocked down some telephone/internet lines. Windstream personnel arrived on-scene and repaired the downed lines.
Mailbox destroyed by unknown individual
On Nov. 24, law enforcement was dispatched to a residence in reference to damage to property. The homeowner advised that he heard a loud crash and found his mailbox shattered and laying on the side of the road. The mailbox is valued at $125.
Woman shoplifts at Walmart
On Nov. 25, law enforcement was dispatched to Walmart in reference to shoplifting. Surveillance footage revealed Olivia Abbey Hill scanning an item of lesser value but bagging two items together, without scanning the more expensive item of the two. She also failed to scan nine miscellaneous items totaling $92.64. Hill was cited for shoplifting and trespassed from Walmart.
Drunk driver strikes vehicle at intersection
On Nov. 25, two vehicles were involved in a collision at the intersection of West Charlton Street and North Columbia Street. Law enforcement was advised by Emergency Medical Services personnel on scene that they smelled the odor of alcohol coming from the driver of one of the vehicles. Law enforcement made contact with the driver, Gerald Riley, who stated he was traveling west on West Charlton Street and had come to a stop at the stop sign.
Riley stated he did not see any vehicles coming and proceeded to turn south onto North Columbia Street and as he was turning, he struck a vehicle. Riley showed all cues for the Standardized Field Sobriety Tests. Due to Riley’s injuries, he was cited and released on citations for failure to yield while turning left and driving under the influence.
Individual speeds and refuses arrest
On Nov. 27, law enforcement was traveling eastbound on GA highway 49 when a vehicle sped by going 78 miles per hour in a 55 mile per hour zone.
A traffic stop was conducted and the driver, identified as Candra Thomas, asked for an accuracy check, which read the same. Thomas refused to sign the citations given to her and refused lawful orders to shut off and to step out of the vehicle. A second officer requested multiple times that Thomas step out of the vehicle, however, she continued to refuse. Eventually she did exit the vehicle and was to be placed under arrest. Thomas jerked away from the officers during the arrest and continuously tried to get back in her vehicle. Thomas was cited for speeding and window tint, along with one state warrant for willful obstruction of law enforcement officers.