Woman arrested for aggressive driving
On Sept. 18, law enforcement was dispatched to the area of Irwinton Road and Harrisburg Road in reference to an aggressive driver. Dispatch advised that a red Kia SUV was attempting to run an orange sedan off the road. An officer initiated a traffic stop with the vehicle as it turned north onto Vinson Highway. The vehicle came to a stop at the intersection of Vinson Highway and South Jefferson Street. The driver, Keanna Simmons, stated she and her ex-boyfriend were in a verbal argument over money that he promised her.
Simmons stated that she went to his family’s residence on Fox Hill Road to speak to him and they started arguing.
Her ex-boyfriend reportedly got into a 2012 Hyundai Sonata and attempted to leave, so she began following him down Fox Hill Road. When he slammed on his brakes, it caused her to rear end his vehicle. Reportedly, he exited his vehicle and told her he would fix the damage and he didn't want to involve law enforcement. He then left the scene, and she followed him to Royal Inn on Irwinton Road, where another verbal argument occurred between her and a passenger he was picking up. After they left the inn, she continued to follow his vehicle before eventually making a u-turn. Due to her admission of striking the vehicle and leaving the scene, along with witness statements from the other driver’s passengers, Simmons was issued citations for hit-and-run and aggressive driving.
Man caught with cocaine
On Sept. 19, while in the area of North Columbia Street and Marshall Road, an officer conducted a traffic stop on a tan 2007 GMC Envoy due to the passenger side brake light not operating. As the officer approached the vehicle, they saw a plastic bag and a torch lighter between the driver's legs, as if he was trying to hide it. The driver, identified as Austin Durden, continued to attempt to hide something, so he was ordered out of the vehicle. As Durden got out of the vehicle, the officer heard a glass pipe/smoking device fall to the ground. Next to the pipe was a plastic bag containing a white substance. The glass pipe contained suspected methamphetamine residue and the plastic bag contained suspected cocaine. The officer conducted a search of the vehicle and did not locate anything illegal. Durden was transported to the jail without incident. Warrants for possession of cocaine and possession and use of drug related objects were secured against Durden.
Employee steals cash from Dollar General
On Sept. 20, law enforcement was dispatched to Dollar General, at 1550 N. Columbia St., in reference to a theft.
An employee, identified as Aujiah Walls, was seen on video cameras the last three days taking money out of the register and stuffing it in her pants. The total amount taken was approximately $1,100. A warrant was secured against Walls for theft by taking.
Vehicle pursuit leads to crash on SR 22
On Sept. 20, while on routine patrol, an officer observed a red Ford Mustang make an abrupt left turn off of West Hancock Street onto South Wilkinson Street. The officer followed the vehicle and observed the red Mustang fail to stop at a red light at South Wilkinson Street and West Greene Street. The officer activated emergency lights and sirens to initiate a traffic stop but the Mustang appeared to speed up as it approached South Elbert Street. The driver did not come to a stop and made an abrupt left turn onto South Elbert Street. A vehicle pursuit that reached speeds in excess of 111 miles per hour continued until the officer lost sight of the Mustang and continued through the intersection of Kings Road and State Route 22 with emergency equipment activated. As the officer drove on the downward curve and began to straighten out, they observed a large dust cloud on the opposite side of the roadway. The Mustang had crashed on the northern shoulder of State Route 22 after the driver was not able to negotiate the curve at the excessive speed he was traveling. The driver, later identified as Toranzo Bolston, had exited the vehicle and was walking toward the passenger side. Bolston was taken into custody and checked out by EMS. He stated he did not need any medical attention and did not want to speak with them any longer. Bolston was transported to jail and a warrant for felony fleeing and a citation for reckless driving were secured. Multiple officers and Georgia State Patrol were called in to investigate Bolston being possibly intoxicated and the details of the crash site.
Unknown thief burns stolen items
On Sept. 21, law enforcement was dispatched to 1230 W. Charlton Court in reference to a theft. The homeowner advised a chair and rug were stolen from her front porch. While investigating the nearby vicinity, officers located burnt debris in the field area behind Willis’ residence. When studying the burn pile in the field, the officer identified the objects as Willis’ chair, as well as identified a burn mark consistent with a square object that was possibly the rug. The complainant stated she did not know anyone who would do this. As of The Baldwin Bulletin’s deadline, there are no known suspects.
Man steals soap from Walgreens
On Sept. 22, law enforcement was dispatched to Walgreens, 2350 N. Columbia St., in reference to shoplifting. The manager reported that a male was witnessed by a cashier going to the soap aisle, putting multiple items in his jacket, and leaving. The employee reportedly asked the man if he would pay, and he replied “no.” He took two packs of Dove Exfoliating Soap at $11.49 each, and a bottle of bottle wash. The camera footage corroborateed the story. The man was identified as a regular customer, though the employee did not know his name.