From STAFF REPORTS



CORDELE — Multiple charges have been filed against a 39-year-old Brooklet, Ga., man as the result of an assault incident city police officers were called to investigate late Saturday night at a local motel.

Cpl. Bruce Gourley said that as he arrived at the scene a police dispatcher alerted him the offender reportedly in possession of a gun was leaving the motel traveling south through the parking lot toward 20th Avenue.

When Gourley tried to head off the suspect’s car, the driver subsequently identified as James Lloyd Spradley tried to cut behind his patrol unit and wound up crashing into a ditch.

As Gourley approached with his weapon drawn and with commands to exit the vehicle, Spradley put his car into reverse in a failed bid to escape. He then got out of his car and took off running but was caught a short distance away in a vacant lot.

Follow-up investigation disclosed that in addition to previously having his driver’s license suspended for DUI violations, an obviously intoxicated Spradley was identified by the assault victim as being the person who for unknown reasons attacked him while they two were having a drink.

Spradley allegedly used a knife to cut the victim over his left eye and when he fell to the floor choked him before he could escape.

Spradley has been charged with aggravated assault, obstruction of an officer in the performance of his duties, attempting to elude police, driving on a suspended license and DUI.

In other activity during the weekend, officers:

— Cited Denzel Timpress Evans, 18, of 705 12th St. S., and a 15-year-old juvenile who cannot be identified under Georgia law for possession of less than an ounce of marijuana after the two were caught during a Sunday afternoon foot chase that started in the 800 block of 17th Ave. E.

Crisp County Deputy Sheriff Tukes initiated the pursuit of the suspects when they ran from him after he simply asked them how they were doing. Sgt. Montgomery later joined in the chase and helped apprehend the two subjects.

In addition to the marijuana charge, Evans was cited for disorderly conduct and probation violation and the juvenile was charged with obstruction of an officer.

— Went to a residence in the 500 block of Seventh Avenue in response to a disturbance that broke out over an income tax return.

Lt. Carrie Lull said one of two women involved in the dispute told her she had allowed the other subject to claim her children on her income tax return in exchange for $600.

When the woman who was to have been rewarded for allowing the exemptions went to collect her money, she said the person filing the return became angry and cursed her before entering her house and coming out with what appeared to be small gun.

The complainant said she pulled out a knife, got into her car and backed away to call police. The resident then called several of her relatives to the scene and the incident escalated until the relatives left the scene.

The subject filing the illegal return admitted to the officer she claimed the other person’s children in order to receive a larger refund.

— Made an arrest in connection with a $44.84 gas drive-off from a local service station.

An employee of the victimized business said the man driving a silver SUV left headed south on I-75. Lt. Marvin Milner placed a lookout for the vehicle that Turner County authorities stopped at mile marker 78.

Cpl. Gourley went to that location and took James D. Mayes, 30, of Louisville, Ky., into custody on a charge of theft by shoplifting.

— Filed two counts of first degree forgery against Chasity Dawson, 18, of 1301 11th St. N., after she allegedly admitted taking her neighbor’s December and January unemployment checks in the total amount of $372 and cashing them at a local and convenience food store.

— Assisted a bail enforcement agent with booking Jose Manuel De Los Santos, 27, of Rogersville, Tenn., for apprehension of a wanted person and contempt of court.

— Arrested Ashley Brown, 36, of 611 Third Ave. E., on two previous outstanding warrants for domestic violence after being called to the family home shortly after 3 a.m. Saturday when he came home intoxicated and broke a door glass to gain entry.

—Requested that a terroristic threats warrant be issued against Willie Covin Jr. after the mother of his child said she received a voice mail from him in which he threatened to shoot her in the face and kill her. The victim played the message for Sgt. Robert Montgomery.

— Said a family of four left Denny’s without making payment for a $35.22 meals they consumed during the noon hour Saturday. A lookout for the vehicle in which they were traveling proved fruitless.

— Planned to notify the Department of Family and Children Services about children ages three and six being left unattended in a car while their mother shopped inside a 16th Ave. E. clothing store Saturday.

— Went to Leesburg take Vivianna Woods, 18, of 504 Seventh Ave. E., into custody on a probation violation warrant after she had been arrested in Lee County for shoplifting.