Colwell Leads Police on Short Pursuit Before Crashing Stolen Van

January 16, 2018
By: Dwayne Page

The driver of a stolen van is facing several charges after he led Smithville Police on a short pursuit before crashing the vehicle.

33 year old Michael Brandon Colwell of Tisdale Drive is charged with theft of property over $1,000, evading arrest by a motor vehicle, and a second offense of driving under the influence. He was also cited for speeding and driving on a revoked license.

His bond totals $18,000 and he will make a court appearance January 25.

The incident occurred at around 9:32 p.m. on Tuesday, January 2.

According to the police report and arrest warrant, Sergeant Travis Bryant of the Smithville Police Department attempted to stop a white Nissan Quest van for speeding 53 miles per hour in a 40 miles per hour zone. “I attempted to stop the van for a traffic violation. I did observe the van increase its initial speed after I initiated both lights and sirens on my marked patrol vehicle. The vehicle did not stop and continued to flee until the driver lost control of the vehicle and crashed at the intersection of Dearman Street and Bright Hill Road. The driver, Colwell was arrested without incident.

“Colwell was found to be unsteady on his feet and he had slurred speech. Colwell stated he had drank a lot of alcohol. Colwell had a strong odor of alcohol on his breath and person. Due to the circumstances of the stop, field sobriety was not administered,” according to the complaint.

During the crash investigation, police learned that the van was stolen.

“Colwell said he took the van without consent or knowledge of the owner. The owner discovered her vehicle missing and notified law enforcement of the theft on January 3 at 9:45 a.m. The van was crashed when Colwell attempted to flee from law enforcement on January 2. The vehicle was recovered with major damage. The value of the van is estimated at $5,000,” according to the complaint.

January 16, 2018
By: Dwayne Page

DeKalb County High School and the Lady Tiger basketball program is honoring one of the all-time great players in the history of the program.
On Friday, January 19th, the #55 will be retired in honor of the late Rosa Stokes. Rosa was a member of the Tigerette basketball program from 1979-1983 and went on to star at Cumberland University after her playing days at DCHS.

Stokes scored more than 1,000 points and grabbed more than 1,000 rebounds in her four-year college career. She was an All-District, All-Conference and All-Midstate honoree at DeKalb County High School and later an assistant coach at Louisville, Murray State, Tennessee Tech, Chattanooga and Long Beach State and the head coach for two years at Georgia Southwestern State until her passing on August 7, 2003. Cumberland plays a tournament in her name each December.

“DeKalb County High School is proud to recognize Rosa Stokes as one of the greatest players in DCHS basketball history as well as honoring her love of the game of basketball and her dedication to coaching and mentoring young women throughout her life,” said DCHS Principal Randy Jennings.

“We would like to extend an invitation to all of Rosa’s family, any of her teammates, both at DeKalb West and DeKalb County High School, as well as any members of the 1983 graduating class to come share in this special night,” he added.

The retirement ceremony will take place between games on Friday, January 19 at the DCHS gymnasium.

January 16, 2018
By: Dwayne Page

A McMinnville woman has been arrested for having sex with a minor.

21 year old Summer Irene Roach of McMinnville is charged with statutory rape. Her bond is $3,500 and she will make a court appearance on February 8.

Sheriff Patrick Ray said that on November 9, 2017 Roach knowingly engaged in unlawful sexual intercourse with a male juvenile. She is more than four years older than the victim.

CLICK LINK BELOW TO VIEW
MUG SHOTS OF PERSONS RECENTLY BOOKED AT THE DEKALB COUNTY JAIL- Intakes & Releases From: 1/8/2018 Thru: 1/15/2018)

The case was investigated by a Sheriff’s Department Detective.

30 year old Jamie Carol Ramos of Delong Road, Smithville is charged with two counts of domestic assault after allegedly hitting both her sister and mother. Bond for Ramos is $10,000 and her court date is February 1.

Sheriff Ray said that on Friday, January 12 a deputy responded to a residence on Delong Road due to a domestic assault. Upon arrival the officer spoke with Ramos’ mother and sister, victims of an assault by Ramos. The mother stated that her daughter, Ramos struck her with an open hand about the face and head while the two argued over personal belongings. Ramos’ sister claims that she (Ramos) hit her in the mouth with her fist as the two argued over personal belongings.

54 year old Gary Wayne Ponder of Old Mill Hill Road, Dowelltown is charged with domestic assault. His bond is $2,500 and his court date is February 1.

Sheriff Ray said that on Sunday, January 14 a deputy was called to a residence on Old Mill Hill Road due to a physical domestic. Upon arrival the officer spoke with a man who said that he and his father, Ponder had gotten into an argument and that Ponder tried to hit him (son) with his fist. Ponder was placed under arrest.