March 7, 2023
By: Dwayne Page
An Alexandria man who broke into and vandalized a residence while attacking the homeowner has been arrested and charged in the case.
30-year-old Samuel Kameron Vanatta of West Main Street, Alexandria is charged with aggravated burglary, aggravated assault, and vandalism. His bond is $35,000 and he will make a court appearance on March 23
Sheriff Patrick Ray said that on January 31 Vanatta broke into a residence by kicking open the front door and after making entry he struck the homeowner with a bat several times in the leg and punched him in the head. Vanatta also broke a Motorola phone, a 50-inch television set, and a fan in addition to causing damage to the front door. The total amount of the damages was $1,920.
50-year-old Laura Carol Ratliff of Lascassas is charged with driving under the influence. Her bond is $3,500 and she will be in court March 16.
Sheriff Ray said that on February 28 a deputy responded to a vehicle crash on Highway 70 at Billings Road and upon arrival spoke with Ratliff, one of the drivers involved in the wreck. Ratliff was unsteady on her feet. Her speech was slurred, and her eyes were red and glassy. She admitted having consumed two beers prior to the crash. She submitted to but performed poorly on field sobriety tasks. Three empty cans of Budweiser beer and an empty bottle of Southern Comfort were found in the back seat.
20-year-old Michael Anthony Vestal of Old Hickory is charged with underage driving while impaired. His bond is $2,500 and he will be in court March 16.
Sheriff Ray said that on March 4 a deputy received a call about a reckless driver operating a maroon Ford F150. The officer spotted the vehicle on Nashville Highway in Dowelltown which had gone off the roadway and struck a curb. The deputy then turned around and stopped the vehicle. While speaking with the driver, Vestal the deputy noticed that he smelled of alcohol. Vestal submitted to but performed poorly on field sobriety tasks. The officer also learned that this vehicle had previously been involved in an accident in Wilson County.