Squad Car Is Burned

In the early morning hours of Thanksgiving Day, a Jasper County Patrol car was set on fire in a Newton County neighborhood off Hwy 36., according to a report from the Jasper County Sheriff’s Office (JCSO).

The neighborhood residents also experienced vehicle damage including tires punctured and cars’ paint scratched at about the same time of the fire. Jasper County deputies were detailed to watch the location around the clock, in the event that the act was against the deputy and his family, said the JCSO.

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On Monday morning, the Jasper County Crime Suppression Unit and Criminal Investigation Unit did a neighborhood canvas and interviewed multiple victims and witnesses throughout the day.

On Monday evening, the case was broken and two juvenile males were found to be the perpetrators, the JCSO said. Their names cannot be released due to their age but they face multiple charges and multiple counts ranging from criminal trespass to arson.

The replacement cost of the patrol car is in excess of $40,000 and there was several thousands of dollars in damages to other vehicles. We would like to thank all of the neighbors for their assistance and support through the investigation.

Sheriff Donnie Pope added, “It is a sad day when anyone, especially teenagers, are brazen enough to burn a marked patrol unit. We are grateful that the situation was not worse based off of the fact that the vehicle was parked within a few feet of the deputy’s house. Had our deputy not been awakened by an explosion as the vehicle became engulfed, he and his family could have been injured or killed. I am very proud of all the efforts put forth by our entire staff to bring the perpetrators to justice.”

In another incident over the long holiday weekend, on Wednesday, Nov. 25, deputies responded to 245 Woodland Court in reference to a person being shot. Upon arrival they found that a juvenile male had been shot in the leg, at the residence, with a shotgun.

After conducting their investigation, they determined that an argument had taken place and that the juvenile and the shooter, Christian Boland, 17 of Monticello, were struggling over the weapon when the weapon was fired.

The victim was transported by helicopter to Atlanta and unfortunately lost his leg from the incident. The family is seeking financial help for the youth’s treatment and expenses associated with his recovery.

Christian Alexander Boland was arrested for aggravated battery after the investigation was completed.

In other incidents, the JCSO is investigating the report of a stolen Ford Ranger from an address in Hillsboro. A burglary was also reported in Turtle Cove where electronics and a firearm were taken, along with ammunition. In another theft, on Landers Way, a camper was reported stolen.

A report of entering auto was generated when a handgun was allegedly taken from a vehicle on Blanche Street in the city. Also in Monticello, there was a report of a stolen license plate from a vehicle on Smith Street.

Those arrested since last Monday, Nov. 21, include:

•Taurus Javon Jefferies, 38, Monticello—hold for warrant in Rockdale Co.

•Vance Obrian Coleman, 41, Hillsboro—disorderly conduct.

•Rodney Sidney Jackson, 42, Social Circle—speeding and driving while license suspended or revoked.

•Jason Wayne Hyde, 34, Newborn—Jasper County Superior Court bench warrant.

•Thakedus Kavar Simmons, 37, Monroe—probation violation.

•Darnell Dontae Pennamon, 18, Monticello—probation violation.

•Marquel Cordel Braswell, 26, Reynolds—probation violation.

•Bart Wesley Ray, 32, Covington—fleeing/ eluding a law enforcement officer, obstruction of an officer, reckless driving and driving while license suspended or revoked.

•Virgilio Gaytan Hernandez, 44, Monticello—failure to maintain lane and driving without a valid license.

•Kaila Marie Palencia, 30, Covington — giving false name, address, or birthdate to law enforcement officers.

•Samuel Joseph Garrett, 23, Hampton—child molestation and aggravated child molestation.

•Lashonda Monique Burke, 32, Covington—obstruction of a law enforcement officer and battery.

•Telly Fedinandro Banks, 40, Lithonia—probation violation.

•Kevin Ernest Torrance, 54, Whitestown, In.—driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, drug related objects, failure to maintain lane and possession of marijuana less than an ounce.

•Kevin Chad Phillip Cope, Jr., 26, Covington—possession of marijuana less than an ounce.

•Jamie Michael Finch, 51, Monticello—battery.

•Darren James Kippes, 50, Newborn—habitual violator and failure to maintain lane.