Elizabethton Faces Surge in Arrests Amid Alcohol-Related Incidents and Shoplifting

Elizabethton Experiences Spate of Arrests Over Recent Days

Elizabethton, a charming city known for its friendly atmosphere, has recently seen a series of incidents involving public intoxication, shoplifting, and even a dog bite case that has residents talking. Let’s dive into the details of what has been happening in our community over the past week!

Public Intoxication and Resistance

On November 17, officers were called to Broad Street where they encountered Edward Wayne Guinn. The man appeared to be intoxicated as he was allegedly begging for money outside El Charolais. Unfortunately, the situation escalated when Guinn resisted arrest and took off running west, only to be caught near Wendy’s. His charges include public intoxication, resisting arrest, and evading arrest. Guinn is set to appear in Carter County General Sessions Court on December 2.

Indecent Exposure and Disarray

Just a day before, on November 16, Grady Allen Hyatt was arrested for public indecency, disorderly conduct, and public intoxication after he was spotted urinating in an alley near Jiggy Ray’s. His actions were not only embarrassing for him but also surprising for bystanders. Hyatt is scheduled to appear in court on December 9.

Driving Under the Influence

Also on November 16, patrol officer Ryan Manuel apprehended Eduardo Martinez Morales after he ran into a light pole on Arlington Drive. Morales admitted to drinking and had a stash of empty beer bottles in his vehicle. He faced charges for DUI and driving without a license and will return to court at a later date.

Shoplifting Streak at Walmart

Walmart seems to have become a hotspot for shoplifting recently. On November 16, Brittney Russell was caught trying to steal three Nintendo Switch controllers worth $177. She confessed to the crime and received a citation, leading to a lifetime ban from all Walmart locations. Her court date is set for December 2.

Just a few days earlier, on November 12, another incident at Walmart involved Mindy Beth Waters, who was cited for attempting to steal over $159 worth of merchandise. Then on November 11, John Gene Whitson was nabbed for shoplifting items valued at $34.94, earning him a lifetime ban alongside his companion, Wendy Whitson.

A Canine Conflict

In a bizarre turn of events on November 15, two unleashed dogs attacked another dog along with its owner on Williams Avenue. This unfortunate run-in resulted in the dog’s owner sustaining bites to her hand, leading to the citation of the dogs’ owner, Kellie Shoun, for allowing her dogs to run free. The dogs are currently undergoing quarantine as a precaution.

More Cases of Public Intoxication

Adding to the litany of public intoxication cases, on November 14, Holly Raquel Butler was arrested after officers found her on Circle Drive, barefoot and shivering. She admitted to having consumed alcohol and couldn’t perform sobriety tests. Butler, like many others, is expected to appear in Carter County General Sessions Court on December 2.

Last but not least, on November 13, Michael A. Johns crashed his vehicle into Poor Trav’s Deli after having a seizure while driving. His license had already been suspended. Johns was cited for driving while suspended and failing to meet financial responsibility but is recovering from the incident.

These recent incidents remind residents that it’s crucial to stay mindful of their actions and surroundings. As always, the community is urged to look out for one another and to engage in safe practices while enjoying everything Elizabethton has to offer.