Oconee Blotter: Macon man's driving reported frightened motorists from Bishop to Watkinsville

Yahoo

18-03-2025

The Oconee County Sheriff's Office reported the following incidents:
DARK TINT: On March 3, Deputy Gregory Harrison was patrolling on Georgia Highway 316 near Statham when he spotted a Lexus with its windows tinted dark to an illegal point. After a traffic stop, he determined the 20-year-old Loganville man also had a suspended license. He was taken to jail.
SHOPLIFTER SPOTTED: On March 3, Deputy M. Watson was dispatched to Walmart, where a loss prevention officer watched as a 33-year-old Athens man was skip scanning merchandise including lemons, mints, short ribs, avocadoes and steak. When the deputy questioned the man, he became emotional, but was taken to jail.
SUSPENDED LICENSE: On March 3, Deputy Annessa Blair was patrolling on Mars Hill Road near Watkinsville when she clocked a Ford F-150 going 62 mph in a 45-mph zone. The 28-year-old Barrow County man explained he didn't have his license on him, but did have a copy on his phone. However, a check showed the man's license was suspended, something he claimed to not know. He was taken to jail.
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GUNS MISSING: On March 4, Deputy Gregory Harrison answered three calls where people reported someone had entered their vehicles during the night. A Chrysler was entered on Lavista Road and a wallet, $50 cash, $100 gift card and makeup bag were stolen. A Ford pickup was entered on Allgood Road and a Colt 2000 9mm pistol stolen and on Spartan Estates a GMC Sierra was entered and a Ruger 9mm pistol stolen. The deputy reported he notified his chain of command about the thefts.
PLAN FOILED: On March 3, Deputy Mark Watson was dispatched to Walmart, where a man entered the store with a plan to shoplift. He took a barcode showing a value of $2.68 and used it to purchase an ice maker valued at $249. The man then left in a gray 2017 Nissan Maxima. Using the license plate, the suspect was identified as a 50-year-old Winder resident. A warrant will be obtained for his arrest.
DUI CHARGED: On March 7 and 8, deputies responded to numerous 911 calls along U.S. Highway 441 and other roads from Watkinsville to Bishop. The calls all involved a gray Ford F-150 vehicle that was seen by other motorists traveling in a reckless and dangerous manner. A woman reported she saw the pickup swerving along the road behind her and she was afraid it was following her so she didn't stop at her home near Lavista Road. Another caller reported a reckless driver in a pickup in the Bishop area whose actions made him fear for his life. Sgt. Lex Ogan responded to a call in Stonebridge subdivision near Watkinsville, where the pickup was seen traveling at a high rate of speed. A teenage girl believed the man was following her. Ogan spotted the pickup backing up over a curb, so he made a traffic stop. The 27-year-old Macon man explained he had a 'misdirection.' He said he left a political fundraiser, however, he had no idea how he ended up in the subdivision. He denied following the girl, and although he denied drinking, he smelled of alcohol and his eyes were bloodshot and speech slurred. The pickup, owned by Farm Bureau company, was towed. The man refused any roadside sobriety tests and refused a blood alcohol test. Ogan also interviewed a Stonebridge woman walking her dog who said the pickup was traveling at a high speed and another resident, who said she drove off the road and into a yard to avoid a wreck. The man was jailed for DUI, reckless driving and having an open container of alcohol.
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RESTROOM PROBLEM: On March 6, Deputy Boris Argueta was dispatched to the Racetrac on Highway 441 in Watkinsville, after an employee reported a man was inside the restroom causing problems for customers. The clerk explained customers were complaining about the man's behavior. The deputy entered the restroom and saw the man inside a stall. The man identified himself and the officer determined the man was wanted in Clarke County on a warrant. As he was escorted to the patrol unit, the 57-year-old Jonesboro man voiced his displeasure. The man then admitted, 'I'll be honest with you man. I got a bowl on me.' The deputy located a glass pipe with a piece of methamphetamine. He was charged with possession of the drug.
NOT MUCH: On March 7, Deputy Annessa Glenn was patrolling on Hog Mountain Road, when she observed a Chevrolet Silverado traveling on the fog line and crossing the center line. After a traffic stop, she observed a 54-year-old Bogart man with bloodshot and watery eyes. He also smelled of alcohol. She asked how much he had to drink, and he replied, 'Not much.' He was charged with DUI. A Benelli 12-gauge shotgun was found in the passenger seat.
This article originally appeared on Athens Banner-Herald: Oconee Blotter: Thieves remove guns from Watkinsville area vehicles