Police Reports 11-15-23: simple traffic violation lands driver in jail

A defective headlight caught the attention off officers and led to the arrest of a wanted man.

On Nov. 2, Tahlequah Police Officer Bruce Gower was patrolling the area of North Grand Avenue when he observed a defective headlight to a Cadillac SRX. Gower conducted a traffic stop and recognized the driver as Jeremiah Sallee. The man said he didn’t have his driver’s license with him. Gower noticed an opened can of beer in the center console. The officer discovered that Sallee had several warrants and dispatch confirmed that information. Gower informed Sallee that he was going to be arrested for driving under suspension and the warrants, however; Sallee told the officer that he was wrong and his name was Justin. Gower compared a mugshot of Sallee to the driver, which matched a neck tattoo. The passenger in the vehicle also said the driver was Sallee. The vehicle was released to the passenger as Sallee was booked into jail for driving under suspension, transporting an open container, and obstructing an officer.

Lt. Matt Frits was dispatched to Walmart Nov. 3 to investigate a shoplifting incident. Employees said Veronica Westbrook failed to pay $230 in merchandise. Frits was patting the woman down when he observed a pill bottle in her purse. Westbrook claimed that the medication belonged to a family member. Westbrook was arrested for petit larceny and possession of a controlled dangerous substance without a valid prescription.

On Oct. 28, Officer Ohavyah Soto responded to Sam and Ella’s due to a disturbance that involved an intoxicated man. Dispatch advised that the caller said William Barnett was intoxicated and his keys were taken to prevent him from leaving. Soto arrived to find the man sitting in the driver’s seat of a running Toyota. Barnett was told to turn the vehicle off and to take the keys out of the ignition, which he complied. The woman who called police said Barnett was under the influence of Kratom and possibly narcotic pills. Barnett admitted to consuming Kratom, two mixed alcoholic drinks, and smoked a hemp vape pen. Barnett was arrested after a field sobriety test and booked for actual physical control and possession of marijuana.

Lt. Elden Graves was dispatched to X-Press Stop Oct. 30 because of an alleged assault between two men. The victim said Clinton Wildcat reportedly made death threats, grabbed his throat, and hit him. A witness said Wildcat was talking about killing people and refused to leave. Graves made contact with the man on Willis Road. Wildcat was arrested for simple assault and transported to jail.

On Oct. 28, Sgt. Robbie Bacon was called to Sonic on Cherokee Springs Road for a reported suspicious woman who was trying to enter the business. Felicia Chippewa was detained by the time Bacon arrived. Employees said the woman was standing in the middle of the entrance of the business. Another employee said Chippewa tried opening the back door. Chippewa was transported to jail where Bacon found marijuana and a crystal-like substance on her property. She was booked for disturbing the peace, possession of marijuana, and possession of a controlled dangerous substance.

Officer Caleb Murray responded to Walmart Nov. 1 in reference to a shoplifting incident. Employees said Cesar Mendoza concealed merchandise and failed to pay for the items. Two smoking pipes were found on the man’s person as he was arrested. Mendoza was transported to jail and booked for petit larceny and possession of paraphernalia.