Police Reports 12-18-23: alleged drunken driver arrested after running stop sign in front of cop

The same driver who was involved in a vehicle crash was arrested hours later for driving under the influence.

On Dec. 3, Tahlequah Police Officer Austin Hughart was driving on North Grand Avenue and Wheeler Street when he observed a Dodge truck fail to stop at a stop sign. The officer conducted a traffic stop and made contact with the driver, Trey West, who reportedly said he was “playing around” when he ran the stop sign. Hughart recognized West from an incident earlier that night wherein he was involved in a minor vehicle crash. The officer said West had an odor of alcohol on his breath and he was slurring his speech. Hughart said West didn’t have signs of intoxication earlier when he was investigating the crash. West denied consuming alcohol but was eventually arrested after a field sobriety test. Hughart said an open bottle of vodka and an open can of beer were found in the vehicle. West was booked on tribal charges for driving under the influence, transporting an open container of beer, transporting an open container of liquor, and failing to stop at a stop sign.

On Dec. 4, Officer David Trammell was called to Walmart after a suspected shoplifter fled the property in a black Tahoe. Officer Hughart observed the vehicle and conducted a traffic stop in the parking lot of Oak Hill. Justin Threkeld was told to exit the vehicle and transported to Walmart. Hughart searched the vehicle after he noticed a digital scale on top of a backpack in the backseat. He found a smoking pipe with a crystal residue and several straws with residue in the backpack, where Threkeld was seated. The other passenger of the vehicle said the backpack belonged to Threkeld. Walmart employees said the man had been trespassed from the property after he previously stole from the store. Threkeld was arrested and booked for petit larceny, trespassing, and possession of drug paraphernalia.  

Sgt. Lane Cobb was dispatched to Walmart Dec. 5 for an alleged shoplifter who appeared intoxicated. Employees said Cassion McClain failed to pay for grocery items and attempted to exit the store. McClain admitted to consuming vodka and smoking marijuana. He was transported to jail and booked for petit larceny and public intoxication.

On Dec. 7, Officer Bruce Gower was called to Holiday Inn Express due to a man who was reportedly harassing guests. A group of people were outside and appeared to be arguing with Roman Elizarde. He said he was asleep when he heard juveniles running down the hall. Elizarde said he confronted the juveniles and went to go speak with an adult who was responsible for the group when one of them pushed him. Gower said Elizarde appeared to be intoxicated. One of the juveniles said Elizarde intentionally bumped his shoulder and he pushed him back in response. Three witnesses backed what the juvenile said and added that Elizarde supposedly said he was a federal officer who worked for Veterans Affairs. Elizarde was arrested and booked for simple assault.

Officer Ohavyah Soto responded to Love’s Country Store Dec. 3 in reference to an unconscious man inside. Milo Pidgeon was found passed out in a booth and appeared intoxicated once Soto awoke him. The man claimed to have consumed alcohol and denied taking any narcotics. He refused to go with EMS personnel and was arrested. Soto found a bag of marijuana and a pipe in Pidgeon’s pant pocket. A baggie of a white crystal substance was also found while Soto was booking the man.