Sheriff's Reports 7-26-24: Suspected drunken driver nabbed on Highway 10

A suspected intoxicated driver was seen driving into oncoming traffic in front of deputies.

On July 13, Cherokee County Sheriff's Deputy Carl Smith was patrolling the area of State Highway 10 when he observed a vehicle cross the center line on a curve and then a second time with oncoming traffic. He pulled the vehicle over and made contact with the driver, Austin Harjo, who said he didn't have a driver's license. Smith could smell a strong odor of alcohol coming from the man and Harjo admitted to consuming a few drinks. Harjo was arrested after a field sobriety test and booked for into the Cherokee County Detention Center for driving under the influence.

On July 12, Deputy Joseph Burkett was dispatched to West 823 Road due to a man who was standing in the middle of the road. Dispatch advised the deputy that James Taylor was walking down the road and "acting crazy." Burkett made contact with the individual and asked if he was OK. Taylor allegedly responded to Burkett's question with, "Orange." Taylor claimed he smoked marijuana but denied taking anything else. Taylor was asked if he knew who the president was and he said, "24." Burkett transported Taylor to Northeastern Health System because he thought the man was having a psych episode. The deputy was informed that Taylor was essentially under the influence of a substance. Burkett told the man he was going to be arrested and asked him to stand up, but he claimed his legs didn't work. Taylor had to be placed in a wheelchair and taken to Burkett's patrol vehicle; however, he was able to walk into the jail on his own. Taylor was booked for public intoxication.

Sgt. Ryan Patton was called to reports of harassment June 29 after a man yelled and cursed at a woman. The woman said a shirtless man was standing near her property when he berated her. She spotted the man in a wooded area and Patton went to make contact with him. Thomas Mouse had a pit bull with him and pointed at Patton, saying to watch him and he was trespassing. Patton told the man to get his dog and the man said he wouldn't. Mouse continued to walk toward the deputy and was told to get on the ground, but he refused to comply. Patton drew his Taser and deployed it, striking Mouse. The Taser was not effective and Mouse continued to walk toward the deputy. Patton pulled out his baton and struck the man after he refused to comply. Mouse was arrested and booked for public intoxication and obstruction.

On June 29, Deputy Jimmy Tannehill was dispatched to Lake Region Road due to reports of a disturbance. A woman said she and Richard Jordan Boston got into a verbal argument when he allegedly threw an energy drink can at her face. She said Boston also smashed her phone on a sidewalk. Witnesses who were inside the residence said they heard a commotion and the victim was bleeding from Boston throwing the can at her. Boston claimed threw the liquid of the energy drink at her and she hit him with an object before he threw the actual can at her. Boston was arrested and booked for domestic assault and battery in the presence of a minor child and destruction of private property not to exceed $2,500.