August 20, 2024
By: Dwayne Page
Smithville Police recently arrested a Sparta woman after finding her intoxicated with a weapon and methamphetamine.
32-year-old Hope Leigh Hicks is charged with driving under the influence, possession of a handgun while under the influence, violation of bond conditions, and possession of methamphetamine with intent to manufacture, sell, or deliver. Her bond is $21,500.
Chief Mark Collins said that on July 31 police were summoned to South College Street where a woman was reported to be slumped over the wheel of a vehicle with the motor running. Upon arrival the officer awoke the woman, Hicks and got her out of the vehicle. She was unsteady on her feet. Hicks’ speech was slurred, and her eyes were red and watery. She consented to but performed poorly on field sobriety tasks. A small bag of a crystal-like substance was found in the vehicle along with a loaded nine-millimeter handgun. Police learned that Hicks was under bond conditions from an aggravated assault case preventing her from having possession of a firearm. She was placed in custody and a blood sample was taken from her.
30-year-old Alexis Nandez of Smithville is charged with a second offense of driving under the influence, simple possession of a schedule VI drug, possession of drug paraphernalia, evading arrest, resisting arrest, and he was cited for driving on a revoked license, financial responsibility, and driving on roadways laned for traffic.
Chief Collins said that on August 4 police tried to pull over a vehicle on East Broad Street for failure to maintain its lane of travel, but the driver refused to stop. The automobile continued on East Broad then turned onto Smith Road and into a driveway before driving through a yard and coming to a stop. Several times, officers ordered the driver, Nandez to get out of the vehicle but he refused. They had to physically remove him from the automobile. Nandez smelled of alcohol and his speech was slurred. Nandez admitted to having consumed alcohol earlier. During a search of the vehicle, police found a pipe along with a green leafy substance believed to be marijuana. His bond was set at $18,500 and he will be in court August 22.
37-year-old William Dillon Weaver of Woodbury is charged with driving under the influence, and he was cited for violation of a traffic control device.
Chief Collins said that on August 4 an officer pulled over a vehicle for failing to stop for the red light at the intersection of Broad Street and Congress Boulevard. Upon arrival, the officer spoke with the driver, Weaver who smelled of alcohol. His speech was slurred and his eyes watery. Weaver said he had just left Turtle’s Bar where he had consumed several beers. Weaver submitted to but performed poorly on all field sobriety tasks. Weaver was then placed in custody and a search warrant was obtained for a sample of his blood. Bond was set at $2,500 and his court date is August 22.
45-year-old Melinda Myers of Smithville is charged with public intoxication. Chief Collins said that on August 6 police were dispatched to Fall Creek Drive where a woman was reported to be engaging in threatening behavior toward her neighbors. Upon arrival, officers found Myers in the road yelling and cussing at others. Myers continued acting in an aggressive and irate manor even as officers tried to speak with her and she smelled of alcohol. Her bond is $1,500 and she will make a court appearance August 22.
54-year-old Myrna Michelle Byars of McMinnville is charged with public intoxication, simple possession of a schedule IV drug and possession of a schedule V drug with intent to manufacture, sell, or deliver.
Chief Collins said that on August 10 officers were summoned to the emergency room of the hospital where a woman was reported to be acting erratically. Upon arrival, police found her in the parking lot by her vehicle with all its doors open. She said snakes were in her vehicle. Although the officers assisted her in looking, no snakes were found. Byars appeared to be intoxicated. During a search of her and the automobile, police found several prescription pills in baggies, unmarked prescription bottles, and wrappers. Byars was placed under arrest. Her bond was set at $12,000 and she will be in court August 22.
36-year-old Dameria White of Smithville is charged with domestic assault. Chief Collins said that on August 14, officers were dispatched to Windham Street due to a domestic complaint. Upon arrival they spoke with the victim and found evidence of an assault. White was determined to be the primary aggressor. Bond was set at $3,500 and the court date is August 27.