February 7, 2023
By: Dwayne Page
A man caught driving a stolen truck after a law enforcement pursuit last week will be in court next week on several charges.
23-year-old Jesse Glenn Ferrell of Walker Drive, Smithville is under a $56,000 bond on charges of evading arrest by a motor vehicle, tampering with evidence, reckless endangerment, and driving on a revoked license. He was further cited for possession of a Schedule VI drug (Marijuana) and possession of drug paraphernalia. His court date is February 16.
Sheriff Patrick Ray said that on January 30 a deputy spotted a 1994 Chevrolet Silverado driven by Ferrell that he knew had been reported stolen from a local car dealer. As the deputy activated his blue lights and sirens, Ferrell sped up trying to evade arrest and at times crossed over onto the wrong side of the road at a high rate of speed almost hitting oncoming vehicles. During the pursuit, which began on Short Mountain Road in DeKalb County and ended in Cannon County, the officer observed Ferrell throwing things out of the truck window. The deputy later recovered those items which included two plastic containers with a white residue believed to be narcotics. After taking Ferrell into custody, officers learned that his driver license was revoked due to a May 2020 DUI in Alabama. Ferrell was also found to be in possession of 0.37 grams of a green leafy substance believed to be marijuana and a marijuana grinder.
A man who tried to avoid being arrested by hiding in a neighbor’s boat under a tarpaulin has a date with the judge.
36 year old Kenny Waymon Dyal of Floyd Drive, Smithville is charged with evading arrest. His bond is $6,000 and he will be in court February 9.
Sheriff Ray said that on January 25 as a deputy was trying to serve a warrant on him, Dyal came out of his home and ran to a neighbor’s residence, although he was repeatedly warned by the officer to stop. Dyal tried to evade arrest by hiding in a boat under a tarpaulin.
35 year old Joshua Lynne Batey of Parkway Drive, Smithville is charged with sale and delivery of a schedule VI drug (marijuana). His bond is $7,500 and he will make a court appearance February 16.
Sheriff Ray said that on January 25 detectives went to Batey’s home to assist others with a probation search of Batey. Inside the bathroom of the master bedroom, the detectives found two clear jars containing five baggies of a green leafy substance believed to be marijuana which weighed a total of 4.65 ounces along with a marijuana grinder which was in the bathroom.
49 year old David Stewart Harris of Possum Hollow Road, Dowelltown is charged with burglary and theft of property. His bond totals $6,500 and he will be in court February 9.
Sheriff Ray said that on January 19 Harris broke into a storage unit on Nashville Highway and stole two air conditioners and several children toys with a total value of $770. Harris later turned in the stolen items to law enforcement officers.
54-year-old William Andy Cantrell of Adcock Cemetery Road is charged with driving on a revoked/suspended license. He was further cited for simple possession of schedule II (methamphetamine) & VI (marijuana) drugs. His bond is $3,500 and he will make a court appearance on February 16. Sheriff Ray said that on January 31 a deputy spotted Cantrell operating a motor vehicle. Knowing Cantrell’s license were revoked the officer stopped him and confirmed his record of the offense through central dispatch and the National Crime Information Center. Cantrell also gave the deputy consent to search the vehicle and found were 0.47 grams of a crystal-like substance in a pill bottle along with 7.04 grams of a green leafy substance.
Cantrell was arrested again three days later on February 3 for driving on a revoked license. His bond on that charge is $5,000 and he will be in court February 16. Sheriff Ray said that a deputy was traveling on Jacobs Pillar Road when he saw Cantrell driving a gray Ford vehicle. Knowing that Cantrell’s license were revoked the officer stopped him and confirmed through central dispatch and the National Crime Information Center that his license was revoked.
41-year-old Tommy Jerome Bates of Foster Road, Smithville is charged with misuse of the 911 phone system and resisting arrest. His bond totals $6,000 and he will make a court appearance February 9.
Sheriff Ray said that Bates called central dispatch by dialing 911 on January 30 to report that he had a problem, but he actually did not have an emergency. Bates continued to call 911 up to seven times even after being warned that he could be charged criminally for the offense if it continued. While trying to serve the warrant, officers entered Bates’ home and ordered him to put his hands behind his back. When he resisted, Bates was forcibly handcuffed and placed in custody.
40-year-old Carlos Edward Stiff of Nashville Highway, Dowelltown is charged with a 2nd offense of driving under the influence. His bond is $6,000 and he will make a court appearance February 16.
Sheriff Ray said that on February 5 a deputy was summoned to the Dollar General Store on Cookeville Highway where a man was passed out in a vehicle. Upon arrival the officer found the man, Stiff passed out in the driver’s seat. After he was awakened, Stiff was asked to submit to field sobriety tasks. He complied but performed poorly. Stiff, who was convicted of a 2022 DUI in Putman County, smelled of alcohol and was unaware of his whereabouts.