HCSO: 2 Arrested For THC Possession Following 2 Separate Traffic Stops
An 18-year-old Saltillo woman and 26-year-old Alabama man were reportedly arrested for THC possession following two unrelated traffic stops by sheriff’s officers Wednesday night.
Hopkins County Sheriff’s Investigator Wade Sheets arrested Felicia Renee Valenzuela of Saltillo at 9:29 p.m. Aug. 28 on Houston Street at League Street for possession of 4 grams or more but less than 400 grams of a Penalty Group 2 controlled substance.
Valenzuela was reportedly a passenger in a Mitsubishi Lance Sheets stopped for a traffic violation. On contact with the vehicle’s occupants, Sheets reported an “overwhelming odor of marijuana” emitted from the vehicle. Valenzuela allegedly admitted to being in possession of THC gummies. A search of the vehicle revealed the woman to also be in possession of a vaping device containing a THC cartridge, Sheets alleged in arrest reports.
When Valenzuela was placed into custody, she admitted to being in possession of two pre-rolled blunts. Sheriff’s deputies transported the woman to jail for THC possession; the vehicle and other occupants were released. The packaged THC gummies and cartridge weighed 22.8 grams, Sheets alleged in arrest reports.
Valenzuela remained in Hopkins County jail Thursday morning, Aug. 29. Bond was set at $20,000 on the controlled substance charge, according to jail reports.
At 11:22 p.m., Deputy Thomas Patterson arrested 26-year-old Matthew Darren Walter Sims of Hamilton, Alabama on Interstate 30 west at mile marker 124 for possession of 4 grams or more but less than 400 grams of a Penalty Group 2 controlled substance.
Patterson reported stopping Sim at 10:48 p.m. after noticing the license plate lights on the Pontiac Grand Prix he was in weren’t working. During the course of the stop, Patterson asked and was refused permission to search the car.
The deputy deployed his narcotic detection canine for an open air sniff around the exterior of the car. The dog alerted at the passenger’s side door to the odor of an illegal narcotic substance, Patterson alleged.
A search of the car allegedly revealed a clear vape pen canister with suspected THC oil inside of it. Sims was taken to jail for controlled substance possession. The container, seized as evidence, field tested positive for tetrahydocannabinol (THC) and weighed, including packaging, of 9.2 grams, Patterson alleged in arrest reports.
Sims remained in the county jail Thursday morning, Aug. 29. Bond was set at $20,000 on the controlled substance charge, according to jail reports.
Sulphur Springs Man Reportedly Found Walking Down Road Naked
A 63-year-old man was reportedly found walking down North Jackson Street naked Wednesday afternoon.
The complaint of the naked man in the street was called in to police dispatchers around 4:10 p.m. Aug. 28. When officers arrived, they reported finding a man sans pants in the 1000 block of North Jackson Street. The man was reportedly walking toward a residence. He was reportedly instructed to put a pair of pants on, which he did, according to police reports.
While talking to the man, the patrol officer noted the 63-year-old to be unsteady on his feet to the point he was swaying when he stood. Police alleged the Sulphur Springs man to also have bloodshot eyes and heavy, slurred speech when he talked. A strong odor was also detected on him and his breath, arrest reports alleged. Thus, the man was taken to jail for public intoxication,
Police Identify Sulphur Springs Man Accused of Leading Pursuit In Vehicle Of Woman He Assaulted
Sulphur Springs Police have identified the man accused of assaulting a woman, taking her car, engaging in a vehicle then foot pursuit with police Wednesday afternoon as 47-year-old Terence Ramon Beachem of Sulphur Springs.
Beachem was arrested at 1:41 p.m. Aug. 28 on Helm Lane at Kadi Lane by Sulphur Springs Police Sgt. Jameison Hawkins and Sgt. Brandon Mayes for burglary of a habitation with intent to commit another felony, evading arrest or detention with a vehicle and unauthorized use of a motor vehicle, according to police reports.
Police were reportedly dispatched during the noon hour to the 300 block of West Park Street just, where someone was reportedly heard screaming for help in a residence, the officers alleged in arrest reports. Initial police reports were that a loud noise that sounded like a gunshot was also reported.
While en route, officers received information that the suspect, Beachem, had assaulted the homeowner, then stole her vehicle, a maroon Toyota Camry.
Officer Hawkins reportedly spotted the car and attempted to stop it at the E-Z Mart store on Helm Lane at East Shannon Road. Beachem allegedly took off in the woman’s car when the officers turned on the lights on his patrol vehicle. Beachem allegedly wrecked the car in the nearby Quail Ridge Apartments parking lot and fled on foot.
After a search, Beachem was located and taken into custody. Police Wednesday reported he had forced entry into the residence where he was found.
Instead of being taken directly to jail, Beachem was reportedly transported to the hospital to have medical treatment for injuries that occurred during the West Park Street disturbance.
Police alleged the man had assaulted the West Park Street homeowner. He allegedly kicked in the back door of her residence, and choked her and punched her in the face and head area multiple times with a closed fist, Hawkins and Mayes alleged in arrest reports.
Beachem was allegedly injured during the physical altercation, leaving DNA evidence at the West Park Street residence before taking off in the woman’s car, a police detective reported Wednesday.
Once released from the hospital, Beachem was jailed on all three felony charges. He remained in the county jail Thursday morning. Bond was set at $100,000 on the first-degree felony burglary with intent to commit another felony charge, $50,000 on the third-degree felony evading arrest charge and $25,000 on the felony unauthorized use of a motor vehicle charge, according to jail reports.
The arrest marks the third time Beachem has been arrested and jailed locally this summer, and fifth time since July of 2018. He was arrested for public intoxication on Aug. 18, and PI and possession of drug paraphernalia on Aug. 24, 2019, according to jail reports.
Beachem was arrested on July 5, 2018, for public intoxication and criminal mischief; and on Aug. 12, 2018, for aggravated assault of a date, family or household member with a deadly weapon, criminal mischief, evading arrest or detention, and violation of parole.
The August 2018 charges stem from an incident in which Beachem allegedly rammed the car his girlfriend’s son was driving downtown, then lost control of his vehicle and left Main Street, causing a large amount of damage to Celebration Plaza, officers alleged in Beachem’s 2018 arrest reports.
Jail records show Beachem has an extensive criminal history dating back to 1989 that includes prior burglary, unauthorized use of a vehicle and assault arrests.
Weatherford: Como Man In Custody On Controlled Substance Charge Confesses To Building Burglaries
Sheriff’s Officers Recover $10,400 Worth Of Lawn Maintenance Equipment
A 38-year-old Como man arrested Tuesday afternoon at his County Road 2329 residence for methamphetamine possession allegedly confessed to two building burglaries.
Shawn Wayne Austin had been identified as a possible suspect in a burglary, so deputies went to his residence about 2 p.m. Tuesday for further investigation into the matter. Austin allegedly allowed the deputies permission to search his room; they found a glass pipe containing suspected methamphetamine in an eyeglass case, the deputies noted in arrest reports. Thus, Austin was taken into custody at 3:40 p.m. Aug. 27 by Hopkins County Sheriff’s Sgt. Michael Russell for possession of less than 1 gram of a Penalty Group 1 controlled substance.
A search warrant was issued for Austin’s phone; Internet searches matching the stolen property was located (as if he was getting a value on the items). During the investigation we also discovered that he attempted to sell an ‘Orange’ zero turn mower to a family member, which also matched the stolen property,” HCSO Chief Investigator Corley Weatherford alleged in arrest reports.
Weatherford interviewed Austin regarding the Aug. 22 burglary at a County Road 2329 location, as well as another building burglary. Austin allegedly confessed to committing both building burglaries, resulting in his arrest on two burglary of a building charges Wednesday evening.
Approximately $10,400 worth of stolen lawn maintenance equipment was located, recovered and returned to the property owner, according to arrest and sheriff’s reports.
Austin remained in the county jail Thursday morning on all three charges, according to arrest reports.
Chamber Connection For Aug. 29, 2019
By Lezley Brown, President/CEO of Hopkins County Chamber of Commerce
The 50th Anniversary of Stew Contest will be here before we know it! Cooks have begun reserving their spots, and it’s going to be quite a celebration. Just so you know, cook letters and entry forms have been mailed out. Your letter, if you cooked last year, should have arrived in the mail. However, if you need them, all forms are on our website at www.hopkinschamber.org, and we have them at the Chamber. So, all of you cooks who have gone into retirement, I have a spot for you! I’d love for you to cook one more time in this 50th anniversary! Sept. 13, is the last day to enter and keep your stew site from 2018. All unreserved sites will be open to new cooks on Monday, Sept. 16, at 8 a.m.
We are also looking for judges for the Stew Contest. If you are interested in judging, please give us a call here at the Chamber, (903) 885-6515. This would be a great year to judge!
The Chamber is excited to announce our vendor call for the Stew Fest Market! The Chamber is currently accepting vendors for the Stew Fest Market, which will be located on the south side of Buford Park during Friday night and Saturday Stew Contest activities. This is a great opportunity to sell goods or to promote your business to 7,000 people who attend the Stew Contest annually. Vendors may rent booth space to sell goods or distribute information about their business. Booths will be assigned on a first-paid basis. Access to electricity is not guaranteed. Generators are permitted. Desserts may be sold, but no other food or drinks may be distributed. Vendors who are interested in purchasing booth space, call the Chamber of Commerce at (903) 885-6515.
Dixon & Dixon Insurance Ribbon Cutting
Dixon & Dixon Insurance is under new ownership and has scheduled a ribbon cutting celebration. It will be held on Wednesday, Sept. 4, at noon. Please make plans to join us at 322 Gilmer St. in Sulphur Springs.
Accents and Accessories has scheduled their ribbon cutting
Accents and Accessories, located at 8857 North FM 17 in Yantis, has scheduled their ribbon cutting celebration on Friday, Sept. 6, at noon. Please make plans to welcome this new business to the area.
Big Smith’s is celebrating the BIG 30!
Big Smith’s BBQ and Catfish is hosting a Business After Hours to celebrate 30 years of operation in Hopkins County! This anniversary celebration is scheduled for Tuesday, Sept. 10, from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. Grab your friends and co-workers and head out to this big celebration!
Magic Scoop Is Growing
Magic Scoop is excited to host a ribbon cutting celebration for their new drive-through location on Thursday, September 12th at 4 p.m. The drive-through is located 1401 South Broadway. Come join us to check out the second location for Magic Scoop!
Celebration Antiques Is Hosting a Ribbon Cutting Celebration
Celebration Antiques, located at 800 Jefferson St. in Sulphur Springs, is hosting a ribbon cutting celebration on Friday, Sept. 13, at noon. Please make plans to attend!
Hopkins County Republican Party Hosts Old Time Political Rally
The Hopkins County Republican Party is hosting an Old Time Political Rally on Saturday, Sept. 14, at the Hopkins County Regional Civic Center in Sulphur Springs at 6 p.m. Make plans to enjoy hot dogs, popcorn, cotton candy, homemade ice cream and speakers galore! Tickets are $5 per person, or $10 for a family of five. Tickets need to be purchased in advanced. For more information visit www.hopkinscountygop.org.
Ribbon Cutting For Happily Ever After And 4-J’s Body Shop
Happily Ever After and 4-J’s Body Shop are hosting a double ribbon cutting celebration on Thursday, Sept. 19, at noon. They are located 4411 State Highway 19 north in Sulphur Springs. Please make plans to join us!
Lone Star Heritage Quilt Guild Hosting Their Annual Quilt Show
The Lone Star Heritage Quilt Guild is hosting their annual quilt show on Friday, Sept. 20 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Saturday, Sept. 21, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. The show will be held at The ROC which is located at 115 Putnam St. in Sulphur Springs. Quilt show admission is $5, and children under 12 are admitted for free.
In addition, raffle tickets are available at $1 per ticket or six for $5 for the 2019 Raffle Quilt called “Tessalla.” For more information, visit www.SulphurSpringsTxQuilts.com.
Brick Street Vintage Market is scheduled for Saturday, Sept. 21, from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.
The Downtown Business Alliance is sponsoring a Brick Street Vintage Market on Saturday, Sept. 15, from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. It will be located downtown on Connally and Gilmer streets. Many local and out of town vendors and businesses will be here participating as wineries, galleries, antiques, fashion boutiques, homemade ice cream, kitchen items, restaurants, and even more. You don’t want to miss this!
Senator Bob Hall to host Town Hall
Senator Bob Hall will be hosting an 86th Legislative Session Town Hall on Saturday, Sept. 21, at 2 p.m. The Town Hall meeting will be located at the Hopkins County Courthouse.
Police Chase Man Driving A Vehicle He Allegedly Stole Following An Altercation
A Hopkins County man allegedly forced his way into two residences, engaged in a physical altercation, and lead police on a vehicle and foot pursuit Wednesday afternoon before being apprehended. He was transported to the hospital for an injury allegedly sustained during the physical altercation, according to police.
Sulphur Springs police dispatchers reportedly received a report of what sounded like a gunshot being fired at a West Park Street residence early Wednesday afternoon.
“The victim’s estranged boyfriend forced entry to the residence and the victim was assaulted. During the commission of the assault, the defendant was injured. DNA evidence was left at the scene,” a Sulphur Springs police detective said Wednesday afternoon.
Neither person involved was believed to have sustained life-threatening injuries during the altercation, according to police.
The estranged boyfriend, identified by police only as a Hopkins County man who had yet to be formally charged with any offenses Wednesday afternoon, allegedly took the victim’s vehicle without permission. Police reportedly spotted the vehicle and a short vehicle pursuit ensued, ending when the vehicle crashed in the Helm Lane area. The Hopkins County man then allegedly fled on foot, police investigators said.
The Hopkins County man then was accused of forcing entry to a residence, where he was reportedly apprehended a short time later. The man was taken to the hospital for treatment of the injury he reportedly sustained during the West Park Street altercation, according to police.
Police were still investigating. However, the police detective said, based on the information police had gleaned so far, the Hopkins County man likely will face felony charges for burglary of a habitation, evading arrest or detention with a vehicle and unauthorized use of a vehicle.
Coach Owens Has Media Gathering Wednesday With Season Opener Friday Night at The Prim
Wildcats Football Coach Greg Owens is still a believer in the benefits of spring football but that doesn’t mean he is any less anxious two days away from his team’s season opener against Frisco Wakeland Friday night at 7:30 p.m. at Gerald Prim Stadium. Coach Owens says spring football has allowed Wildcats’ coaches to know what their players are like and how they fit on the depth chart. Still this week Coach Owens says he feels rushed after only one scrimmage that left a lot of things to clean up. He adds Frisco Wakeland is in the same boat. Coach Owens admits he doesn’t know a lot about Wakeland. He says he is more concerned about his team that needs to figure out how to eliminate mistakes and be more fundamentally sound. One advantage is that the two teams played last year. Coach Owens says Wakeland has a tall quarterback who played last year (Dylan Laible, a senior). He says they also have a deceptively fast receiver (Kevin Rychel, a senior who also played last year). He says they also have a running back who runs hard. The Wolverines head coach is Marty Secord, in his fourteenth year (he’s the only head coach Wakeland had ever had). Coach Owens says Coach Secord’s teams are well coached and fundamentally sound. Coach Owens remembers last year Wakeland constantly sent an extra rusher at the Wildcats. He also remembers the Wildcats made a lot of mistakes last year. Coach Owens says with a new quarterback and so many new faces, Wildcats’ coaches will have to keep the Wildcats calm and settled down. He says he liked the Wildcats composure at last Thursday’s scrimmage. He says he is pleased with the progress the Wildcats have made and he says they are striving to get better every day. Coach Owens says the Wildcats have had to deal with hot weather this week. He really liked Tuesday’s practice when the Wildcats number one units on offense and defense got after it against each other. With just 40 players on the varsity, Coach Owens says they have to be careful about injuries. Many players are going both ways. He mentions several players who have many roles: Chase Haney for example is a receiver, safety and a punt returner. He also mentions Bryant Sanchez, Noe Ponce, Kylan Wade and Aidan Walker. Coach Owens says he hopes the offensive line can be special this season. He says he is counting on them. He says they will hit you. Coach Owens also likes the play of the defense so far. He says they fly around and he adds he mostly liked how they responded at Liberty-Eylau last week. He likes his inside linebacker duo of George Greenway and Ryan Carrillo and outside linebacker Kylan Wade. Coach Owens feels defensive lineman Cameron Kaufert is the best of the group but he also likes D’Andre Peoples, who he says is a good field leader and a hard worker. Last year the Wildcats came away with a two point win. That may be the kind of game we see Friday night.
Lady Cats Volleyball Coach is Happy Team Bounced Back Tuesday From Tournament Losses
Lady Cats Volleyball Coach Bailey Dorner said her team won a back and forth match Tuesday (August 27) at Paris, 3-2. She said the Lady Cats battled and fought and Paris battled and fought. Coach Dorner said she was happy the Lady Cats pulled the win out. She said it was good to see the Lady Cats bounce back Tuesday after a couple of tough losses at the end of an Edgewood tournament on Saturday. Coach Dorner said Brooklyn Burnside had about 50% kills from her attempts. She said Sadie Washburn totaled more than 20 kills against Paris. Coach Dorner also said the Lady Cats passed the ball well. She said having Burnside inside and Washburn outside makes the Lady Cats harder to defend. Coach Dorner said the Lady Cats have had a long August playing 23 matches since August 6. The next match for the Lady Cats will be their first one at home. Next Tuesday the Lady Cats play Wills Point in the main gym at Sulphur Springs High School. Coach Dorner also said that for the September 10 home match against Emory Rains, fans can bring can goods in lieu of paying admission. The can goods will be donated to the local food bank.
Investigators Recover Property Taken In Weekend Burglary, Other Theft
Hopkins County sheriff’s investigators Wednesday afternoon were in the process of inventorying several chainsaws, a leaf blower, Zero-Turn mower and weed eaters reportedly stolen during a weekend burglary and at least one other theft in Hopkins County, according to sheriff’s reports.
The mower and weed-eater were reported to have been taken during a burglary at a Como residence over the weekend. Chainsaws and a leaf blower were discovered to have also been taken from another location in Hopkins County. Other items recovered Wednesday were believed to have also been stolen, according to sheriff’s reports.
Credited for their work during the investigation and property recovery were Hopkins County Sheriff’s Chief Investigator Corley Weatherford, Investigators Wade Sheets and Dennis Findley, and Patrol Sgt. Michael Russell.
Authorities were still working the case, but said they’d identified at least one suspect who they anticipate will be formally charged in connection with the weekend burglary.
