Smithville Police Make Arrest After Discovering Drugs, Stolen Trimmer During Traffic Stop

July 21, 2024
By: Dwayne Page

A Smithville man was found with drugs and a stolen trimmer during a Smithville Police Department traffic stop on Tuesday, July 16.

Bryan Christopher Tate, 39, of Arnold Road in Smithville, is charged with theft of property and possession of methamphetamine with intent to manufacture, sell or deliver. He was also cited for no insurance and a traffic light violation.

Police Chief Mark Collins said an officer stopped a BMW for violating the lights law when he spotted a Stihl trimmer in the front passenger seat. After running the serial number, the officer learned the trimmer had been stolen out of West Virginia. Tate was then asked to step out of the vehicle. He told the officer he had drugs in his left sock. Four grams of a crystal-like substance, believed to be methamphetamine, were recovered. Tate was taken into custody. His bail is set at $16,000 and he is scheduled to appear in court on Aug. 1.

Christopher Joseph Cantrell, 56, of Dearman Street, is facing charges of simple possession of a Schedule III drug without registration and a traffic light violation. Chief Collins said that during a recent late-night traffic stop for a traffic light violation, police observed the driver, Cantrell, throw a container of Subutex pills to the ground that he admitted was his. Cantrell is scheduled to appear in court on July 31.

Erick Mauricio-Choreno, 50, is charged with driving under the influence of alcohol and cited for speeding and violating the implied consent law. Chief Collins said that on July 2, police conducted a traffic stop after clocking a vehicle going 59 mph in a 40 mph speed zone on Sparta Highway. The driver, Choreno, had red, watery eyes. His speech was slurred and he smelled of alcohol. Choreno complied with field sobriety tasks but performed poorly. He admitted to consuming alcohol earlier. An open container was visible in a cup holder inside the car. After he refused to submit to a blood draw, a warrant was obtained for a blood sample from him. Choreno’s bail is $2,000.

Jana Nicole Witcher, 39, is facing a summons for trespassing and theft of property. Chief Collins said that on July 1, police responded to Save A Lot for a trespasser complaint. Upon arrival, the officer confronted the suspect, Witcher, and found in her possession several items she had stolen from the store. Her court appearance is scheduled for July 18.

Nathan Joseph Wilbert, 44, is charged with public indecency and simple possession. His bail is set at $5,000 and he is scheduled to appear in court on July 25. Chief Collins said that on July 11, police responded to Hardees for a panic alarm and found Wilbert near the drive-through exposing himself. After taking him into custody, the officer found Wilbert with a container containing a leafy green substance believed to be marijuana.

Christie Dawn Bouldin, 43, is charged with public intoxication. Her bail is set at $1,500 and she is scheduled to appear in court on July 25. Chief Collins said that on July 12, police were called to 310 Wade Street where Bouldin was seen trying to get into a car. Upon arrival, the officer confronted Bouldin. She appeared very euphoric and her pupils were constricted, consistent with drug use. She was taken into custody.

Richard Clifton Warner, 59, of Coconut Ridge Road, Smithville, is charged with driving under the influence of alcohol. His bail is set at $3,500 and he is scheduled to appear in court on August 1. Chief Collins said that on July 13, police responded to a motor vehicle accident at 600 East Broad Street and when they arrived, they found one of the drivers involved in the accident, Warner, sitting on the curb. He was very unsteady on his feet, had slurred speech and smelled of alcohol. Warner refused to submit to a blood draw and field sobriety tests. A warrant was obtained for a blood sample from him. No one was seriously injured in the accident.

Benny Close, 62, of 708 West Main Street, is charged with aggravated assault. Chief Collins said that on July 6, police were dispatched to 717 West Main Street for a complaint of aggravated assault. Upon arrival, the officer spoke to a woman who had visible injuries to her face and neck. The woman said Close, a neighbor, assaulted her when she went to his house to check on him. When Close entered, he allegedly punched the woman in the face and attempted to strangle her. Close’s trial date is set for July 25. He must post $6,500 bail.

Gilberto Juarez, 42, of Kendra Drive, is charged with driving under the influence of alcohol. His bail is set at $1,500 and he is scheduled to appear in court on July 25. Chief Collins said that on July 7, police were called to the Dollar Tree parking lot where a man was seen stumbling out of his car. Juarez was backing out of his parking spot when the officer arrived. Juarez was arrested and found unsteady on his feet. His eyes were red and watery and he smelled of alcohol. Juarez admitted to consuming several beers prior to that.

Jimmy Estes, 47, is charged with criminal trespass, resisting arrest, possession of illegal drugs and possession of drug paraphernalia. His bail is set at $11,000 and he is scheduled to appear in court on July 25. Chief Collins said that on July 7, police were called to Highland Avenue for a trespasser. Upon arrival, the officer spoke with the homeowner who reported that Estes was on the property and would not leave even though he had been ordered to stay away. The officer confronted an angry Estes and, upon taking him into custody, Estes refused to cooperate with commands and tried to walk away. A body search uncovered a bottle containing prescription pills, but the label had been ripped off the bottle. A pipe with residue was also found.