Police Beat
Police respond to disorderly conduct, OVI and assault incidents 

On Aug. 22 police were dispatched to Sweitzer and Pine regarding a suspect being intoxicated and disorderly. Joseph Cheadle was found staggering on Sweitzer. The defendant was highly intoxicated with a heavy odor of alcoholic beverage on his breath, slurred speech and trouble finding his balance. He was belligerent and responded to officers with profanity, continuing to annoy and alarm citizens walking on Sweitzer Street. Two victims reported being annoyed by the defendant. Cheadle was arrested on fourth degree misdemeanor and transported to the Darke County Jail. 

On Aug. 21 police were dispatched to the area of Ash and E. Main Streets regarding a suspicious intoxicated male urinating on a vehicle tire. The defendant would only identify himself as Kerry and that he just wanted to walk to his motel room. He had a strong odor of alcohol, slurred speech, bloodshot eyes and poor manual dexterity. He had to lean on the police cruiser to keep from falling down. The defendant was later identified and found to have two outstanding warrants but they were from Lake and Warren counties and outside of the pickup radius. The defendant was transported to Darke County Jail and cited for disorderly conduct while being voluntarily intoxicated.

ASSAULT 

On Aug. 15 police were dispatched to 625 E. Third St. regarding a fight in progress. Two large groups of individuals who had been arguing with each other. There were conflicting stories on what or who started the argument but it ended up with Ben Townsend and Jack Daniels being out in the roadway together. Townsend was knocked to the ground and hit in the head with a large rock, causing lacerations to the head and facial area. Townsend was transported to Wayne Hospital for treatment. Daniels left the scene but was later found. So far he has not issued a statement on the incident. Due to witness statements police determined there was probable cause to charge Daniels with assault. He was issued a misdemeanor citation. 

OPERATING A VEHICLE UNDER THE INFLUENCE (OVI) 

On Aug. 21 police were dispatched to the 100 block of Warren St. regarding an accident in which a vehicle was reportedly attempting to leave the scene. The vehicle was partially on the curb and roadway of the southeast corner of Warren and Tiffin Streets. Walking around the vehicle was Homer Pitman. The defendant stated he accidently ran into the stop sign and got hung up on it. Pitman had an odor of alcohol on him and admitted to consuming alcohol. Pitman could not pass the standardized field sobriety test after which he was arrested for OVI, placed in handcuffs and transported to the Greenville Police Department. Pitman also submitted to and failed to pass a breath test. The defendant, who was cooperative throughout the investigation, was issued a citation for OVI and released to his wife. 

Published courtesy of The Early Bird