Fugitive from Justice
March 16
On March 16th, 2023, at approximately 3:21 PM police was dispatched to the Darke County Courthouse, 504 South Broadway. This was in reference to a male subject outside on the sidewalk who was known to have an active warrant. The complainant advised that he observed Joshua Johnson on the sidewalk near the court house and the Darke County Judge just issued a warrant for his arrest. Police arrived and located Joshua sitting on a bench on the north side of the building. The PO was familiar with Joshua and immediately recognized him. Joshua was advised he was under arrest for a warrant through Darke County Municipal court for original charge OVI, no bond must serve 62 days. The warrant was handed to the police and it was confirmed. Joshua was arrested and transported to the Darke County Jail.
Failure to comply/Order of PO
March 16
On March 16, 2023 at approximately 11:53 PM police was made aware of a white Pontiac Sedan that was actively fleeing from a traffic stop near the intersection of Martin Street and Walnut Street in the City of Greenville. Dispatch advised that the vehicle was traveling north on South Broadway from Martin Street. Police was in the parking lot at the Greenville Police Department, and joined in the pursuit as a secondary unit assisting the Darke County Sherriff’s Office at the intersection of South Broadway and East Third Street. The listed vehicle continued north through the traffic circle onto North Broadway. The listed vehicle then failed to stop for a stop sign at the intersection of North Broadway Street and North Main Street, and continued north on North Broadway Street. The listed vehicle continued north on North Broadway Street before leaving the City limits and continued north on State Route 118. The listed vehicle stayed north on State Route 118 until reaching the city limits in Ansonia. The Darke County Sherriff’s Office then terminated the pursuit as it entered into Ansonia on State Route 118. Police then deactivated the emergency lights and slowed the speed before terminating at the rail road tracks on State Route 118 in Ansonia. Darke County Sherriff’s Office then continued the pursuit after leaving Ansonia limits. The Greenville Police Department will not pursue charges due to the Darke County Sherriff’s Office leading the investigation.
Theft/Shoplifting
March 18
On March 18, 2023 at approximately 8AM hours, police was dispatched to 695 Wagner Avenue (Rural King) in reference to a report of theft. The manager, Heather Mowen, advised the police she observed an unknown male come into the local business and walk to the shoe/boot area of the store. She advised that she observed the male take off the pair of boots that he was wearing when he walked in and try on a new pair of Ariat green and gray work boots. Heather advised that she made contact with the unknown male subject and asked “Buying a new pair of boots today”? The unknown male stated back to her that his old boots were not wide enough and he needed a new pair. Heather advised she had to then go to another area of the store but when she returned the unknown male was gone. She advised at that time she was informed the male had left the store with only purchasing two cans of oil. When she went back to the area she located the box that the unknown male had been looking at and opened the box to find the pair of shoes that he had been wearing when he came into the store inside the shoe box. She advised that he had taken the new pair of Ariat work boots and left the used pair in the box. After further investigation by Heather it was found that the original boots that were left behind were also stolen from the local business. It was advised that the suspect then left the business and went to McDonalds North (1301 Wagner Avenue) in a black Dodge Ram (unknown Plate number). Police was able to go to that address and look at their surveillance video and was able to observe the vehicle come into their parking lot but was unable to make out a license plate number. Police was advised that the suspect comes into the local business every Saturday morning. The staff was advised that if or when he comes in again to call police in reference to charges and having the suspect trespassed.
Theft
March 18
On March 18, 2023 at 9:08 AM, police was dispatched to 920 Front Street, Francis Automotive, in reference to a theft complaint. The victim Jason Francis advised the catalytic converter was taken off of his white 1996 Honda Accord. Jason advised he noticed it was missing when he arrived to work. The vehicle was parked along the west side of the building and was on jack stands because Jason had been working on it. Jason then stated he got someone on video climbing underneath the vehicle and taking the converter off. He then showed the police the video. Video shows what appears to be a male subject wearing a dark pants and a hooded sweatshirt. The male arrives to the scene around 4:09 AM. The male the climbs under the car and turns on a flashlight. The male then climbs from underneath the vehicle and walks away with the catalytic converter in his hands. The male subject leaves the scene around 4:14 AM. The video is not clear enough to get an identification of the subject.
Traffic Stop/Fugitive from Justice
March 18
On March 18, 2023 at approximately 6:28 PM while on patrol, police observed a blue Tahoe traveling North on Wagner Avenue. Police checked the registration through LEADS/NCIC and learned that the registration was expired as of 10/21/22, and the registered owner, Matthias Hammaker’ s drivers license was under multiple suspension’s. Matthias also had an active warrant for his arrest through the Greenville Police Department for Failure to Appear for a traffic offense with a $225 bond. Police initiated a traffic stop on the vehicle and made contact with the defendant in the parking lot at 1550 Wagner Avenue; Lowes. Police verified Matthias’ identity through his drivers license. Dispatch confirmed the warrant, and Matthias was placed under arrest and then transported to the Darke County Jail. The keys to the vehicle and Mathias’ bank card were released to his grandfather, Donald Bowers.
Theft/Burglary
March 20
On March 20th 2023 at approximately 11:14 PM Police was dispatched to 136 Vine Street Greenville OH, 45331 reference a possible vehicle theft and burglary. Tamara Swartz advised that Joseph Mccreery had broke into her house while she was at work, going into her bedroom taking the key’s to her daughter’s car and stealing the vehicle. Tamara stated that she was unaware of how Joseph had entered the residence as there were no signs of forced entry from the exterior of the residence. Tamara explained that her daughter Taylor Swartz is currently confined in Darke County Jail. Police informed her that Taylor has to make the report for the car being stolen. Police asked Tamara how she knew it was Joseph who entered her house. She advised that it had to be Joseph because he was outside the residence earlier in the day. She did not have any camaras or evidence to prove that it was Joseph who had entered the residence. Tamara was only able to provide that the vehicle was a maroon colored 2007 Jeep, unsure what model or license plate number. While speaking with Tamara her son Andrew Swartz arrived home, and the P.O. asked him if he saw Joseph on the property or enter the residence. He stated that he did enter the residence by walking through an unlocked front door around 6PM. Asked if he allowed Joseph into the residence, Andrew stated no. Andrew advised he did not see Joseph enter Tamaras bedroom, or him taking the key’s to the maroon Jeep. Tamara stated multiple times that Joseph had been trespassed from the residence, however there was no documentation of Joseph being warned for trespass from the residence. On March 21st 2023 at approximately 7:13 AM policeI spoke with the vehicle owner Taylor Swartz at Darke County Jail. Police advised her that Joseph Mccreery was suspected of taking her vehicle. Taylor informed police that he was allowed to have possession of the vehicle. Taylor confirmed that of right now she still resides at 136 Vine Street. Asked if Joseph was allowed to be there,Taylor stated that her mother Tamara doesn’t want him there. However Taylor was uncooperative in advising if she has allowed Joseph to be at the property. There will be no charges in this case.