Stolen package leads to man

A Sweetwater man was arrested Dec. 21 after a package was taken from the front door of a residence in Lenoir City.

Lenoir City Police Department officers responded to the front office of McGhee Square Apartments, 225 Kelly Lane, about the theft of property from an apartment.

Officers met and interviewed the victim and apartment Manager Amy Tiller, who was able to provide video footage of the theft at about noon that day. The victim told officers the box taken contained a $68 GoTrax hoverboard that had been delivered about an hour before the theft.

The surveillance video showed Gerald Huffine, 59, Sweetwater, removing the box from the doorstep, walking to a blue Subaru Outback and putting the box in the back seat.

Tiller recognized Huffine as a driver who transports residents in the complex. Officers received Huffine’s information, including his first and last name, from a neighbor, who called Huffine while the officers listened.

Huffine admitted he had taken the box because it was “just sitting there” and that the item was in the back of his vehicle. He returned to the apartment complex, retrieved the box from his vehicle and returned it to the victim.

Officers then placed Huffine under arrest. According to the report, he admitted taking the box, adding that he didn’t know why he did it and that he was sorry.

Huffine was charged with theft and held without bond.

Routine traffic stop ends in arrest

A man was arrested last week after a routine traffic stop turned into a lengthy DUI investigation.

Lenoir City Police Officer Chris Law was on routine patrol Dec. 21 when he watched a white Ford bucket truck traveling on U.S. Highway 321 without proper working taillights.

Law initiated a traffic stop at Interstate 75 and identified the driver as Jeremy Lynn, 25, of Magnolia, Ark.

While speaking to Lynn, Law observed bloodshot watery eyes, the odor of an alcoholic beverage and Lynn’s hands visibly shaking. Lynn told Law he had consumed two to three alcoholic beverages prior to the encounter.

During a field sobriety test, Lynn was unable to walk correctly in a straight line.

Lynn was charged with driving under the influence and implied consent and held without bond.

Car keys lead to domestic assault arrest

A concerned guest at the Inn of Loudon reported a possible domestic assault after hearing yelling and furniture being thrown in a nearby room.

Loudon Police Department officers talked with Patrick Wilson, 46, Madisonville, who had scratches and was covered in what appeared to be blood.

After entering the room, officers found a woman crying in the bathroom. She said Wilson came home intoxicated and started an argument about her possibly having an affair. She said when Wilson started yelling, she tried to leave but Wilson took her car keys.

The woman said she asked several times for the keys, which escalated to more yelling. She admitted hitting Wilson because his yelling grew louder and stronger.

Wilson told officers he didn’t have the keys, but during a search when he was being placed under arrest, car keys were found in his pocket.

Wilson was charged with domestic assault and held without bond.