Sheriff's Reports 1-7-25: Traffic stop for tag light violation lands man in jail for DUI

A man was arrested New Year's Day for driving under the influence after his tag light caught the attention of a deputy.

On Jan. 1, Cherokee County Sheriff's Lt. Tanner Hendley was patrolling in the area of U.S. Highway 62 and Coffee Hollow Road when he observed a truck with a defective tag light. He pulled the vehicle over and met with the driver, Chance Riley Chambers Goff, who reportedly had watery, bloodshot eyes. Goff was asked if he consumed alcohol and he initially said he hadn't but then claimed he smoked marijuana and consumed five beers. Goff was arrested after a field sobriety test and booked for driving under the influence, driving under suspension, and expired tag.

On Dec. 28, Deputy Cassondra Jones was dispatched to Samuel Street in reference to a domstic incident. The deputy observed a woman and Eric Johnston getting out of a vehicle. The man said he and the woman were having a "deep conversation" and denied being physical, even though he had a red mark on the side of his neck. Johnston said he didn't know how he received the mark to his neck. Another deputy was speaking with the woman and advised she had red marks on her arm. The woman said she tried getting out of the vehicle but Johnston wouldn't let her out. Johnston was arrested and booked for domestic assault and battery, kidnapping, and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Deputy Justin Richardson was dispatched to the Cherokee Casino Dec. 29 due to reports of a disturbance. Dispatch advised security officers were out with an intoxicated man who was allegedly refusing to leave and bothering women at the bar. Richardson arrived to meet with officers and John Eric Brown. Officers said bartenders "cut" Brown off and he refused to leave with his sober driver. Brown was arrested and booked for public intoxication.

On Dec. 28, Deputy Jimmie Robertson was dispatched to State Highway 51 for a domestic assault that was in progress. A man accused Charles Brian Crittenden of being "on something" and trying to fight. The man said Crittenden was talking to trees before he became agitated and wanted to fight. Robertson said Crittenden appeared to be under the influence. Crittenden was arrested and booked for public intoxication.

Deputy Robert Stephens was called to East Thompson Drive Dec. 31 for reports of a disturbance wherein a woman was accused of throwing a brick through a window. Doris Taylor allegedly admitted to throwing the brick and was arrested for malicious injury to property.

These are arrests, not convictions.