Crime Report

    A string of church burglaries have county law enforcement officials scrambling and the sheriff asking for the public’s help.

    Sheriff Lance Humphreys said six churches in the county, all located in rural areas, have been the target of break-ins in the last three weeks.

    “They are hitting us hard,” Humphreys reported. In each incident, speakers and audio equipment were reported missing.

    The bulk of the churches are located south of Coffeeville, and in areas where there is little traffic, according to the sheriff.

    “We have really stepped up our patrols, but our county has numerous churches and it is hard to watch them all,” Humphreys added.  “The public can really help us, we need information from anybody who may have noticed anything suspicious in the vicinity of area churches in the last few weeks.”

    Humphreys said his department has a “person of interest” in the case, after a motorist noticed a suspicious person at a church just north of Oakland.

    “We had a reserve deputy less than a mile from the church when we got the call,” Humphreys said. When the reserve deputy got on the scene, the suspects fled. A partial tag number was obtained.

    Humphreys also said officers with the Tallahatchie County Sheriff’s Department are assisting in the investigation.

    Anyone who has information is urged to call the sheriff’s department at 675-2444 or 473-2722.

    To submit an anonymous tip, contact Crime Stopper’s TIPS information by calling (662) 473-4935 or 1-(866) 933-TIPS (8477); or by email to TIPS@YalobushaCounty.net.  

    Crime Stoppers does not want your name, just your information.  All letters, calls and emails will remain in the strictest confidence.  (No phone calls or emails can be traced.)  Tipsters may be able to collect up to $1,000 for your confidential information.

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City Crime Report

Lt. Rick McCuan reported the following law enforcement activity in the Water Valley City limits during the past week:

• Made two arrests for driving under suspension;

• Made two arrests for simple domestic assault;

• Made two arrests on warrants from Yalobusha County Justice Court;

• Took a report of exhibiting a weapon with a warrant issued;

• Took a report of simple assault;

• Took a report of an auto crash;

• Took a report of trespassing;

• Took a report of disturbing the peace, loud music in a motor vehicle;

• Issued a citation for open container;

• Issued a citation for violation of the dog ordinance, running at large;

• Issued 54 traffic tickets.