Cops Seize Drugs After Suspect Bolts

By Editor | August 18, 2010 |

Water Valley Police Chief Mike King (second from right) calls for transport after the search team leaves the woods Monday. Members of the Batesville Police Department and their K9 unit assisted. In the center is Sgt. Michael Hardin and Maik. On the right is Officer John Hernandez of the WVPD. – Photos by Jack Gurner

The Batesville Police Department’s K9 Unit, Maik, takes a water break after assisting in the search for several hours.

Yalobusha sheriffs deputy Jim Bailey scans a kudzu-covered gully with binoculars as officials cordoned off a large area where Alton Spearman was believed to be hiding.

Police fielded a phone call shortly after stopping the driver of this Dodge Neon car Monday morning. Ironically the caller reported that their vehicle had been stolen.

Approximately 10 pounds of marijuana was seized following a traffic stop Monday morning by the Water Valley Police Department.

By Jack Gurner
Reporter

WATER VALLEY – Police seized approximately ten pounds of marijuana Monday after a traffic stop turned into a four-hour manhunt in the eastern part of the city.

The incident began when police pulled over a black Dodge Neon that was southbound on Stephens Street, south of Jones Street at 9:01 a.m. The alleged driver, Aston Tremaine Spearman, ran from the officer on foot, according to Lt. Rick McCuan.

Police found the marijuana during a search of the vehicle, McCuan added. The vehicle was later reported to have been stolen, but police are investigating a possible connection between the owner and Spearman.

Police and sheriff’s deputies immediately converged and began a search of the heavily wooded area that includes a large tract of kudzu-covered gullies.

The Batesville K9 unit was called to assist and Sgt. Michael Hardin and Maik (pronounced Mike) searched until the dog lost the trail just after noon. Chief Mike King called off the search at 12:30 p.m.

Spearman, 29, who has addresses in both Water Valley and Sledge, was still at large Tuesday at press time. He is wanted for trafficking in narcotics, according to Captain Roger Thomas of the WVPD. A warrant has been issued for Spearman on charges of possession of marijuana with intend to distribute.

Anyone who can provide information on the whereabouts of Spearman is urged to call the police at 473-2933 or Yalobusha County Crime-Stoppers at 1-866-933-TIPS or 473-4935. Tips can also be sent by email to: TIPS@YalobushaCounty.net.

CrimeStoppers callers are never required to reveal their identity nor testify in court.

In another incident, Police arrested Hurley Morgan last Friday for aggravated assault after an alleged stabbing on Daniels Drive around 5:45 p.m., according to McCuan.

Morgan, 47, of Water Valley, is being held in the Yalobusha County Jail on $2000 bond.

McCuan reported the following additional law enforcement activity within the Water Valley City limits during the past week:

• Made three arrests for driving under suspension;

• Made two arrests for possession of marijuana;

• Made two arrests for simple assault;

• Made an arrest for public drunk;

• Made an arrest for possession of paraphernalia;

• Made an arrest for no drivers license;

• Made an arrest on a bench warrant;

• Took a report of petty larceny;

• Issued a citation for possession of alcohol by a minor;

• Issued a citation for violation of the city dog ordinance;