McKenzie Police Reports

Burglary — Gerdau Recycling, Euclid Avenue, McKenzie was the location of a theft of electrical wiring and infrastructure from the vacant building once used as Mars Pet Food. There should have been a human body found dead just below the electrical breaker box that was shorted as thieves attempted to steal the box, said the representative of Gerdau. Officer Kyle Beauchamp filed the report on May 15, when Gerdau said thieves had entered the vacant building and attempted to steal the electrical components. Sergeant Austin Jones assisted in the investigation. The thieves were obviously not aware the electrical system was still energized. They severely damaged the electrical system when they removed cooper wiring. Some $60,000-$80,000 damage was done to the breaker boxes and a/c units. Another $120,000 worth of copper was taken. Several of the thieves’ tools remained below the 480-volt breaker box, where the suspects had arced the box, which should have caused a loud explosion and flash of light. The Gerdau representative said there should have been a dead body beneath the breaker. The suspect surely sustained burns to the face and arms. Police recovered bolt cutters, a hack saw, work gloves, and other tools. 

Fraudulent Use of Credit Card — A McKenzie woman was the victim of a ruse in which she thought there was a summons for her arrest. Officer Dustin McClure said the woman received a phone call on May 19 from fraudster who said he was working with the Carroll County Sheriff’s Department. The caller said he would arrest her unless she had paid $2,500. She went to Walmart and purchased three cash cards in a total amount of $2,500.Once MPD received the information, she was advised to contact her financial institution in an attempt to stop the funds transfer.

Failure to Appear — Antwon Lunjay Owens, 42, Walnut Circle, McKenzie, was arrested on May 20.Officer Dustin McClure observed Owens as the officer was patrolling and knew there was an outstanding warrant for Owens’ arrest out of Gibson County. He was transported to Carroll County Jail.

Driving on a Revoked License — Jordan Deshaun Barnhart, 23, Hinkledale Road, McKenzie, was charged with Driving While Revoked Due to DUI on May 24. Officer Dustin McClure had no registration tags. A traffic stop was initiated in which Barnhart had no license. He was transported to Carroll County Jail and issued a warning about too dark window tint.

Violation of Probation — Michael A. Smith, 27, Walnut Avenue, McKenzie, was arrested for Violation of Probation on May 25.Officer Dustin McClure and Patrolman Raspberry went to Smith’s residence, where they unsuccessfully searched the residence for Smith. A female at the scene told officers where he could be found other than that residence. Officers located Smith and transported to Carroll County Jail.

Violation of Probation — Lloyd James Sawyer, 60, Park Circle, McKenzie, was arrested for Violation of Probation on May 20.Officer Dalton Raspberry witnessed Sawyer at a gas station and took him into custody.