The Columbia Police Department, Marion County Sheriff’s Office and other law enforcement agencies teamed up Friday and worked into the wee hours Saturday rounding individuals up and colleting stolen property.
Police Chief Michael Kelly said the “street crimes enforcement detail” targeted low- and mid-level drug dealers, outstanding warrants and prostitution.
“It has sparked me to do more of these operations because of the things I saw,” he said. “When I see drug deals going down on the streets across from where kids are playing, it sparks me to do more. I appreciate the citizens who have called and given tips or who have called CrimeStoppers. They are the eyes and ears of the community. It’s because of them that we’re able to do this. We did what we set out to accomplish.”
Officers gathered Friday afternoon to be briefed on the warrants and procedures and then hit the streets from about 4 p.m. to 4 a.m. Saturday.
During the night, 12 people were arrested and charged. Most have already been released on bond. Those picked up by officers included:
• Jaboris Luter – Warrant
• Whitley Peters – Warrant
• Kentrell Varnado – Possession of a stolen firearm- felony
• Antonio Daniels – Possession of a Schedule I controlled substance
• Fredrick Johnson – Possession of a Schedule I controlled substance
• Marvester Medious – Possession with intent to distribute Schedule I and II, felony
• Johnny Bates, possession of Schedule I, II controlled substance, public drunkenness
• Rolando Bryant, warrant
• Deandra Griffin, warrant
• Ashley McPherson, warrant
• Deandre Mikell, warrant
• Marquel Bridges, failure to comply.
Pictured Above: Columbia police officers, from left, Jonathon Martin, Sgt. Nate Cook and Chief Michael Kelly discuss the next move as deputies and officers worked Friday serving warrants and recovering stolen property across the city. | Photo by Mark Rogers
