TWO MEN ARRESTED AFTER TRAFFIC STOP LEADS TO RECOVERY OF DRUGS, STOLEN PROPERTY

PRESS RELEASE



On Sunday, August 28, 2011 Palestine PD Officer William Martin, assisted by Cpl. Matt Kerr, arrested 19 year old Mitchell Lee McKinney for Possession of a Controlled Substance and No Drivers License. The arrest was the result of a traffic stop for a speeding violation. During the stop it was determined that McKinney had no valid driver’s license and that McKinney had been previously charged with driving without a license.

After the arrest, officers located a bottle of pills in the truck driven by McKinney. The pills were later identified a XANAX which is a controlled substance and only available by prescription. The possession charge is a Class A misdemeanor and carries a possible jail term not to exceed one year and a possible fine not to exceed $4000.

During the arrest and subsequent investigation officers were able to determine that items located in the vehicle driven by McKinney were from a burglary in the Tyler area. Contact has been made with Tyler PD and detectives are working with Tyler PD to ensure that the items are returned to the rightful owner. Items recovered are a large screen TV, a laptop computer and several guns.

During a second incident officers arrested 59 year old George Rhemann on an outstanding parole warrant. During the contact with Rhemann a handgun was discovered in the truck being driven by Rhemann. It was further discovered that the handgun was reported as stolen in the same burglary as the items McKinney had in his possession when he was arrested. This information was also forwarded to Tyler PD.

“This was a solid case made on good police work by the initial Patrol Officers and Detectives  Tommy Thacker and Cathy Weber, who followed up on the case. I am proud of them for going out there and getting the job done,” said Chief Jeff Powell, Palestine PD. “Anytime we can mitigate the loss of property in these types of cases, by being able to recover the stolen property, identify an owner, and return the property to them, we are happy. Again, a job well done by the front line officers.”

The incident remains under investigation at this time.         

For additional information please contact Sgt. James Muniz at 903-731-8477.