LPD: Weapons, drugs found in home
Published 12:00 am Thursday, September 24, 2015
LaGRANGE — Two men were behind bars Wednesday afternoon after an Animal Control complaint at a home in the 400 block of Harwell Avenue allegedly led LaGrange police to a stash of loaded weapons, drugs and drug paraphernalia.
Sgt. Mark Cavender, head of the LaGrange Police Department Special Investigation Unit, said two officers with Animal Control were originally called out to the home for a complaint of pitbull puppies being abused.
When one of the males opened the door, Cavender said the officers realized the man, Zachary Jackson, 19, already had a bench warrant out for animal cruelty.
Cavender stated when the officers attempted to gain entry into the home, the other male would not let them inside, was being uncooperative and threw something inside the house.
The Animal Control Officers also told Cavender they smelled a strong odor of what they believed to be marijuana coming from the home and called police.
Officers arrived, arrested both men and secured a search warrant for the house, which the SIU team executed around 1 p.m.
Cavender said inside one of the bedrooms that allegedly belonged to Jackson, investigators found 3 or 4 ounces of suspected marijuana, packaging materials, three guns that were loaded and digital scales.
The team also discovered suspected marijuana in the room where the other male who was arrested allegedly stayed, stated Cavender.
In a common area within the residence, investigators allegedly found two more guns, also fully loaded. Cavender said one of those weapons was reported stolen.
According to Cavender, SIU has gotten complaints in the past about people at the same residence allegedly using marijuana or selling it.
At least three pitbull puppies were impounded by Animal Control and taken to the shelter.
Both men were taken to the Troup County Jail. Jackson was charged with possession with the intent to distribute marijuana and possession of a firearm during the commission of a crime. He also was issued two citations from animal control for unregistered pitbull.
In addition, Jackson will face penalties for the previous animal cruelty charge.
The other man was charged with obstruction and possession of marijuana, both misdemeanors. He was also issued citations from Animal Control for animal cruelty, unregistered pitbull and no proof of rabies vaccination.
