Police bust alleged gang party
Published 12:00 am Tuesday, April 5, 2016
LaGrange police responded to a room at the Red Roof Inn at 1601 Lafayette Parkway about 1:15 a.m. Sunday after receiving a tip of a possible party involving gang members, underage females, a gun and drug use.
Officers said as they approached the room, one of the occupants opened the door. Police said they saw several people inside along with a cloud of smoke and an “overwhelming” odor of burning marijuana.
Officers made contact with what they said were known and suspected gang members, an underage female and one man who gave a false name to avoid an outstanding warrant, the police report states.
The man who allegedly lied about his name was later identified as having misdemeanor warrants for trespassing and battery under the Family Violence Act through the Columbus Police Department. He was arrested and taken to the Troup County Jail.
LaGrange police officers stated they spoke with the hotel manager, who told them the room was not rented to any of the people inside. He allowed police to search the room.
Officers said they found marijuana remnants in several places. They did not find a gun.
No one else was taken into custody.
Police said that at least two of the men inside the room have previously pleaded guilty in Troup County Superior Court for participation in criminal street gang activity.
DUI arrest
A man who allegedly almost caused a three-car pileup at the intersection of Hamilton Road and Jarboe Street was arrested and taken to Troup County Jail early Saturday morning.
The man allegedly pulled out in front of two cars and a LaGrange police patrol car. The officer immediately pulled the driver over on Hamilton Road.
The officer stated when she attempted to speak with the driver, she could smell alcohol from the vehicle.
After failing a field sobriety test, the driver consented to a breath test. According to the officer, the test displayed a .301 for blood alcohol content. The man told police he only had three beers.
Police arrested the driver and charged him with DUI less safe, failure to stop and an expired tag.
Theft from yard
A resident of the 400 block of Hill Street told LaGrange police Sunday afternoon someone took a Murray 23-inch push mower valued at $124 and a 12-volt battery valued at $100 from another push mower in his yard. The resident said he recently noticed more people using his property to cut through from Bacon Street to Hill Street, but he was unsure when the theft occurred.