No taillights, expired tag lead to drug charges
By DON FLETCHER
News Staff Writer
*A Mobile man, 24-year-old William Conner Amerson Giddins, was arrested July 28 by Atmore police on felony and misdemeanor drug charges after he was pulled over for operating a vehicle without taillights and an obstructed, expired tag.
While speaking with Giddins and his two passengers, the officer observed “suspicious behavior” and was given consent to search the vehicle. Found during the search were more than two grams of synthetic marijuana (Spice), approximately 1 gram of marijuana, a prescription pill bottle containing marijuana residue, and a grinder.
Giddins remained in the Escambia County Detention Center (ECDC) early Monday, July 31, charged with one count each of possession of a controlled substance, second-degree possession of marijuana and possession of drug paraphernalia.
Other felony arrests reported by area law enforcement during the period July 24-28:
*An Atmore woman was arrested July 26 on felony drug charges after city police were called to a local convenience store in response to a report of an intoxicated person on the property.
The officer arrived around 4:10 p.m. and observed a female, later identified as 44-year-old Alida Tecun, “leaning against a wall going in and out of consciousness.” Reports show Tecun was unable to stand without assistance and had slurred speech. Police discovered that she had driven to the store, and Tecun reportedly gave the officer consent to search her vehicle.
Several Atropine Sulfate pills were found in the vehicle. Atropine Sulfate is usually in eye-drop form and is used to treat “lazy eye” or other eye problems.
Tecun is charged with one count each of possession of a controlled substance and being in a public place while under the influence. She was released from the county jail July 27 on bond.
*On July 24, Alabama State Troopers arrested James Bemen Johnson of Atmore for possession of a controlled substance (methamphetamine), possession of drug paraphernalia and probation violation.
Johnson remained in the ECDC Monday morning, July 31.
*Eric Donnell McClain, 44, of Pensacola, Fla. was jailed July 27 after his arrest by city police on charges of possession of a controlled substance (cocaine) and driving under the influence of a controlled substance.
The incident occurred around 2:50 a.m. when an Atmore police officer stopped a vehicle that was being operated without headlights.
While speaking with the driver, later identified as McClain, the policeman detected a strong odor of marijuana from inside the vehicle and observed that McClain was operating a vehicle while apparently under the influence.
McClain failed a field sobriety test, and a search revealed approximately 1 gram of a white powdery substance that field-tested positive for cocaine.
McClain was released on bond later that same day.
*Escambia County Sheriff’s Office (ECSO) deputies arrested 34-year-old Johnathan Jamine Tunstall of Atmore July 27 on a charge of third-degree burglary, a Class C felony.
Tunstall remained behind bars early Monday, July 31.
*Fifty-two-year-old James Douglas Brooks of Atmore was arrested July 27 by ECSO deputies on several charges.
Brooks is charged with one count each of endangering the welfare of a child, possession of a concealed pistol without a permit, possession of a controlled substance and possession of drug paraphernalia.
He was released from the county jail on bond July 28.