Winnfield Police Department officers have investigated several reported thefts in the past week. They are unrelated, the department says. The majority of thefts occur at local businesses.
On May 21, management of the Dollar General located at 802 W Court St reported a shoplifter who had left with $52 worth of merchandise. Officers responded and found the suspect walking east. He was identified as the suspect and placed under arrest. During arrest, the offender resisted officers’ attempts to arrest him, and when searched incident to arrest, was found in possession of a concealed weapon. The recovered items were returned to the business. Officers learned when checking his criminal history that he had been convicted on Domestic Abuse Battery previously. Jason Edwards, age 44, of Winnfield was charged with Theft Under $1000, Resisting an Officer, and Possession of a Firearm by Persons Convicted of Domestic Abuse Battery. He is currently in the City Jail with his bond set at $175.000.
On May 21, hospital administrators and IT Specialist reported a theft of a laptop computer from a doctor’s office inside the Winn Parish Medical Center. With assistance of video footage from the hospital security system, police were able to identify the suspect. The offender was arrested on May 22 for outstanding bench warrants and theft. Efforts by officers led to the recovery of the computer. Theresa Edwards, 42, of Winnfield, was charged with Theft Over $1000 and 2 counts of Failure to Appear in City Court.
On May 23, police received a call for assistance at Walmart with a possible theft. Investigation by officers found the items reported missing and returned them. This case was resolved without an arrest but did result in Possession of Marijuana charges against Ronald E. McDonald, 64, of Jackson, MS.
May 25 ended the theft reporting as a vacant house on Dunbar Street was entered and 2 window unit air conditions were removed without the owner’s consent. Total value of the theft is $900. There are no further leads at this time.
Anyone with information on possible involvement in this or any theft/burglary is encouraged to call the police department at (318)628-3513. You do not have to give your name.