Picayune Police officers responding to two community complaints found evidence of drug violations against three suspects.
Assistant Chief Jeremy Magri said the first case took place on Nov. 4, when officers responded to a complaint of shoplifting, which brought them into contact with 30-year-old Howard Earl Dunaway of 18 Sunshine Lane, Carriere.
As the officer pulled up to the store he saw a man fitting the description of the suspect, later identified as Dunaway, entering another store at the local shopping center, Magri said.
Dunaway was held for questioning while the officer spoke with the store employee, who told the officer that he witnessed Dunaway taking several items including detergent, crayons and a phone charger, all of which were later found in Dunaway’s possession, Magri said.
Dunaway was charged with shoplifting $19 worth of merchandise and while he was being booked into the city jail officers found four Lorazepam pills in his belongings, Magri said. Dunaway was additionally charged with possession of a controlled substance.
The second case occurred on Nov. 9 when officers were dispatched to a local gas station in response to two individuals who appeared to be intoxicated. Magri said when the officers arrived they spoke with 32-year-old Rachel Ann Lapine of 68 Shorty Burgess Rd., and 34-year-old John Travis Palmer III of 319 Anchor Lake Rd.
During their interaction with the two the officers noted several signs that Lapine and Palmer were intoxicated, Magri said.
The officers requested consent to search the vehicle, which was granted. Magri said the officers found a baggy containing a white powdery substance believed to be methamphetamine in the vehicle, and since neither Lapine nor Palmer claimed ownership of the suspected drug both were charged with public drunk and felony possession of a controlled substance.