False report of crime, June 11
Walk-in at HPD
A woman reported her vehicle had been struck in the Wal-Mart parking lot. An officer noted there was damage to the rear, driver’s side bumper but questioned whether the damage was consistent with the woman’s story. Hinesville Traffic Accident Inspector Lt. Max McLendon was called to inspect the vehicle and determined the woman’s statement was most likely incorrect. The complainant was informed of her Miranda rights and she changed her story. She told the officers she backed into a pole while leaving her home on Fort Stewart. A friend told her she should file a hit-and-run report. The woman was released pending a warrant. She was later arrested.

Robbery-strong arm, June 12
Monroe Avenue
Police were dispatched to a residence on Monroe Avenue in reference to an unclothed man. The complainant told police the man, who was in her front yard, appeared to have been in a fight. She said he had banged on her door and the doors of some of her neighbors asking for help and wearing only underwear. Officers spoke with the man who asked for a ride to his mother’s house. Police reported the man seemed intoxicated. He said he was visiting someone around the Raintree Apartments when five to eight men approached him and asked for cigarettes. When he did not provide the cigarettes, the men attacked him, pulling off his shirt, shoes and pants; and got away with $80. After police gave the man a ride to his mother’s, it was determined he had a criminal trespass order against him and wasn’t allowed at the apartment complex.

Shoplifting/simple battery, June 12
W. Gen. Screven Way
Police were dispatched to a reported shoplifting at Beall’s and, while enroute, were advised the incident had escalated into a fight in the parking lot. The officer found the store’s loss prevention officer restraining a woman against the front of the building. As police approached, the woman became agitated and verbally abusive toward the officers. Police observed the store’s loss prevention officer bleeding from his face. The store employee told police he saw the woman take merchandise and place it into her shoulder bag. When he confronted her, she tried to leave but he stopped her. That’s when she reportedly hit him in the face with her fist and bit him on the right hand. The offender was taken to jail.

Criminal trespass, June 11
Hollywood Drive
A complainant was visiting a friend when her friend’s brother said he had just urinated in her car. Thinking it was a joke, she stepped outside to check her vehicle and found a wet spot on the passenger seat and a distinct odor of urine. She was advised of warrant procedures.

—Patty Leon