March 29, 2024

Police Blotter

Newton Police Department

• Jason L. Beckman, 36, of Newton was charged with driving while license barred after authorities stopped him at 6:18 p.m. Feb. 18 in the 1100 block of East Eighth Street North for having an inoperable third brake light and a muffler dragging on the roadway. He was charged, given a warning for the muffler and transported to the Jasper County Jail.

• Marvin D. Dickerson, 59, of Newton was charged with fifth-degree criminal mischief after authorities responded to a complaint at 6:01 p.m. Feb. 16 of an individual spraying a fire extinguisher in an apartment hallway at 1804 S. Seventh Ave. E. in Newton. Authorities observed fire extinguisher dust on the third-floor carpet and determined the fire extinguisher was empty. Police followed tracks to an apartment and spoke with Dickerson, who eventually admitted to spraying the extinguisher. Damage to the property was estimated at less than $200. Dickerson was released to appear in court.

• Kelly D. Douglas, 21, of Newton was cited with failure to maintain control after authorities responded to a two-vehicle accident at 8 a.m. Wednesday on First Avenue West. Douglas was traveling west and attempted to stop but slid on the roadway into the rear of a vehicle driven by Jared R. Burton, 18, of Newton as he was preparing to turn into the West End Sinclair parking lot. Douglas’ vehicle sustained an estimated $3,000 damage and Burton’s an estimated $500 damage.

• Virgil C. Kling III, 38, of Altoona was cited with failure to yield from a stop sign after authorities responded to a two-vehicle accident at 7:48 a.m. Feb. 18 at Highway 14 and Interstate 80. Kling was exciting the interstate and turning south onto Highway 14 when he collided with a northbound vehicle driven by Aimee E. Dredge, 40, of Monroe. Dredge’s vehicle sustained an estimated $5,000 damage and Kling’s vehicle an estimated $3,000 damage.

• Craynes K. McGinley, 24, of Newton was charged with fifth-degree theft after authorities responded to a shoplifting complaint at 1:42 p.m. Feb. 17 at Walmart. An employee observed McGinley placing a pair of ladies shorts valued at $11.77 under his hat and leaving the store without paying. He was charged and released to appear in court.

• Amy L. Revell, 31, of Newton was charged with fifth-degree theft after authorities responded to a theft at 10:19 a.m. Wednesday at Walmart. Revell was charged for allegedly concealing several items valued at a total of $169.09 and leaving the store without paying. She was released to appear in court.

• Kendra M. Rhoads, 20, of Newton was charged with fifth-degree theft after an officer observed an employee stop a woman at 2:45 p.m. Feb. 18 outside of Walmart. Rhoads was charged for allegedly wrapping a reading lamp, wall charger and highlighter, valued at a total of $33.79, and leaving the store without paying after interviewing for a job. She stated she intended to purchase the items but forgot they were in her hands. She was released to appear in court.

• Christopher R. Salisbury, 29, of Newton was arrested Thursday by Warren County authorities on a Jasper County warrant for serious domestic assault enhanced in connection with a physical domestic fight reported at 6:57 p.m. Aug. 13, 2013. He was charged for allegedly assaulting a female. He was transported to the Jasper County Jail.

• Travis J. VanBaale, 22, of Newton was charged with possession of drug paraphernalia after authorities stopped him at 7:25 p.m. Feb. 17 at #11 South Hampton Court for an inoperable headlight. During the traffic stop, officers observed a marijuana pipe sitting in the passenger seat of his vehicle. He was charged and released to appear in court.

A criminal charge is merely an accusation, and the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty. It is the policy of the Newton Daily News to release the names of individuals charged with a crime who are 16 and older.