Nevada County Picayune and Gurdon Times Newspaper Archive

PPD Nabs Suspect

A commercial burglary was solved quickly by the Prescott Police Department.

According to court records, the Prescott Flea Market was broken into Monday, July 6, with a large number of knives taken, along with watches, jewelry, key chains, novelty items and assorted other items.

On Wednesday, July 8, officer Joey Grayson was on patrol when he noticed the door to the business open. He called Sgt. Tyrone Butler for backup and the two officers investigated.

Upon completing a search of the business, the officers began looking for subjects they had seen walking the streets earlier.

They found Michael Cooper and asked if he'd seen anything unusual occurring during the night. He, records state, told them of meeting Claude Cecil Cavin, 17, of Prescott, and his girlfriend, at a local convenience store and taking them to their apartment.

Once at their apartment, Cavin reportedly asked if Cooper would take him to his (Cavin's ) uncle's home near Potlatch. According to reports, Cooper told them a "Bob" would take them.

The two officers went to Ellis Trailer Park across from the lumber company, where they found Cavin.

The suspect was questioned about the flea market burglary, but denied knowledge at the time.

However, Cooper drove up to the trailer park and told officer Grayson Cavin had given him five knives for the ride earlier, and showed him the knives.

Cavin was then placed under arrest, later to be charged as an adult with commercial burglary and theft of property under $2,500. The trailer was searched and a gray suitcase and wooden basket filled with knives and assorted items were found.

He told the officers he and a juvenile suspect had gone to the flea market because the juvenile wanted to take some items.

According to records, Cavin told the officer the juvenile found a stove pipe in back of the building and used it to knock the lock off the front door. But, the door had other locks and the juvenile kicked the door in. He admitted to taking the gray suitcase, and then leaving, telling officers the juvenile remained gathering items he wanted.

Cavin plead guilty to commercial burglary and theft of property under $2,500 in court Thursday, July 16. He was sentenced to five years probation on both counts, fined $500 and court costs and will be required to pay restitution at a later date.

DRUG ARREST

A 42-year-old Hope man was arrested in Nevada County on drug charges.

Leonard Ballance, Jr., was stopped for having a taillight lense out and crossing the center line Sunday, July 12, by officer Larry Miller with the Nevada County Sheriff's Office while on patrol in Emmet.

A check of the subject turned up outstanding warrants for driving while under the influence. The vehicle was then searched, with Miller finding drug paraphernalia and a small amount of marijuana.

Ballance was charged with possession of drug paraphernalia and simple possession of marijuana.

GRAFFITI FOUND

Prescott Police Chief Willie Latin said gang-style graffiti has began showing up on Prescott businesses and streets.

He asks anyone who has seen anyone writing graffiti on walls or streets to call the PPD. The perpetrator, Latin said, will be charged.

BURGLARIES

Two homes were burglarized Saturday, July 18, with fishing gear taken from both.

Fishing equipment was taken from a storage building at the home of Mike Hicks, as well as from an out building at the home of Virgil Burke.