Dyersburg police took to Facebook on Tuesday with a fresh "Most Wanted" lineup, naming several people sought on allegations ranging from failure to appear in court and suspected drug offenses to domestic and aggravated assault. In the post, the department urged residents to send in tips through official channels instead of approaching anyone themselves, and stressed that all individuals listed are presumed innocent until proven guilty in court.
The department's post directs tips to the city's non-emergency 311 line and to Dyer County Crime Stoppers for anonymous information. Per the City of Dyersburg's 311 page, residents can reach the non-emergency center by dialing 311 or calling (731) 285-4019. The Dyer County Sheriff's Office lists Crime Stoppers as a way to report information and tips.
Who's on the list
According to the Dyersburg Police Department's Facebook post, the current Most Wanted list names:
Jeffery Lynn Gardner II, wanted for domestic assault and failure to appear; Patrick Sweat, wanted for failure to appear; Shankinia Hunt, also known as "Beard," wanted on allegations of impersonation, driving on a suspended driver's license, leaving the scene, and two counts of domestic assault; Tony Tyrone Thomas, wanted for domestic assault and vandalism under $1,000; Jesse Neese, wanted for failure to appear; Devontae Wiggins, wanted on charges of possession of marijuana, unlawful possession of a weapon, and tampering with evidence; Patrick Thornburg, wanted for failure to report to jail; and Larry Wallace, wanted for aggravated assault and violating a protective order.
The department's post also reiterated that "individuals named are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law."
Context and recent enforcement activity
The renewed Most Wanted push comes as local law enforcement has stepped up investigations into drug and violent crime activity in recent months. Local reporting notes that Dyersburg police served a search warrant last year that led to arrests and the seizure of narcotics, illustrating ongoing enforcement efforts in the area, WBBJ reported. The department has also worked with federal agencies in past fugitive cases, according to a U.S. Attorney's Office press release.
How to help
Anyone with information about the people on the list is asked to call Dyersburg's non-emergency 311 line or the Dyer County Crime Stoppers tip line at 731-285-8477 to submit information anonymously. Those wishing to turn themselves in were directed in the post to call 311. For emergencies or situations involving imminent danger, residents should call 911.
