Arrested Men Identified After Parking Violation Turns into Disorderly Conduct

Accident – Death – Obituary News : Roanoke Rapids Police Apprehend Two Individuals Following Parking Violation Leading to Disorderly Conduct

Roanoke Rapids police officers took action and arrested two men after a parking violation escalated into a disorderly conduct incident on Thursday. This incident took place at Walgreens, located at 101 Smith Church Road, and resulted in the apprehension of the offenders.

According to Chief Shane Guyant from the Roanoke Rapids Police Department, Sergeant D. Newsome noticed a white Chevrolet Impala pulling into a designated handicapped parking space at around 3 p.m. In accordance with the North Carolina Department of Motor Vehicle regulations, parking spaces for drivers/owners with disabilities must be clearly marked with signs indicating the penalties for unauthorized use. It is unlawful to park a vehicle without a valid disability placard or plate in these designated spaces, and blocking or obstructing curb ramps or cuts for individuals with disabilities is also prohibited under the North Carolina Building Code. Violators can face penalties ranging from $100 to $250, and their vehicles may also be subject to towing.

During this particular incident, the driver of the Impala was identified as 19-year-old Jamaryon Martin-Dyon Atkins from Roanoke Rapids. Sergeant Newsome approached Atkins and inquired about his possession of a handicap placard. Atkins admitted to not having one and claimed that he only intended to enter the store briefly. Sergeant Newsome informed Atkins that he needed to relocate his vehicle.

As Atkins exited the store, he began using profane language towards Sergeant Newsome. He then proceeded to re-enter his vehicle and continued shouting offensive remarks loudly. After Atkins moved his vehicle, Sergeant Newsome requested his driver’s license, which Atkins refused to produce. Consequently, Sergeant Newsome ordered Atkins to place his hands behind his back, but he refused to cooperate.

Simultaneously, the passenger in the vehicle, identified as 20-year-old Cemonye Travius Scott from Halifax, started recording the incident on his mobile phone. It is important to note that Scott had the right to record the events as they unfolded. However, Scott’s actions began to interfere with Sergeant Newsome’s attempts to handle Atkins. Despite repeated orders to step back, Scott persisted in using profanity and kept advancing towards Sergeant Newsome as he attempted to apprehend Atkins. Additional officers arrived at the scene, leading to the arrest of both Scott and Atkins.

Scott was issued a citation for disorderly conduct and was subsequently released into the custody of a responsible individual at the police department. His court date has been scheduled for November 17.

On the other hand, Atkins faced charges of resisting a public officer and violating handicap parking regulations. It is worth noting that Atkins has several other pending charges in Halifax County, including obtaining property through false pretenses, breaking and entering, possession of stolen property, carrying a concealed weapon, and assault on a female.

Notably, Atkins was denied bond due to a new law that came into effect on October 1. Under this legislation, known as SL2023-75, defendants charged with violent crimes or who commit new crimes while on pre-trial release are affected. The law stipulates that a judge, rather than a magistrate, must determine whether such individuals may be released before their trial. Offenses falling within this category include murder (first or second-degree, or attempted murder), kidnapping, forcible and statutory rape, sexual offenses, human trafficking, assault with a deadly weapon, property-related crimes, and robbery with a dangerous weapon.

As a result of this new law, if a defendant is charged with any of the mentioned offenses, a magistrate is unable to set their bond. Instead, the defendant will be held for 48 hours or until a district court judge can review the case, whichever occurs first. This rule mirrors the existing protocol for domestic violence cases. Furthermore, the law also states that if a defendant is already on pre-trial release for any criminal case and subsequently commits new criminal offenses, a magistrate cannot set their bond until the same 48-hour period has elapsed.

The Roanoke Rapids Police Department is committed to upholding the law and ensuring public safety. This incident serves as a reminder to individuals to abide by parking regulations and respect the rights of law enforcement officers. Failure to comply with these requirements can result in significant penalties and legal consequences..