Bookings and Blotter – March 5, 2025

The following information is summarized from the records of city, county and state police agencies.

Jail Bookings

The following people were recently booked at the Fulton County Jail:

• Jaren D. Barnes, 33, Munster, was taken into custody Tuesday on a warrant charging him with failure to appear in court on an original charge of reckless driving. He was picked up at the Lake County Jail and held on a $150 cash bond.

• Troy E. McKinzie, 48, Etna Green, was arrested early Wednesday morning on preliminary charges of possession of methamphetamine and possession of paraphernalia. He was taken into custody by city police during a traffic stop at Eighth and Monroe streets and held on a $2,500 surety or $500 cash bond. 

Police Incidents

Civil issue
• A man arrived at Rochester Police Department around 10:30 a.m. Tuesday to report that someone is selling his belongings without permission, despite reportedly having an agreement in place to store the items at a Fortna Drive property. 

Animal calls
• Shortly before 1 p.m. Tuesday, a Kewanna man reported that a stray dog keeps coming onto his property. He stated it first showed up about a month ago, to which he was advised not to wait to call, as after 21 days it's considered his. Police records indicate that the dog was found to be in a cage full of feces. It was subsequently taken by animal control to the Fulton County Animal Adoption and Education Center. 
• A mail carrier reported on Tuesday afternoon that two dogs at 37 N. 700 East chase her vehicle every day when she drops off mail. Both reportedly go into the roadway and well past the residence. The mail carrier said she has never witnessed them to be aggressive, but was concerned for their safety. 

Wrecks
• An Amazon driver hit a bollard in the parking lot of Fulton County REMC, 1448 W. State Road 14, around 1:30 p.m. Tuesday. 
• At 10:24 p.m. Tuesday, police received a report about a vehicle in a field in the area of Meridian Road and State Road 14. Police records indicate that the driver swerved to avoid hitting an animal and got stuck in the field. There was reportedly no property damage, and arrangements were being made to have the vehicle towed. 

Thefts
• A man arrived at the Fulton County Sheriff's Office around 2:30 p.m. Tuesday to report that someone has been breaking into his residence and taking things. The man was reportedly missing underwear, change and lawnmower tires. Police records indicate that camera footage from inside the home did not show anything suspicious. 
• At 3:17 p.m. Tuesday, residents of 3121 Evergreen St. reported that visitors over the weekend stole two handmade quilts, a vacuum and a sewing machine. Arrangements were to be made for the property to be returned.

Battery reports
• Shortly before 5 p.m. Tuesday, a Talma man reported that a neighbor girl ran to his house, advising that she had been beaten by her dad. The girl was subsequently transported to Woodlawn Hospital, where she was medically cleared and then released into the care of her mom. Police records indicate that the Department of Child Services was contacted as a result. An attempt to locate the girl's father was underway, during which he allegedly commented to someone that he was going to harm himself. 
• Shortly before 8 p.m. Tuesday, police received a report that two brothers, ages 10 and 15, had gotten into a physical altercation at a home in Macy. The 10-year-old's face was reportedly bruised and swollen following the fight. The boys' father was subsequently contacted.