FLORENCE-The Florence Police Department released statements on several arrests that were made over the holiday weekend:
Timothy T. Stempien
“Timothy T. Stempien-On 12/31/16 officers responded to the 100 block of S. Prairie St to a reported domestic incident. As officers arrived they were approached by a female who showed visible signs of being assaulted. Officers immediately called for medical assistance and the female was transported to ECM for care. Mr. Stempien was located a short time later hiding in an out building near the home. An investigation into the incident found that Mr. Stempien had assaulted the female following an earlier argument. During the altercation the female was held down and beaten while attempting to call for help. Evidence indicated that she was also strangled during the incident. The female was released from ECM following treatment and Mr. Stempien was arrested and charged with DV/ Assault 3rd, DV/ Strangulation and/or Suffocation, and DV/ Interference with an Emergency Call. He is currently being held in the Lauderdale County Detention Center on bond totaling $7,000.00.”
Kenjada Armstead
“Kenjada Armstead- Ms. Armstead was arrested following a traffic stop near her residence in the 500 block of S. Richards Street. During the stop officers learned that Armstead had left two small children (both under the age of 9) at her home unattended. Officers went to her residence to check the welfare of the children and found drugs within reach of the children. DHR was contacted to insure the safety of the children. Armstead was arrested and charged with Exposing Children to Narcotics, Endangering the Welfare of a Child, and Possession of Marijuana 2nd. She was released to the Lauderdale County Detention Center without incident. She was released from custody after bail in the amount of $7,000.00.”
Wendell Pitts
“Wendell Pitts- This case is the result of a Florence Police Officer being observant of his surroundings. On 01-01-17, Officer Greg Smith was patrolling in the area of Indiana Ave when he observed a suspicious vehicle parked at a residence in the 100 block with the keys left in it. Ofc. Smith made contact with the residents of the home to inquire about the vehicle. During his investigation he came into contact with Mr. Pitts who had a handgun sitting under his person. Ofc. Smith took possession of the firearm for his safety and found it’s serial numbers had been altered. Mr. Pitts was subsequently arrested. Additional charges are pending in this case. Mr. Pitts was transported to the Lauderdale County Detention Center where he was released following the posting of bail in the amount of $1,000.00.”
Mindy Jacobs
“Mindy Jacobs- Officers responded to a reported burglary in the 100 block of S. Locust Street on the morning of 12/30/16. As officers arrived they located Ms. Jacobs hiding in some bushes near the home. A warrant check was run and revealed active warrants for Mr. Jacobs arrest. She was transported to the Lauderdale County Detention Center and her person was searched by jail staff. During that search, it is alleged that she obtained drugs from bra and ingested them in front of jail staff. She was subsequently charged with Promoting Prison Contraband and Tampering with Physical Evidence. She is currently being held without bond.”
Tommy Bates
“Tommy Bates- Bates was the passenger in a vehicle stopped by police for a traffic violation. The officer recognized Bates as the passenger and knew that he had outstanding warrants for his arrest. During the arrest of Bates on those warrants he was found to be in possession of marijuana and crystal meth. He was charged and transported to the Lauderdale County Detention Center. Once at the detention center it was found that he was concealing additional narcotics in area of his person not accessible to patrol officers (I’m not going into any more detail than that). Those drugs were confiscated and additional charges were levied. Mr. Bates is currently being held in the Lauderdale County Detention Center on bond totaling $3,500.00.”
