Story Submitted
Madison County Sheriff Ben Stewart reports that on Wednesday, Aug. 3, at 10:15 p.m., the Madison County Sheriff’s Office Communications Center received a BOLO (Be On Look Out) from the Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office.
The BOLO described an older model Lexus that was being driven by a black male who was possibly armed. The BOLO warned that the person of interest may be traveling to Madison County on State Road 6, from Hamilton County.
The vehicle and driver were believed to be involved in a shooting incident that occurred in Hamilton County. Lieutenant Doug Haskell, Deputy Brandon Goldman and Deputy Jeff Rosenberg responded to State Road 6 and set up at various locations to watch for the Lexus.
At 12:37 a.m., Deputy Brandon Goldman observed a Lexus traveling west on State Road 6 that matched the description received from the earlier BOLO.
Deputy Goldman followed the Lexus to investigate further, and ran the tag to check the status of the vehicle. Communications advised Deputy Goldman that the Lexus was reported stolen on Monday, Aug. 1 of this year by the Lowndes County Sheriff’s Office.
Deputy Goldman initiated a felony traffic stop on the Lexus, with assistance from Lieutenant Doug Haskell and Deputy Jeff Rosenberg. The Lexus was occupied by three black males who were ordered out of the vehicle. Once all three subjects were secured, deputies observed a handgun laying on the passenger side rear floor. Deputy Goldman secured the handgun and also observed a revolver concealed between the armrest and the back of the rear seat. The grip on the revolver was wrapped in electrical tape. Both handguns were found to be loaded. During a search of the trunk, Deputy Goldman located a pump shotgun. All three subjects were placed under arrest and the Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office was notified.
A short time later, a deputy from Hamilton County responded and attempted to interview the subjects. The deputy informed Deputy Goldman that future charges may be pending on at least one of the subjects. The Lexus was then towed to impound and all three subjects were transported to the Madison County Jail without further incident. Two of the suspects were juveniles and were taken to the Department of Juvenile Justice detention facility, located in Leon County.
One of the suspects, who was identified as James Irwin Mitchell, 25, of Jennings, Fl., was arrested on charges of dealing in stolen property, the use/display/carry of a concealed firearm during a felony and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. The two juveniles were arrested on charges of dealing in stolen property and the use/display/carry of a concealed firearm during a felony.