NAHUNTA — Three people were arrested Friday following a tip from a concerned citizen reporting suspicious activity at the corner of Main Street and James Street.
Kenneth Wayne Crews, 58, of Nahunta, Travis Edward Sweat, 29, of Nahunta and Chelsie Lynn Willis, 36, of Nahunta were taken into custody.
“This is a prime example of how law enforcement and the community can work together to make a difference,” said Nahunta Police Chief Brad Todd.
According to Chief Todd, the July 11 phone call at approximately 2:30 p.m., involved suspected illegal drug activity taking place in the area — specifically near 9667 Main Street.
The chief responded to the location and observed a white male, later identified as Kenneth Wayne Crews, 58, of Nahunta, riding a bicycle. Crews was found to have several knives concealed in his waistband along with a device commonly used to ingest illegal narcotics.
While being checked for weapons, Crews suddenly fled on foot into a nearby residence on James Street.
Out of concern for the safety of others inside the home, Chief Todd immediately requested backup. Brantley County Sheriff Len Davis and multiple deputies responded swiftly to the call for assistance.
While officers were securing the area, Crews and another male, identified as Travis Edward Sweat, 29, of Nahunta, attempted to flee from the residence through the front door. The pair tried to hide in nearby bushes in an effort to evade capture.
A coordinated search effort led to both individuals being located and taken into custody.
Further investigation revealed both Crews and Sweat had active warrants for probation violations. Sweat was also charged with burglary. Crews was charged with two counts of Obstruction of Law Enforcement Officers in addition to his outstanding warrant.
Also at the residence was Chelsie Lynn Willis, 36, of Nahunta, who was found to have an active warrant for Theft by Shoplifting out of Wayne County. Willis was taken into custody and transported to Wayne County. She is also being held on an additional burglary charge.
This incident highlights the positive impact of community involvement and the critical role residents play in keeping neighborhoods safe. Chief Todd expressed deep appreciation for the citizen who reported the suspicious activity and commended the rapid, professional response of Sheriff Davis and his deputies.
“We (City of Nahunta) want to thank the Brantley County Sheriff’s Office, especially Sheriff Davis, for the immediate support,” said Todd. “Their teamwork and presence helped ensure a safe and successful resolution to a potentially dangerous situation.
“We also cannot forget the people behind the scenes at our 911 Center. They were busy tracking paperwork and running information for us to assist in the arrest and getting these individuals out of our neighborhood and into custody, and it’s a lot of paperwork.”
The Nahunta Police Department continues to encourage residents to report suspicious behavior and reminds everyone that keeping our community safe is a shared responsibility.
