Crime Archive

A mother and son were arrested Aug. 29 near Crestview after one fled an attempted traffic stop and the other interfered with a deputy attempting to arrest her.

According to an Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office press release, the incident started when a deputy spotted Venetia Berry, 62, driving a truck with the wrong license attached. Berry refused to pull over when the deputy tried to make a traffic stop on Highway 85 near Auburn Road around 10:30 a.m.

Crestview Police found a bloody scene when they responded to a call on Aug. 16 involving two men, a woman, and a mechanic’s tool.

According to the arrest report, Jonathan Wayne Brown, 36, of Crestview, went to the home of one of the victims looking for a tool. When Brown arrived at the residence, he was reportedly belligerent with the victim’s fiancée and demanded to speak with the victim.

Two teens and a 20 year old are behind bars following a burglary in the Auburn community near Crestview.

Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office deputies responded to a call of shots fired in the Auburn community and made contact with three teens in the area, leading to burglary and grand theft charges against the trio.

An Okaloosa County Grand Jury has indicted three Crestview Police officers in the Oct. 14, 2021, death of Calvin Wilks, Jr. after law enforcement interaction. Brandon Hardaway, William Johns and Evan Reynolds have been indicted for manslaughter.

A statement issued by the Crestview Police Department says they are aware of the results of the Grand Jury review. “As a law enforcement agency, we must trust the justice system we are charged to enforce,” Police Chief McCosker said. “We will continue to cooperate with all parties involved as we await the outcome of the upcoming trial.”