By Staff Report
A vehicle pursuit in Holmes County on Friday ended with the arrest of multiple individuals, including a wanted suspect who authorities say was found hiding inside an air conditioning return vent at a residence along Highway 10-A.
According to the Holmes County Sheriff’s Office, deputies attempted to conduct a traffic stop on July 3 after identifying the driver as Jeremy Lewis. Investigators said Lewis failed to stop, leading deputies on a pursuit along Highway 10-A.
During the pursuit, a deputy used a Precision Immobilization Technique (PIT) maneuver, causing the vehicle to spin and come to a stop, according to the sheriff’s office.
Authorities said one passenger, identified as Tavares Godwin, fled the vehicle on foot. Investigators reported that Godwin was wanted on multiple outstanding warrants from Holmes County.
K-9 teams from the Walton County Sheriff’s Office and the Washington County Correctional Institution responded to assist in the search.
A second passenger, identified as Nikki Powell, was also taken into custody after deputies determined she had outstanding warrants from Holmes County, according to investigators.
The K-9 track led deputies to a residence on Highway 10-A. Authorities said homeowner Jackie Powell told deputies that Godwin was not inside the residence but gave consent for deputies to search the home.
During the search, deputies located Godwin hiding inside an air conditioning return vent within the wall of the residence, according to the sheriff’s office.
While conducting the search, deputies reported observing suspected methamphetamine in plain view. Investigators secured the residence and later obtained a search warrant to conduct a more extensive search.
According to the sheriff’s office, the search resulted in the discovery of suspected methamphetamine, drug paraphernalia and a firearm inside the residence.
As of Friday, the following charges had been filed:
- Jeremy Lewis: Fleeing and attempting to elude law enforcement.
- Tavares Godwin: Outstanding Holmes County warrants and resisting an officer without violence.
- Nikki Powell: Outstanding Holmes County warrants.
- Jackie Powell: Accessory after the fact, possession of methamphetamine, possession of drug paraphernalia and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.
- Sonya Massey: Accessory after the fact.
All charges are allegations, and each defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.
In a statement, Sheriff John Tate commended the coordinated efforts of the Holmes County Sheriff’s Office, the Walton County Sheriff’s Office and the Washington County Correctional Institution K-9 teams for their assistance during the pursuit and subsequent search.
AMBER PATINO 