By GARETT VALCOURT
PONCE DE LEON, FL – On June 18, 2024, a report of a suspicious vehicle led Holmes County deputies to arrest a suspect wanted for attempted murder. The incident began when a caller reported a silver Chevrolet Impala with Illinois license plates parked at a rest area in Ponce de Leon, Florida. The caller suspected that the vehicle contained a kidnapping victim and a homicide suspect.
Responding deputies promptly located the silver Impala as it was leaving the rest area. They conducted a traffic stop and identified the driver as David Eugene Grant. During the stop, it was revealed that Grant’s driver’s license was suspended. Further investigation uncovered that Grant had an active warrant from Portland, Oregon, for attempted murder and other related charges.
The vehicle’s passenger, Aiyana Stokes, informed deputies that she was not kidnapped and was traveling with Grant voluntarily. However, the situation prompted a probable cause search of the vehicle. Deputies discovered marijuana, a shotgun, and a pistol in the trunk.
As a result, both Grant and Stokes were arrested. David Eugene Grant faces multiple charges, including driving with a suspended license, possession of marijuana, possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, and outstanding warrants from Oregon, including attempted murder. Aiyana Stokes was charged with possession of marijuana and allowing an unauthorized person to drive.
Hannah Collins 
Jim Saunders 