Name:
McCray, Jason Daryle
Date of Booking:
12/14/2022
Reason(s) For Booking:
Theft by Shoplifting-Felony
Officer’s Narrative:
[Please note: The following is a direct transcription from the official initial incident report. The Georgia Gazette does not fix any spelling or grammatical errors that may exist. Any changes or redactions made by our staff are placed inside brackets. Some errors may exist. All subjects are innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. The topics discussed may be sensitive to some readers. Discretion is advised.]
On Wednesday, December 14, 2022 at approximately 1809 hours, I was dispatched to 100 Gentilly Blvd. in reference to a shoplifting in progress. Bartow County 911 stated that the (2) suspects were leaving the store after putting the stolen items in the truck. Bartow 911 did not provide a description of the vehicle but a GCIC check of the tag revealed it to be a Gray Nissan Altima.
While enroute to the area Sgt. Cole advised that he had located the vehicle at GA 3 at Church Street. Sgt. Cole stated that the vehicle then turned onto E Main Street traveling East. A felony traffic stop was initiated at E Main Street at Main Street Market Place. Both occupants were ordered out of the vehicle and taken into custody. Both subjects were placed into handcuffs behind their back, that were checked for proper fit, and doubled locked for safety. The occupants were identified as Driver, Octavious Dontae Morrell and passenger, Jason Daryle McCray.
Mr. Morrell had (2) felony warrants for shoplifting out of Dekalb County and Clayton County (Cartersville Case Number 2022-20608). Mr. Morrell was placed into the rear of my marked patrol vehicle, that was searched before shift, and after each transport. Mr. McCray was placed into the rear of Cartersville Police Officer Miller’s patrol vehicle that was searched before each shift and after each transport.
A search of the vehicle revealed (2) Dewalt Atomic Compact Series located in the trunk. Photos of the items were taken and attached to this report. A red Atlanta Hawks hat and shirt were located under the passenger seat, where Mr. McCray had been sitting. The items were photographed and copies of the photograph’s were attached to this report.
Cartersville Police Officer McArthur made contact with Home Depot employees (complainant/witness) who stated he observed Mr. McCray put the above items, Dewalt tool kit, cardboard boxes and bathroom tissue in the shopping cart and exit the store without paying for them. Home Depot loss prevention were able to recover the cardboard boxes and bathroom tissue.
Complainant stated that Mr. Morrell was the driver of the vehicle but was also observed inside the store with Mr. McCray. Complainant stated he Mr. Morrell and Mr. McCray and tried to shoplift on an early date and they were already able to identify Mr. Morrell, and was why they were watching them once they entered the store. Complainant stated Home Depot (victim) wished to press charges for the shoplifting. Witness (witness) corroborated Complainant’s statements. Complainant created a receipt for the above items for an approximate total value of $819.44. The receipt was logged into the Cartersville Evidence Room, and a copy was attached to this report.
Officer McArthur did observe Mr. McCray on security video pushing a shopping cart with the above items wearing a red shirt and a Atlanta Hawks hat. Officer McArthur also observed Mr. Morrell walking in the store wearing a black shirt and pants.
Cartersville Police Officer Wilkey read Mr. Morrell his Miranda Warning and he declined to speak about the incident. Officer Wilkey also read read Mr. McCray his Miranda Warning and he stated he had not went into Home Depot. Mr. McCray stated they had given a ride to an unknown male at Home Depot, and the male had left the items in the back of the trunk. Mr. McCray stated he did not know where the male was dropped off, or where he got the items.
I transported Mr. Morrell to the Bartow County Jail where he was booked without further incident under appropriate charges. Officer Miller transported Mr. McCray to the Bartow County Jail where he was also booked without further incident under the appropriate charges. Mr. Morrell’s vehicle was inventoried and was towed by Stacy’s Towing. A copy of the tow form was attached to this report. Sgt. Cole returned the recovered items back to Home Depot.
[End of Narrative]