Jimmy Cavender

Name:
Cavender, Jimmy Edwin

Date of Booking:
02/06/2026

Reason(s) For Booking:
Simple Battery Against Police Officer/LE Dog/ Corrections or Detention Officer

Disorderly Conduct

Pedestrian Must Not Dart in Traffic

Theft by Shoplifting-Misdemeanor

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 February 6th, 2026 at approximately 1356hrs I was traveling East bound on Peeples Valley Road approaching the intersection of Highway 411.

I stopped at the red light. While stopped I observed a white male with red hair (later identifed as Mr. Jimmy Cavender) standing in the median between the number 2 east bound lane of Peeples valley road and the right turn lane to turn Southbound on Highway 411.

When Mr. Cavender initially saw me in my marked patrol vehicle he screamed, “No” very loudly.

I then witness Mr. Cavender rear his right hand back which was holding a can. I later identified the can as a full Mike’s Hard Cider. When Mr. Cavender moved his hand it appeared that he was about to throw the can at the windshield of my patrol vehicle. Mr. Cavender appeared so prepared to throw the can that I tried to figure out a wayof moving out of throwing distance in an attempt to preserve my patrol vehicle’s windshield. I was unable to move due to traffic.

Mr. Cavender then elected not to throw the can at me and began repeating the motion at vehicle’s passing him in the right turn lane.

At this time I informed dispatch that I would be out with Mr. Cavender providing his location, description and activities. I then acivated my emergency equipment (blue lights) and made contact with Mr. Cavender.

As I was making contact with Mr. Cavender dispatch advised that they had received several phone calls about him throwing things at cars. Dispatch further advised that Mr. Cavender’s description matched the shoplifting suspect from the Speedway gas station nearby and Cartersville Police was enroute to investigate.

I approached Mr. Cavender and asked him what was going on. At this time Mr. Cavender set down his jacket, gloves, the Mike’s Hard Cider, and a can of Cheetos Mini. Mr. Cavender then stated that he had stolen the beverage and food from the speedway. At this time I detained Mr. Cavender in handcuffs (ensuring two finger fit and double lock of the handcuffs according to policy.)

I then patted Mr. Cavender down finding no weapons. I then placed Mr. Cavender, the drink, food and Mr. Cavender’s belongings in my patrol vehicle and transported him to the Speedway parking lot.

At Speedway I spoke with several people.

Mrs. [WITNESS #1] stated that Mr. Cavender had entered the store and asked if she knew who a customer was in a Chevy Tahoe out in the parking lot. Mrs. [WITNESS #1] denied knowing the person.

Mrs. [WITNESS #1] stated that Mr. Cavender then asked to stay in the buisness. Mrs. [WITNESS #1] stated she advised Mr. Cavender that she did not have the authority to allow that.

Mrs. [WITNESS #1] stated that Mr. Cavender collected the Drink, Cheetos, and a Blueberry muffin and then walked out of the store without paying. Mrs. [WITNESS #1] stated that when she called out to Mr. Cavender, after he left the store with the merchandise, that he threw the blueberry muffin and a dollar bill back toward the store. Mrs. [WITNESS #1] stated that Mr. Cavender had been harassing customers in the parking lot describing the same behavior I had witnessed earlier in the intersection.

I then spoke with Mrs, [WITNESS #2]. Mrs. [WITNESS #2] stated that she had been restocking the alcohol refrigerators when she was approached by Mr. Cavender. Mrs. [WITNESS #2] stated that Mr. Cavender asked her if he could get a drink for a dollor. Mrs. [WITNESS #2] stated that Mr. Cavender later clarified that he meant an alcoholic beverage for a dollar. Mrs. [WITNESS #2] stated that she advised Mr. Cavender that they did not have any alcoholic beverages for sale for only a dollar. Mrs. [WITNESS #2] stated that Mr. Cavender then grabbed a Mike’s Hard Cider and put it under his coat.

Mrs. [WITNESS #2] stated that Mr. Cavender then moved about the store collecting the Cheetos and the Blue berry Muffin before exiting the store.

I then spoke with Mr. [REDACTED] (the store manager.) Mr. [REDACTED] advised that he did want to press charges for shoplifting on Mr. Cavender. Mr. [REDACTED] attempted to let me review securit camera footage but the footage would not play. Mr. [REDACTED] agreed to upload the video to Polaris through a link I would provide him.

Mr. [REDACTED] provided a receipt for the stolen items showing the total value was $10.09.

Cartersville Police did respond to the scene and assist with the investigation. Due to me having charges in addition to the shoplifting charge I did not turn the case over to them.

I then transported Mr. Cavender to Bartow Count Adult Detention Center (ADC). Mr. Cavender was irrate and ultimately removed to a separate holding area.

I then contacted the oncall magistrate Judge and obtained a warrant for Mr. Cavender’s arrest on the charges of misdemeanor shoplifting and disorderly conduct.

[End of Narrative]