Newton Police Department
• Sarah M. Allen, 32, of Newton, was charged with fifth-degree theft at 2:50 p.m Aug. 2 after police were called to Walmart. A Walmart employee told police they saw Allen place numerous items inside her purse and then leave the store without paying for them. The total amount in stolen items was $121. Allen was released and issued a citation to appear in court.
• Nicholas R. Peterson, 36, of Newton, was charged with public intoxication and interference with official acts at 1:37 a.m. Aug. 9 after police were called to 2300 First Ave. E. in reference to a man lying near the roadway. Officers found a man lying next to his bicycle on the roadway in the 1000 block of East 23rd Street South. The man had scrapes on his left elbow and his head from falling off his bicycle. Peterson told police he had drank enough alcohol to feel drunk. Peterson was placed in handcuffs. Peterson refused to sit in the patrol car seat and refused to comply with orders. Peterson refused a sobriety test. Peterson was taken to the Jasper County Jail.