Newton
Police Department
• Hector D. Bonilla, 32, of Newton, is charged with operating while under the influence and leaving the scene of an accident after authorities were called to 1500 S. Sixth Ave. E. at 9:23 p.m. Sunday. Officers were called about a vehicle that ran into a telephone pole. Officers were told about a male driver that had taken off running but was apprehended. Officers found the vehicle had struck a parked vehicle. Damage is estimated at $2,500 for Bonilla’s vehicle and $250 for the parked vehicle. Officers found Bonilla at the intersection of South Fifth Avenue East and East Fourth Avenue Place East. He smelled of alcohol and admitted to drinking. He was taken to the Jasper County Jail.
• Harmony M. Burke, 23, of Newton, is charged with public intoxication and interference with official acts after authorities were called to 1500 S. Sixth Ave. E. at 10:52 p.m. Sunday. Officers found Burke standing outside a van that had recently been in an accident. She smelled of alcohol and said she had been a passenger in the van. Officers got a cab to transport her home. She was told if she was in public, she would be placed under arrest for public intoxication. She went to the Jasper County Jail, where she was then placed under arrest. She refused to enter her holding cell and became hostile, refusing to take off her shoes. A Taser was shown and officers had to physically restrain her. After she was handcuffed, she kicked at officers, hitting two of them.
• Jerred F. Miller, 31, of Newton, is charged with driving while license under suspension after authorities were called to 308 E. 13th St. N. at 4:35 p.m. Monday. He was taken to the Jasper County Jail.
Jasper County
Sheriff’s Office
• Debra Johnston, 55, of Baxter, is charged with domestic abuse assault after authorities were called to 7779 N. 95th Ave. W. at 7:30 p.m. Monday. Officers were called about a dispute that arose over the use of a phone. The victim said Johnston hit her with the phone on the arms and in the ribs. Slight bruising was seen in those areas. Johnston admitted to a physical struggle over the phone. A no contact order was requested by the victim. She was taken to the Jasper County Jail.