Newton County Sheriff Robert Burby said in his weekly report to the public that his department is investigating the thefts of three all-terrain vehicles over the previous week.
According to Burby, two utility vehicles, commonly known as UTVâs, were stolen in the Pine Grove Community and a 4-wheeler was stolen in the Trout Creek Community.
If you have any information about the location of the ATVâs or those involved, youâre asked to contact the Newton County Sheriffâs Department at 409-379-3636. You donât have to give your name.
A manhunt for a murder suspect was underway on Saturday in the Kirbyville area along Hwy 82 W. It began with a vehicle pursuit late Saturday morning which ended with the male suspect, Jared Shodon, bailing out and fleeing into a wooded area, and a woman with him in the vehicle was taken into custody.
According to Jasper County Chief Deputy Scotty Duncan and Newton County Sheriff Robert Burby, the man is wanted on a murder charge in Newton County from the late 2019 disappearance and death of Randy Holmes. His burned body was found several weeks later.
Burby said Shodon and two others were recently indicted in the case.
Newton County Sheriff Robert Burby says there was no wrongdoing and no charges filed after his department, along with state and federal officials, conducted an operation on Wednesday.
According to Burby, it began when the Lufkin Police Department received information that a resident of the Wiergate Community had been receiving shipments of marijuana in the mail.
Burby also said it was discovered that the person had been growing hemp which had a higher level of THC than is allowed by law.
However, Burby said that it was determined that the person had all of the required permits to receive marijuana and to grow this particular type of hemp.