At What Cost Freedom?

Palestine Police Arrest Suspect with Stolen ATV

By Will Johnson

Messenger Reporter

PALESTINE – A Dallas man lost his freedom while the country celebrated its independence after he was arrested during a traffic stop on Monday night, July 4.  

According to information received from the Palestine Police Department, “Just before midnight on Monday, July 4th, Officer Isiah Pettigrew was patrolling West Oak near Loop 256 when he observed a maroon Polaris ATV travelling in the roadway.”

The officer performed a stop on the ATV and made contact with the driver, identified as Michael Woods, 30, of Dallas. Upon contacting Woods, Officers Pettigrew observed signs of intoxication, along with an open container on the ATV.

A field sobriety test was performed and according to the Palestine PD, Woods failed the test and was placed under arrest for Driving While Intoxicated (DWI). He was transported to the Anderson County Jail and booked into custody without incident on the DWI charge.

“Further investigation revealed that the ATV had been stolen from a location in Leon County just prior to the traffic stop. The ATV has been returned to the owner. Additional charges for the ATV theft are pending out of Leon County,” the statement from the law enforcement agency indicated.

“I want to commend Officer Pettigrew for being observant stopping not only a drunk driver, but a theft in progress,” PPD Chief Mark Harcrow said. “ATV theft is a huge problem right now in our area. This is the fourth suspect tied to ATV thefts that we have arrested this month.”

Will Johnson may be contacted via e-mail at [email protected].