Roadway Complaint Leads To Arrest In Grapeland

By Greg Ritchie

Messenger Reporter

GRAPELAND — A report of a man walking in the middle of North Market Street led to the arrest of 68-year-old Ricky Allen Stokes on Thursday, Aug. 20, according to the Grapeland Police Department (GPD).

A concerned citizen contacted law enforcement about the man in the roadway. Grapeland officers responded to the area, located Stokes and learned during the investigation that he had an outstanding arrest warrant out of Amarillo.

The warrant was confirmed, and Stokes was taken into custody.

After Stokes was transported to the Houston County Jail, jail staff discovered a substance suspected to be marijuana concealed inside his pants during the booking process, according to police.

GPD said Stokes then allegedly attempted to conceal the substance inside his mouth before jail staff recovered it.

The arrest record lists Stokes as facing charges of possession of marijuana, less than two  ounces, a Class B misdemeanor; possession of a controlled substance in Penalty Group 1/1-B, less than one gram, a state jail felony; tampering with or fabricating physical evidence with intent to impair, a third-degree felony; and an attempted prohibited-substance charge involving a correctional or civil commitment facility, also listed as a third-degree felony.

The record also lists the outstanding warrant from Amarillo.

GPD thanked the citizen who reported the situation and encouraged residents to contact law enforcement when they observe activity that appears unsafe or suspicious.

A call about a person in the roadway allowed officers to address the situation before it potentially became more serious, the department said.

All suspects are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.

Greg Ritchie can be reached at [email protected]