MCKENZIE, Tenn. — The following are incident reports submitted by the McKenzie Police Department from between July 6 and July 11, 2026. They include various incidents such as a hit and run, burglary, shoplifting, child neglect, criminal trespass, a stolen trailer, and theft of services.
Hit and Run / Driving on Suspended License
Officer Bryan Batchelder reported on 07/08/2026 that officers were dispatched to Highland Drive regarding a hit and run at Dollar Tree. The victim stated that while she was inside shopping, someone struck her vehicle on the driver side rear bumper and drove off. Surveillance footage later obtained by Sgt. Darren Davis identified the suspect as Marvin Gaston, who was seen exiting the store and backing out in a pickup truck. A license check revealed Gaston’s license had been suspended since October 2024. Gaston was issued a General Sessions citation for Leaving the Scene, Driving on a Suspended License, and Financial Responsibility and was advised of the ten-day book-in process.
Burglary / Vandalism — Stonewall Street
Officer Daniel Pollard reported on 07/07/2026 that a resident on Stonewall Street came into the McKenzie Police Department to report a break-in and vandalism. The victim stated that an unknown suspect had entered her home and used a hammer to smash her kitchen sink and cabinets, poured a white powder down the sink, and left the pipes crooked and loose. The victim stated her security alarm went off during the incident but the suspect had already left by the time police responded. The case remains pending further investigation.
Shoplifting — EW James and Sons Supermarkets
Sgt. Kyle Beauchamp reported on 07/09/2026 that two employees of EW James reported an ongoing theft problem at the Main Street store. Surveillance footage showed two women enter the store separately, fill a cart with groceries concealed in EW James bags they had brought in, and exit through all points of sale without paying. The known value of identified stolen items was $16.80, though additional items concealed in bags were not quantifiable. The suspects left in a black KIA Sorento driven by a third individual. Suspects remain unidentified at the time of the report.
Child Abuse and Neglect — Oak Street
Officer Jayden Rembert reported on 07/09/2026 that a woman came to the McKenzie Police Department to report that her sister, Autum Curtright, had been drinking and chased three children — all under age 12 — out of her home on Oak Street while intoxicated. The children fled to a grandmother’s home on Maple Avenue. Officers were unable to make contact with Autum Curtright at her residence. She was charged with three counts of Child Neglect/Abuse and bond was set at $7,500 total. A DCS referral was also made.
Criminal Trespass — EW James and Sons Supermarkets
Officer Michael Cunningham reported on 07/08/2026 that he was dispatched to EW James on Main Street regarding a criminal trespass in progress. Upon arrival, officers made contact with Jannie Leone, who was walking outside the business and looking through the windows. Leone had an active ban notice from the store dating back to July 2024. She stated she had been inside multiple times attempting to buy milk. Store employees confirmed she had been asked to leave on prior occasions and had caused a disturbance when asked to leave that day. Leone was arrested for Criminal Trespass and declined to sign the bond accommodation sheet at the jail.
Stolen Trailer — Main Street North
Officer Timothy Dillon reported on 07/09/2026 that a man came to the McKenzie Police Department to report his Carry-On 5×8 Utility Trailer stolen from Main Street North. The complainant stated the trailer was last seen approximately a week prior and believed his ex-wife or her boyfriend may be involved. Officers went to the last known address but were advised the ex-wife no longer lived there. While on scene, the complainant located the cut lock from his trailer in the parking lot. He was advised to provide registration and VIN information so the trailer could be entered into NCIC and a BOLO released.
Theft of Services — Stonewall Street
Officer Timothy Dillon reported on 07/11/2026 that officers responded to a call on Stonewall Street regarding a theft of services. Clinton Wright was arrested and charged with Theft of Services. No further narrative was included in the report.
