Sunday, January 8, 2012
Deputy Injured In Friday Attempted Home Invasion
An officer of the Lawrence County Sheriff’s Department sustained injury Friday while intervening in a home invasion scheme targeting the resident of an Iron City home.
According to a press release issued through the department, the operation was initiated when officers received a tip regarding the planned invasion of 265 Oak Street, and the robbery of the resident.
Officials quickly alerted the intended target to the plan, then devised a plan of action that would allow for the protection of the resident and the apprehension of the potential criminals.
The press release indicates that investigators with the department sat with the resident for more than two hours. At that point, they said the home was approached by two masked men, armed with handguns and dressed entirely in camouflage.
Officers on the scene confronted the men. They report that James Calvin Hand, 41, of Iron City was quickly taken into custody. The second man, Richard “Richie” Barry Cheek, 37, of Iron City, assaulted Captain Adam Brewer, inflicting a severe laceration to his head.
After assaulting Brewer, officials indicate Cheek attempted to flee on foot. Once apprehended, Cheek was subdued and transported to the Lawrence County Detention Center where he was booked under charges that include conspiracy to commit especially aggravated robbery, conspiracy to commit especially aggravated burglary, aggravated assault, resisting arrest, evading arrest and vandalism.
Hand, officials report, was transported to a separate facility, “in an effort to separate the two conspirators.”
During the investigation deputies ascertained that Felecia Caroline Palmore, 36, of Loretto, “was the driver and had conspired in the commission of the crime.” Palmore was arrested and booked on charges of conspiracy to commit aggravated burglary. Officials indicate she was also booked on earlier, unrelated charges of burglary and theft.
Cheek, Hand and Palmore have all been scheduled an initial appearance in Lawrence County General Sessions Court on January 24, 2012.
Department officials report Captain Brewer was transported to Crockett Hospital where he received eleven stitches to close the laceration. After receiving treatment, Brewer was released.
Authorities report that investigation in the matter is on-going and that additional charges are anticipated. They expect that other conspirators may be identified, as well.
