Deputies nab crank and cash stash
From our weekly issue dated July 23, 2008
Josephine County Sheriff deputies discovered approximatly a pound of meth and $11,500 cash in the backpack worn by Gerald Hart Batty (Photo courtesy of JCSO)
A Cave Junction resident faces charges including eluding a police officer and possession of methamphetamine after a chase in and around O’Brien early Thursday morning, July 17.
Gerald Bart Batty, 39, is accused of attempting to elude an officer after Deputy Jim Geiger of Josephine County Sheriff’s Office (JCSO) noticed a motorcycle being operated without headlights on O’Brien Road at 12:43 a.m. and initiated a traffic stop.
The driver, later identified as Batty, failed to yield to overhead lights and siren, fled the scene, and subsequently crashed in the 100 block of Naue Way, JCSO reported.
Batty ran from the crash, pursued by K-9 Deputy Basco, who pulled the fugitive to the ground by the backpack he was wearing. The K-9 was punched several times, and Batty escaped custody momentarily, only to be apprehended once more, JCSO said. Deputies took Batty into custody without further incident.
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Inside Batty’s backpack, after obtaining a search warrant, deputies discovered approximately a pound of methamphetamine and some $11,500 in cash.
Batty was transported by American Medical Response to Three Rivers Community Hospital in Grants Pass for treatment of injuries including a broken rib sustained in the crash and “K-9 apprehension cuts.” He later was released to county jail.
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The motorcycle, a 2003 Kawasaki dirt bike, was listed as stolen in 2007 from a Redwood Hwy. resident, according to JCSO.
Batty was cited on charges of attempting to elude a police officer, unauthorized use of a motor vehicle, interfering with a police animal; and outstanding arrest warrants charging possession of methamphetamine, felon in possession and unlawful possession of a firearm, and giving false information to police.
Later released on $20,000 bail, he was ordered to appear in court Friday, July 25.
Anyone with information about the incident is asked to phone the JCSO Narcotics Unit at 474-5151 or the confidential tip line at 474-5160.
