METROPOLIS – The Metropolis Police Department released the following information on Monday, Aug. 5, 2024.
On July 30, 2024, Metropolis officers were investigating a traffic crash on U.S. 45 at the Rest Area. A computer check on one of the drivers, Joseph G. Haren, 70, of Seguin, TX, revealed that he was wanted on a warrant. The warrant was issued by the Texas Parole for multiple DUI’s. They advised that they would extradite. Haren was lodged in the Massac County Detention Center. A computer check on the other driver and vehicle revealed that Diana Jones, 51, of Brookport was operating a vehicle with suspended registration. She was charged and released on a notice to appear.
On July 31, 2024, a Metropolis officer conducted a traffic stop on U.S. 45 at O’Reilly’s Auto Parts. A computer check revealed that the registration had been suspended and the driver, Ralf E. Valcourt, 55, of Metropolis had a suspended revoked driver’s license. He also had no proof of insurance. Valcourt was charged with driving while license suspended, operation of an uninsured motor vehicle, and operation of a motor vehicle with suspended registration. He was released on a notice to appear.
On Aug. 1, 2024, a Metropolis officer conducted a traffic stop on a silver Dodge on West 10th Street and Johnson with expired registration. When the officer activated the emergency lights, the driver stopped, exited the vehicle and began pushing it. He claimed he had run out of gas. A computer check revealed that the driver, Thomas S. Coon-Lucero, 26, of West Frankfort, IL, had as suspended driver’s license. He stated that his insurance was expired. He then started making concerning statements and acting irrational. Coon-Lucero was arrested and transported to the Massac County Detention Center and request Massac County Mental Health to meet with him. Coon-Lucero was charged with driving while license suspended, operation of an uninsured motor vehicle as well as other equipment violations. He was issued a notice to appear and turned off the Mental Health official.
On Aug. 1, 2024, while on patrol, a Metropolis officer observed Charles J. Lanford, 30, of Metropolis in the 1600 block of Filmore. The officer was aware that he was wanted on a Kentucky warrant for burglary and theft. When the officers stopped, Lanford quickly ran into the residence. The officer knocked on the door and Lanford’s girlfriend lied stating he was not there. The officer informed her that he just saw him go inside. The grandmother allowed the officer to check and found him hiding in a bedroom closet. Lanford was arrested for the warrant and was charged with obstructing/resisting arrest. He was lodged in the Massac County Detention Center.
On Aug. 1, 2024, Sean Taylor, 46, of Metropolis was arrested in the 1500 block of Catherine. Taylor was wanted on two warrants. The warrants were issued by Franklin County, MO, for possession of controlled substances. He was lodged in the Massac County Detention Center.
On Aug. 3, 2024, Craig D. Lindsey, 39, of Metropolis was arrested in the 200 block of West 3rd Street. Lindsey was wanted on a warrant. The warrant was issued by Johnson County, IL, for Aggravated Assault. He was lodged in the Massac County Detention Center.
On Aug. 3, 2024, Metropolis officers were called to the Ft. Massac Trout Pond in reference to a domestic disturbance. Upon arrival, officers met with the victim who stated she had been in an argument with her boyfriend, Michael J. Seaton, 39, of Metropolis and tried to leave. He grabbed her arm, squeezing it very hard and refused to let her go. Officers observed a fresh bruise on her arm. A Metropolis officer located Seaton, and when advised he was under arrest, he fled on foot. Seaton was captured, and after being taken into custody, stated he needed an ambulance. While awaiting EMS, Seaton jumped up and threatened one of the officers. He was taken back down to the ground to await the ambulance. He was transported to Massac Memorial Hospital and released. Seaton was charged with aggravated domestic battery – pregnant victim, aggravated assault, and resisting arrest. He was lodged in the Massac County Detention Center.
On Aug. 4, 2024, Metropolis officers were called to a disturbance in the 200 bock of E. 3rd Street. The caller stated that a woman was yelling and screaming and throwing things. Upon arrival, officers checked the area and found her in front of the Humma Apartments. She was yelling at the door. When officers made contact with her, she tried to punch one of the officers in the face. A struggle ensued and she continued trying to kick the officers even after being handcuffed. She had to be carried to the squad car. Erina R. Bierman, 28, of St. Charles, MO, was taken to Massac Memorial to be evaluated. She continued to be combative. She was charged with aggravated assault, issued a notice to appear, and left at the hospital for continued care.
If you, or someone you know is struggling with drug use, help is available. We want to help you before an arrest is necessary. You can call the Metropolis Police Department at 618-524-2310, the Massac County Mental Health crisis line at 618-524-9368, the 988 suicide line, and you can contact MCDAC (Massac County Drug Awareness Coalition) for recovery resources at 618-524-1393.
The preceding information pertains to an arrest made by the Metropolis Police Department. This arrest was made on the basis of probable cause and all arrestees are presumed innocent until proven guilty.