The best and worst of Triad area police blotters, as compiled by Keith T. Barber
Rough ride
In the early morning hours of Sept. 6, Winston-Salem police responded to a call of a fight in progress at the intersection of Yadkinville Road and Shattalon Drive. Officers arrived on the scene to find James Gregory Swafford, 27, lying on his stomach in the middle of the intersection with several stab wounds to his upper body. The police investigation revealed Swafford sustained his injuries while he was a passenger in a Willard Cab. Police are still investigating what caused Swafford’s injuries.
The victim was transported to Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center, where he is being treated for his injuries. At last report, he was listed in critical, but stable condition. Anyone with information is encouraged to call the Winston-Salem Police Department or CrimeStoppers at 336.727.2800.
Arrest made in Burger King hammer robbery
On Sept. 4, Winston-Salem police detectives arrested Marcus Andrew McDonald, 18, and charged him with two counts of robbery with a dangerous weapon in connection with the armed robbery of a Burger King in the 400 block of Jonestown Road two days earlier. On Sept. 2, police arrived at the Burger King and were advised by restaurant employees that two suspects entered the business, one armed with a handgun and one armed with a hammer, and stole an undetermined amount of money before fleeing on foot. One suspect, Tyrece Golphin, was captured shortly thereafter with the help of the department’s K9 unit. On Sept. 4, McDonald was arrested at 61 Luzelle Drive and placed in the Forsyth County Jail under a $30,000 secured bond. His court date is slated for Sept. 25.
On September 4, John Ammons, a former employee of the Children’s Home in Winston-Salem, surrendered himself to police after he was charged with five counts of taking indecent liberties with a minor. Ammons was placed under a $60,000 secured bond and he is currently being held in the Forsyth County Jail. The arrest stemmed from an April 15 report issued by the Mecklenburg County Department of Social Services alleging sex abuse of a 9-year-old girl that occurred on the property of the Children’s Home, located at 1001 Reynolda Road. During the course of the investigation the 9-year-old revealed that she was molested by Ammons over a period of two years while visiting him. The victim was never a resident of the Children’s Home. The investigation revealed that Ammons is not related to the victim but was a longtime family friend. The findings of the investigation were presented to representatives of the Forsyth County District Attorney’s office. At the time of the alleged incidents, Ammons was employed by the Children’s Home as its Director of Planned Giving. His trial date is set for Sept. 25.
Punched in the face
On Sept. 5, Greensboro police responded to a robbery-of-person call in the 2700 block of Patio Place. Officers arrived to find the victim, who said he was visiting a friend in the yard of his home when a light-skinned black male punched him in the face and stole his moped. Another black male took the victim’s helmet and hopped on the back of the moped before the two suspects fled the scene, according to the victim. Police are searching for a light-skinned black male, 5-7, 100 pounds and second black male wearing a white T-shirt and baggy pants. The Greensboro Police Department requests that anyone with information about this crime call Crimestoppers at 336.373.1000.
City manager makes debutNew Greensboro City Manager Rashad Young addresses the media at a press conference after being confirmed by city council 8-1, the lone dissenter being outgoing District 4 Councilman Mike Barber. Young previously workes as City Manager of Dayton, Ohio. (photo by Jordan Green)
