Search for Fugitive Leads to Arrest of 3 Others, LIVINGSTON, July 16, 2008 - A search conducted by the Polk County Sheriff's Department Special Response Team yielded the arrest of 2 women and a man. At approximately 7 pm on July 15, 2008, intelligence led law enforcement to a residence on Calstlewood Road in Livingston in the search for Joseph Michael Gay, 26, of Livingston. Gay has two warrants out for his arrest; 1 for felony possession, and 1 for aggravated assault. Information was obtained that a man by the name of Raymond Leroy Smelley, Jr., 38, of Livingston, was allowing Gay to hide at his residence on Castlewood road. Upon arrival at Smelley's residence Lieutenant Andy Lowrie and Constable Precinct 2, Bill Cunningham, encountered 2 women who immediately took off running into a nearby wooded area. The women, Patricia Gail Cotton, 39, of Livingston, and Renee Crystal Jones, 26, also of Livingston were caught by Lowrie and Cunningham. Cotton was placed under arrest for evading arrest and possession of marijuana. Jones was arrested for evading arrest (Jones has previous charges of no liability insurance, failure to appear, and multiple narcotics charges). Both women claimed to be "checking on Joseph Gay". Meanwhile, Raymond Smelley refused to answer his door. Deputies forced Smelley's door open in an attempt to locate Gay. Once inside Smelley's residence, deputies found drug syringes and drug paraphenelia in plain view. Deputies obtained a search warrant. Upon searching Smelley's residence, deputies found 2 grams methamphetamine along with chemicals for making meth. In addition, the deputies located a hidden sleeping area in the attic of the house. Smelley was arrested and booked into Polk County Jail for possession of meth and is being investigated for possibly harboring a known fugitive.
As for Michael Joseph Gay, he was not found and is still on the run. If you or anyone you know have knowledge of the whereabouts of Michael Joseph Gay, please contact local law enforcement immediately. Crimestoppers will pay CA$H rewards for the apprehension of Michael Joseph Gay.
Raymond Leroy Smelley was arrested for possession and is under investigation for possibly harboring a fugitive.
Patrcia Gail Cotton was arrested for evading arrest and possession.
Crystal Renee Jones was arrested for evading arrest.
Crimestoppers will pay cash rewards for the apprehension of Michael Joseph Gay. Gay is believed to be much thinner now.
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