Break-in suspects battle with deputy

Two people were charged July 30 with attacking a government officer, according to warrants for arrest issued by Magistrate Stephen W. Faw and a report by the officer, Det. Ricky J. Lyall of the Alleghany County Sheriff's Department.

In addition to a scuffle, the attacks also allegedly included one of the two trying to run Lyall over with an automobile, and the other threatening him with a knife.

The incident occurred while Lyall was trying to arrest the two for a number of automobile break-ins, which also allegedly involved a third perpetrator. Joyce Ann Rachels, 42, of Glade Creek Road in Sparta and William Jonathan Jones, 23, of Three Top Road in Creston were each charged with assault with a deadly weapon on a government official and assault on a government official or employee, both felonies, and resisting a public officer, a misdemeanor.

In addition, Rachels, Jones and Johnny Wade Stone, 18, also of Glade Creek Road in Sparta, were each charged with seven felony counts of breaking and entering a motor vehicle, one count of felony larceny and six counts of misdemeanor larceny.

According to Lyall's report, an extended scuffle ensued when Lyall approached Rachels and Jones, who were sitting in a Subaru parked on Fox Ridge Road, on July 30.

Jones allegedly opened a butterfly knife and threatened Lyall with it, hit Lyall with his fists and kicked him, and ran from him. Rachels allegedly struck Lyall and pushed him, then got into her vehicle, a 1993 Subaru Legacy, and attempted to run over Lyall.

Lyall, assisted by Alleghany County Sheriff's Deputy Tim Duncan and Sparta Police Lt. Rex Wyatt, afterward arrested Rachels at her home, following another scuffle. They also arrested Stone, who is Rachels' son, at the home at that time.

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