Deputies recover stolen Newtonia community center property after UTV theft arrest
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A UTV thief was held at gunpoint by the vehicle's owner Thursday evening, setting off an investigation that led deputies to property taken from the Newtonia Community Center.
Deputies responded to a theft in progress around 6 p.m. Thursday near Highway 86 near Stark City.
When deputies got there, they learned the owner of a stolen utility terrain vehicle had caught the suspected thief and was holding him at gunpoint.
Deputies arrested 30-year-old Scottie Nunez, of the Stark City area, and transported him to the Newton County Jail.
But the investigation didn't end there.
Deputies encountered 31-year-old Shyanna Sales, an associate of Nunez. Investigators say she was found in possession of drug paraphernalia and arrested.
They got info suggesting stolen property might be inside Sales' house.
This morning, authorities confirmed the recovered items had recently been stolen from the Newtonia Community Center.
Sheriff Matt Stewart praised his team for pursuing leads beyond the original theft call.
"I am proud of our deputies, and I'm proud of the work they do each day to keep our community safe," Stewart said.
Nunez remains jailed on suspicion of vehicle theft.
Sales is being held on suspicion of possession of drug paraphernalia and receiving stolen property.
