By Rupert Howell

Batesville Police Chief Tony Jones, officers and detectives are warning area residents and shoppers that scammers are out in force drawing attention to one situation that was unique to officers this weekend.

A lady reported that she was approached by two black males stating they had a computer to sell for $250. She agreed to the purchase and one of the men put the “computer” in her trunk while the other went back into the store with her to return purchases so that she could pay for the laptop computer.

The “computer happended to be two three-ring binders taped together with weight on the inside and a Wal-Mart price tag on the front wrapped in bubble wrap inside a Wal-Mart bag.

The new “laptop” came with what appeared to be a cell phone charger.

“Greed gets them every time,” said Chief Jones.

Assistant Chief Don Province noted that scams increase every holiday season.

Other weekend reports provided by BPD revealed Rondre Demond Tyson was arrested and charged with abusing a member of police and fire department, disorderly conduct, failure to comply and was transported to Panola Sheriff’s Office for housing.

Another report indicated that an officer was called following a report  that someone had driven through a yard in a silver Nissan Altima with a Mississippi tag causing damage to a yard during the time of Sunday’s Christmas parade.

Deep ruts were left in the yard and estimated cost of repair was around $300. A license number was provided but was not included in The Panolian’s copy of the report.

One man was arrested for contempt of court and another was arrested for possession of marijuana in a motor vehicle.

All were transported to the Panola County Jail.