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SHERIFF MITCH RALSTON ADDRESSES REGIONAL POLICE ACADEMY GRADUATES…
Friday, August 21, 2026
Sheriff Mitch Ralston was the keynote speaker this morning at the graduation ceremony at the Regional Police Academy in Rome. He addressed the cadets in “5 Basic Tenets of Law Enforcement: Who, What, When, Where, and Why?” Sheriff Ralston admonished the newly minted peace officers to “keep their families close, and put their trust in the Lord”.
Additionally, the sheriff administered the oath of office to two of his own new deputies that graduated basic training today, Allan Case and Dean Fricks.
Photos: 1. Sheriff Ralston giving the keynote address 2. Sheriff Ralston administering oaths to Deputies Case (left) and Fricks (right) and 3. (Group, left to right:) Sheriff Mitch Ralston, Deputy Dean Fricks, Deputy Allan Case, Major Pat Bedford, Chief Deputy Robert Paris, Captain Ben Worley, Captain Dylan Nicholas, and Lieutenant John Vick.
MAN CRASHES INTO FIRE ENGINE, FLEES SCENE, QUICKLY APPREHENDED…
Thursday, August 20, 2026
Around 1pm today, Thursday, August 20, a Gordon County Fire engine was struck by a passenger car at the intersection of Interstate 75 / US Highway 41. The fire engine was stopped in traffic, and after the collision the car fled the scene, allegedly with a passenger attempting to disembark. A Fire officer located the offending vehicle a few minutes later at a nearby apartment complex and notified law enforcement. Calhoun Police and deputy sheriffs quickly responded and noticed not-so-subtle clues about the automobile which included extensive damage to both front and rear and deployed air bags inside. The peace officers located and arrested the driver, subsequently identified as one JACOB ALAN RAZO, age 31, of 2530 US 41, Calhoun. RAZO appeared inebriated, and consistently referred to the officers as “bros”. He told the arresting deputies he “was paying for it”, apparently referencing his car. He was taken to jail and charged with DUI, Leaving The Scene of an Accident, and other traffic offenses by the State Patrol, who investigated the actual crash. A female acquaintance told deputies that she was in the car with RAZO when he crashed into the Fire engine, and was trying to get out of his car as he sped away. Officers noted that fire engines are large, red, and highly visible in traffic.
RAZO has previously been arrested in this jurisdiction for Obstructing Peace Officers and other offenses.
GORDON COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE UPDATE
Friday August 21, 2026:
RUNAWAY JUVENILE LOCATED
The Gordon County Sheriff’s Office is pleased to announce that HALLIE MICHELLE BRYANT has been located and is safe.
We sincerely appreciate everyone who shared the original post, provided information, and assisted with efforts to locate her.
DEPUTIES RESPOND TO REPORT OF AGGRAVATED CHILD MOLESTATION, OFFENDER ARRESTED AT SCENE…
On Saturday afternoon, August 8, 2026, deputy sheriffs responded to a private home off Dews Pond Road in the Cash community in response to a report of a child molestation that had just occurred. The complainant reported interrupting the crime in progress.
Upon arrival, deputies rapidly located the offender, identified as one RAY SUM, age 31, of Calhoun, and arrested him without incident.
Detectives are still in the process of investigating this event.
The victim was a pre-school aged juvenile.
SUM is facing charges of Aggravated Child Molestation, Aggravated Sodomy, and Child Molestation. He is being held pending bond proceedings.
DEPUTIES RESPOND TO ASSAULT IN PROGRESS, 1 ARRESTED..
On Saturday afternoon, August 8, 2026, deputy sheriffs were dispatched along with Fairmount Police to a private residence on Scott Brown Road in Fairmount in response to a 911 report of an assault in progress. Deputies entered the home and quickly arrested the aggressor, identified as one TORIE NUJUAN McCLAIN, age 48, of Fairmount. McCLAIN had sustained injuries from a family member who’d intervened in the assault, and was transported to a medical facility for treatment. Deputies reported that McCLAIN was nude when he was arrested. Deputies also summoned medical aid for the victim.
Detectives executed a search warrant at the home and collected physical evidence, as well as interviewing witnesses. McCLAIN will face charges of Aggravated Assault, Aggravated Sexual Battery, Aggravated Sodomy, and False imprisonment.
DEPUTY RECOGNIZED FOR PREVENTING SUICIDAL INDIVIDUAL FROM SELF HARM…
Wednesday, August 5, 2026
On Sunday afternoon, August 2, 2026, a deputy was dispatched to a private residence near the Farmville community in response to a 911 report of a juvenile armed with a knife and threatening suicide. The deputy arrived and swiftly took control of the situation, and utilizing superlative communications and negotiating skills, persuaded the juvenile to disarm and seek medical attention.
Today, Sheriff Ralston recognized the actions of Deputy Gabe Shipman on August 2, presenting him with a Commendation Medal. Sheriff Ralston said, “Deputy Shipman’s actions were brave and compassionate. I am proud of him, and we hope that the juvenile involved in this event recovers fully.”
INTERSTATE FUGITIVE ARRESTED HERE:
Wednesday, August 5, 2026
On Friday, July 31, 2026, deputies on patrol stopped a suspicious automobile on Dews Pond Road near Calhoun. The driver was identified as one JAKE ESLEY, age 35, who provided booking officers with a Baker Road address. ESLEY was wanted by the State of South Dakota Department of Corrections for violating parole, as well as authorities in Oklahoma for drug and firearms charges. Officers from South Dakota are traveling to Gordon County to return ESLEY there.
Wednesday, July 29, 2026
2:15pm
SHERIFF INVESTIGATING ASSAULT
Deputy sheriffs are investigating an alleged assault at a private residence in Plainville. One person has been evacuated by air ambulance. One other person has been detained. There is no one at large and no danger to the public.
More details will be forthcoming.
DEPUTY PASSES AWAY…
Tuesday, July 21, 2026
The Gordon County Sheriff’s Office is mourning the passing of Deputy Sheriff Kevin Summerville, who fought a long and courageous battle with cancer. Kevin had served as a Jailor and Deputy since May, 2021.
Sheriff Ralston said, “We are all going to miss Kevin. He was recently recognized by the Elks Lodge as Outstanding Law Enforcement Officer of the Year 2025 in April. He was an excellent employee, a capable peace officer who mentored younger colleagues, and he was a fine individual who was popular among the staff. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends.”
Sheriff Ralston ordered flags at the Sheriff’s Office to be flown at half-staff in honor of Deputy Summerville.
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