Two Jailed after Motel Set-To in Jacksonville

JACKSONVILLE — A man has been arrested by Jacksonville authorities after he refused to leave a local hotel, then led officers on a foot chase into a creek bed, according to officials. Police say they received a call from management members at the Extend A Suites Motel on the 1400 block of East Rusk Street. According to KETK, hotel employees claimed they asked a guest to leave repeatedly because of “suspicious activity” but that the man would not comply. Management also reported a lot of activity in the room the man was staying in at the time. Workers reported seeing several people people going in and out throughout the evening.

When police arrived at the business, they approached the motel room where the suspect, Orenthal Jay Mallard, 36, was reportedly staying with a woman, Chasidy Sexton, 20. After authorities allegedly smelled a strong marijuana odor, they asked Mallard to step outside and began a probable cause search of the room. Police reportedly found a handgun, marijuana, and other narcotic contraband during the search. Police also searched Mallard’s vehicle, where they allegedly found magazines, ammunition, and additional drug residue. Police also discovered that Mallard was wanted on a probation warrant in Jasper County.

When officers attempted to take Mallard into custody, he struggled and escaped, running eastbound on East Rusk Street, according to authorities. Police say they chased Mallard down the road and into a creek between Catfish King and Jalapeno Tree just east of the Extend A Suites motel. Officials say it took at least three officers to wrangle Mallard into handcuffs.

Both Mallard and Sexton were arrested and booked into the Cherokee County Jail on multiple charges. In addition to his previous probation warrant, Mallard has been charged with evading arrest, assault of a peace officer causing bodily injury, possession of marijuana, possession of a controlled substance, and failure to identify himself as a fugitive. Sexton has been charged with possession of marijuana, possession of a controlled substance, and intent to deliver a controlled substance.