Ashe Mountain Times

According to information released Jan. 24 by Ashe County Sheriff's Office Captain Carolyn Gentry, Gregory Carl Chakmakis, 33, of West Jefferson, was arrested on Jan. 21 by the ACSO and charged with larceny of a motor vehicle, and resisting a public officer. 

According to Gentry, the West Jefferson Police Department also had warrants on Chakmakis for larceny of items from Walmart valued at $897.84, after Chakmakis allegedly stole a 46" TV, a mag lite, and a Nintendo Wii console. West Jefferson Police Detective Will Hicks reportedly investigated the case. 

According to Gentry, a 1994 Toyota pickup belonging to Ken Furches, valued at $6,500 was also allegedly stolen by Chakmakis on Jan. 21.

"After receiving a report earlier in the day (about) a larceny from Walmart, Chakmakis was named as a suspect," wrote Gentry. "In the afternoon, Ken Furches passed what he believed to be his Toyota truck. After verifying with his wife that...the truck was no longer in his driveway, Furches notified the (ACSO) of the larceny." 

Gentry said ACSO Sgt. CB Eldreth and Deputy Jeremy Munday soon located the stolen vehicle parked at a mobile home park in the Beaver Creek area. 

"Officers Eldreth and Munday were assisted by Deputy Joe Francis and WJPD Lt. Brad Jordan," wrote Gentry. "As they surrounded the trailer waiting for (Chakmakis) to leave, (Chakmakis) was seen exiting the rear door."

Though the officers identified themselves and asked Chakmakis to halt, Chakmakis allegedly ran from the officers, but was apprehended after a short foot chase of approximately 200 yards. 

Chakmakis was transported to the Ashe County Detention Center where he remains under a $32,000, according to Gentry.