(Cushing) – Yesterday, Cushing police were sent to the Memorial Park near the amphitheater because there was a reported suspicious male in the area. According to the reporting person, the male, who was reportedly not wearing a shirt and sitting on a nearby park bench, had been sitting in the same area off and on over the last few days.
Cushing police officer Carson Watts was sent to investigate, later contacting rural Cushing resident and registered sex offender, Joshua William Crites, WM, DOB: 02-01-80. During his contact, Officer Watts learned that Crites was a registered sex offender, and was so registered with the Payne County Sheriff’s Department. During the investigation, Officer Watts asked Crites if he knew he was not supposed to be in a public park since he was a registered sex offender, and he replied, “Yes.”
In addition to the sex offender zone of safety violation, Crites also had an odor associated with an alcoholic beverage about his person. Crites was in possession of beer and had allegedly been consuming some of the beer while in the Memorial Park.
Officer Watts arrested Crites for public drunk and a sex offender zone of safety violation. Crites was taken to the Cushing jail where he was processed and held overnight. Crites was transported to the county jail this morning. Crites appeared in court this afternoon, and was released on his own recognizance. Crites is set to reappear in court on June 24, 2009, at 1:30 p.m.
Chief Terry Brannon said, “Once again, this arrest proves the effectiveness of our citizens in terms of helping us solving crimes. I want to commend Officer Watts and Officer Piatt for their investigative work, which helped lead to this arrest. Without question, we take this violation seriously. This continues to reflect our commitment to help keep Cushing a safe, livable community.”
