NEWBERRY — The Newberry Police Department reported the following incidents:
• Elease Rebecca Irby, 34, of 3898 Rocky Creek Road, Newberry, was charged with shoplifting on Dec. 28. Officers responded to Wal-Mart in reference to a shoplifting case. Upon arrival, an official with Wal-Mart told officers that Irby concealed merchandise underneath other purchased merchandise and passed all point of sales. They further stated that Irby had other merchandise concealed under her arm pits. Irby told officers that her child was sick and crying so she became frustrated. She said she began to rush and did not realize the merchandise had not been scanned. When asked if she had a criminal history, Irby responded no. Officers contacted County Control who stated Irby had a lengthy criminal history and had warrants for her arrest with the Newberry Police Department.
• Johnnie Hill, 49, of 600 Caldwell St.,3 Newberry, was charged with open container and drunkenness on Dec. 29. Officers arrived to a Newberry apartment complex and found Hill yelling and banging on the front door of an apartment. When officers approached Hill they could smell alcohol and saw an open container of vodka in his possession. When asked what he was doing, Hill said he was trying to get his girlfriend to open her door and stay with her for the night. Officers knocked and announced at the door several times, but no response.