GREENE COUNTY
Greene County deputies arrested two employees of the City of Greensboro last week after one of them was spotted by deputies urinating on the side of the road.
Lance Omar Robbins, 36, of Greensboro is being charged with public indecency and possession of marijuana (less than 1 oz.), and Lee Anthony Chambers Jr., 38, of Greensboro, is being charged with obstruction and possession of marijuana (less than 1 oz.).
According to reports, Sgt. Joshua Wilson was on patrol in the area of Oconee Avenue, close to the new Baynes Cottage Development, when he saw a man – later identified as Robbins – urinating where passing motorists could clearly see him.
By the time Wilson activated his emergency lights to make contact with the man, the male was walking toward a white truck.
According to Wilson’s account, the truck was occupied by another man later identified as Chambers, who was sitting in the driver’s seat. The truck appeared to be a City of Greensboro Road Department truck, and it had a government tag.
Wilson asked Robbins to move closer to him and noted that he could smell the odor of burnt marijuana as he approached. Wilson also observed that Robbins was holding an orange lighter in his hand.
Since he was not yet sure what was going on, Wilson decided to detain Robbins.
Wilson said Robbins was not wearing a uniform or any clothing that signified he was a city employee. Robbins was told to place his hands on the front of the patrol vehicle but did not immediately do as instructed.
Robbins eventually was placed in handcuffs after Wilson told him that he would be tased if he did not comply.
Sgt. Don Smith arrived and made contact with Chambers. Smith asked Chambers to exit his vehicle and move to the rear of the truck, where Wilson began a pat search of his person.
According to the report, Chambers was asked to sit on the push bar of Wilson’s patrol vehicle but refused four times and glared at the deputy. Chambers then moved to the front of Wilson’s patrol car and crossed his arms. Wilson told Chambers that he was being placed into handcuffs, and Chambers began to resist, but Smith helped Wilson place Chambers into the patrol vehicle.
Robbins told Wilson he had been in the truck with Chambers and he told him to pull over so he could go to the bathroom and smoke a “blunt,” according to the report.
Robbins said marijuana helps with his seizures. Robbins also told Wilson that he did not think marijuana was illegal in Georgia since it was legal in Ohio.
A search of the area where Robbins was standing by Wilson’s patrol car revealed a gold and yellow bag that contained an amount of marijuana, according to the report.
City Manager Larry Postell arrived and asked Wilson about what probable cause the deputy had, and Wilson informed him what had transpired.
Both Robbins and Chambers were taken to the Greene County Law Enforcement Center, where they were turned over to jail staff.