Jasper County Sheriff’s Report

8/12/2025

The days are long and hot, but everyone seems excited to start a new school year. School will be in session for most of our students by the end of this week. The kids are eager to get back into a routine and the parents are excited too. Please obey the traffic laws in our school zones. Also, pay attention to our school buses loading and unloading.

On August 5, 2025, Tommy Shivers, 49, of Jasper, an inmate in our custody, was being escorted out of the courthouse after being disruptive during court proceedings. While Deputy Hopson was walking him out, Shivers “elbowed” a glass door, shattering it. Shivers was in restraints during the incident. He wasn’t injured. He was brought back to the Jasper County Jail. An arrest warrant was obtained and Shivers was charged with Criminal Mischief >=$10<$750 (MB).

On August 4, 2025, the Jasper County Sheriff’s Office received a tip regarding a man possibly stealing electricity. The tipster stated the man lived on Recreational Road 255. Investigator Calvin Starkie and JNEC officials went to the residence to investigate. They observed that Jones had rewired the meter loop allowing electricity to flow to his residence.

On August 6, 2025, Joel Derwin Jones, 57, of Jasper, was arrested for Theft of Service – State Jail Felony. It’s estimated that Jones stole approximately $5,689.63 worth of electricity during the past 3 years. He was brought to the Jasper County Jail.

On August 7, 2025, Deputy Walker responded to a call of a suspicious male walking n FM 105 just south of Evadale. He identified the male as Gayland Ridings, 60, of Navasota. Ridings had an active Parole Violation warrant from the Texas Department of Criminal Justice. Ridings was placed under arrest and taken to the Jasper County Jail.

On August 8, 2025, a Jasper County Deputy was dispatched to CR 725 in Buna regarding an alleged assault by Chicorean “Chico” Dill, 42, of Buna. Upon the deputy’s arrival, Dill was on the road near the front of the residence. He was detained, and after an investigation, it was discovered that Dill entered a residence where he had previously been issued a criminal trespass warning. The investigation revealed Dill made entry into the home while carrying a hammer and assaulted the homeowner by shoving him from the door and onto the porch causing injury. Dill was placed under arrest and booked on the charges of Burglary of a Habitation – Assault (F2) and Criminal Trespass (MB). He was taken to the Jasper County Jail.

On August 9, 2025, Sergeant Cody Christopher made a surprise visit north of Kirbyville to help celebrate little Chase’s 2nd birthday. Chase loves law enforcement so when he got a surprise visit from Sergeant Christopher, it made his day even more special. Happy Birthday, Chase!!!

On August 9, 2025, a JC deputy was dispatched to CR 317 regarding a white pick-up truck and sport utility vehicle doing “donuts” in the roadway. The deputy arrived at the scene but didn’t find the vehicles. He was called to the same location again and observed the SUV traveling north on CR 317. He initiated a traffic stop on the vehicle and made contact with the driver, Amber Suzanne Bizzel, 37, of Jasper. After stopping the vehicle, he observed a 10-year-old and a 15-year-old in the front seat passenger not secured by safety belts. The deputy conducted a DWI investigation on Bizzel and determined her to be intoxicated while operating a motor vehicle. Bizzel was arrested for Driving While Intoxicated with Child under 15 (SJF). She was transported to the Jasper County Jail at which time she submitted to a breath test which indicated she was over the legal limit.

On August 11, 2025, Sergeant Cody Christopher was dispatched to CR 451 north of Kirbyville regarding a man with a gun. Multiple deputies arrived on scene and determined the caller displayed a gun at a resident who he believed had stolen property. An investigation revealed that the resident did not have any stolen property. The suspect was disarmed prior to our deputies’ arrival. James Chaney, 43, of Kirbyville, was arrested for Deadly Conduct (MA) and Unlawful Possession of Firearm by Convicted Felon (F3). Chaney was arrested and transported to the Jasper County Jail.

Please note that all persons listed in this report are innocent unless proven guilty in a court of law.

It is a great privilege and honor to be the Sheriff of Jasper County. As always, call us if you need us.

Respectfully,

Chuck Havard

Jasper County Sheriff