A wanted fugitive from the Newton Police Department was arrested by the United States Marshal Service around 6 a.m. Wednesday in Newton. Jermaine Pervis Word was wanted for kidnapping and aggravated domestic assault of his girlfriend last year.
Newton Police Chief Harvey Curry said NPD had been looking for Word for several months but were unable to locate him. He said they reached out to the U.S. Marshals about three weeks ago to assist in the search.
“We have contacted the marshal service to use them in the past, and they have assisted us in apprehending violent criminals,” Curry said. “We thank them for that.”
Curry said the Marshals have a lot more resources at their disposal, which is invaluable in locating and safely detaining criminals.
Curry said Word was booked into Newton County. His bond was set at $20,000. The investigation remains open, and anyone with information is asked to call the Newton Police Department at 601-683-2041.
While Wednesday’s arrest was a great victory for Newton, Michael Aycox, investigator with NPD, said it is also an opportunity to reach out to others in the community who may be victims of domestic violence. All too often, he said, victims feel trapped and return to their abusers even after filing a police report.
“It’s very, very common for people to become victims of a crime and then return back to their assailant,” he said.
That was the case with Word, Curry said. When Marshals arrested Word, he said, the girlfriend was with him.
Both Curry and Aycox said Newton Police Department wants to send a message to their community: Domestic violence has no place in Newton.
“We have no tolerance for those type of things,” Aycox said. “Zero tolerance, and we will use every resource to our avail.”
Aycox said Newton Police Department will do whatever it can to assist victims of domestic violence. He said victims do not have to feel like there is nowhere to go.
Newton Police Department has a Victims Service Coordinator, Cyndi Cook, who helps victims through legal proceedings and domestic violence situations, find counselling or housing, or seek financial help through the Attorney General’s Office. Anyone experiencing domestic violence is encouraged to call Newton Police Department at 601-683-2041 to speak with Cook.
“We’re here to help you,” Curry said.
