Shawn Soales 
Joni Gray
On January 23rd, 2021, a traffic stop led to two individuals being arrested on multiple charges. Sgt. Ridge Long observed a black Ford Ranger traveling down Alexandria Highway with an obstructed view of the vehicle’s tags. He then performed a traffic stop and made contact with the vehicle’s occupants, Mr. Shawn Soales (driver), and Ms. Joni Gray (passenger).
Mr. Soales stated that his license was suspended where upon he was asked to exit the vehicle. Soales was found to have a knife attached to his belt and upon further questioning, he divulged that he had a 32 caliber handgun inside his vehicle. He also admitted to smoking marijuana prior to the traffic stop. He was placed under arrest for driving with a suspended license and unlawful possession of a weapon.
After speaking with the passenger, Ms. Joni Gray, she consented to a search of her bag where 0.5 grams of methamphetamine was found, after she was detained, an additional 84 grams were found on the ground.
Sgt. Junior Fields and Deputy Matthew White arrived on the scene. Deputy White transported Ms. Gray to the Smith County Sheriff’s Office. Sgt. Long and Sgt. Fields continued to investigate during which time Mr. Soales stated that he had just picked up the methamphetamine prior to the stop.
Ms. Joni Gray was charged with tampering with or fabricating evidence and possession of methamphetamine. Mr. Shawn Soales was charged with possession of a firearm while under the influence, possession of a firearm in the commission of a felony, possession of methamphetamine, and driving on a revoked license.
Ms. Gray and Mr. Soales are both considered innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
