Woman reportedly wrecks holding room at jail

Staff report
A 19-year-old Jefferson woman is accused of kicking the inside of a police car, spitting on officers, wrecking a holding room at the Greene County Law Enforcement Center and then allegedly assaulting a jailer after a routine traffic stop March 10.

The list of charges facing Tesa Renee Binns includes interference with official acts/causing bodily injury; possession of alcohol; public intoxication; disorderly conduct/fighting or violent behavior; criminal mischief; and three counts of assault on persons in certain occupations.

Police say it began about 3:51 a.m. in the 500 block of West Lincoln Way, when an officer initiated a traffic stop on a vehicle with a defective taillight.

The vehicle pulled south into an alley and proceeded to the backyard of 103 S. Pinet St. before stopping.    

During the stop, the officer reportedly smelled alcohol coming from the vehicle.

Both occupants — Binns and driver Michael Allen Von Stein, 20, of Jefferson — allegedly admitted to consuming alcohol, and also reported unopened containers of alcohol in the vehicle.

Von Stein was cited for possession of alcohol by an underage person.

As the officer continued an investigation, Von Stein cooperated fully. Binns, however, reportedly wouldn’t identify herself and began to exit the vehicle.

Both the officer and Von Stein advised her to remain inside.

Binns then allegedly exited the vehicle and began walking away.

After numerous warnings to get back in the vehicle, the officer advised her she was under arrest.

The officer received minor injuries in a struggle that ensued.

A Greene County sheriff’s deputy arrived and assisted in taking Binns into custody.

While being transported to the LEC, Binns reportedly began kicking the interior windows and door panels of the patrol vehicle, causing damage.

After reaching the LEC, Binns continued to be combative, allegedly spitting on the officer and deputy.

While in the holding room, Binns reportedly caused significant damage to the walls, kicking holes in them, then allegedly assaulted a jailer while being moved to a cell.

The jailer suffered a shoulder bruise and wasn’t seriously injured.