News from WC Sheriff's Office

On Friday, March 14, deputies with the Washington County Sheriff's Office pulled a vehicle over for a traffic infraction. During the traffic stop, the deputy learned that the driver, Michael G. Woods, 22 year old white male from the Panama City area, did not have a valid driver's license and was also wanted on an outstanding warrant for manslaughter in Mississippi. When the deputy approached Mr. Woods to place him under arrest, Woods attempted to pull away and run from the officer. The deputy was able to get hold of Woods, take him to the ground and place him into custody. Woods was arrested and charged with resisting without violence and driving without a valid driver's license in addition to the outstanding manslaughter warrant and was transported to the Washington County Jail.

Earlier in the month, deputies were called the scene of a domestic battery incident involving a female victim and Joseph Vance Justice, 37 year old white male from the Cottondale area. Justice, had armed himself with a gun and shot at the female victim before fleeing the residence. Washington CI K-9 Tracking Team and the Washington County Sheriff's Office SWAT Team arrived on scene, but were unable to locate Justice. On Saturday, March 15, the female victim made contact with deputies after receiving a call from Justice. Justice gave his location, but fled when deputies arrived. Later the same day, the female victim was able to convince Justice to meet her. Deputies accompanied the female victim in her personal vehicle to a designated area where Justice had agreed to meet the victim. When Justice approached the victim's car, undercover deputies placed him under arrest. Justice was arrested and charged with armed burglary, possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, resisting without violence and battery and was transported to the Washington County Jail.