Police are advising Airbnb hosts to stay safe during gun and drug party arrests

COLLEGE STATION, Texas (KBTX) – As the influx of visitors flock to Aggieland for graduation ceremonies, sporting events and concerts in the coming weeks, law enforcement officials are urging short-term rental hosts to exercise caution to ensure the safety of the community.

Over the weekend, cooperation between College Station and Bryan police led to the arrest of six teenagers and the seizure of several firearms following an unruly gathering at an Airbnb property. This incident has prompted authorities to warn homeowners about the potential risks associated with hosting such events.

The party went wrong

Arrest reports show that a noise complaint prompted a heavy law enforcement response when officers arrived at an Airbnb rental on Estates Circle near Holleman Drive in College Station. When they arrived, the officers saw a chaotic scene: around 40 to 50 people, mostly minors, were in a smoky room that smelled of marijuana.

“The door opened, about 30 to 40 people, maybe a little more I guess, started streaming out of the apartment,” recalled Officer David Simmons of the College Station Police Department.

According to police, the subsequent search of the premises led to the arrest of six people and the discovery of seven firearms, two of which were reported stolen and one of which had its serial number intentionally concealed.

Increased caution is required

In light of such incidents, law enforcement is urging Airbnb hosts to exercise vigilance and care when screening potential renters.

Shelby Cooper, an experienced Airbnb host with multiple properties, emphasized the importance of proper screening and communication with guests.

“Check people out thoroughly, ask questions, don’t try to be loud, just say, ‘Hey, give me some information about why you’re in town, what you’re going to use my property for and how many people are doing it “Be with you,” Cooper said.

Cooper also emphasized the importance of setting clear expectations for guests to mitigate potential problems.

“You hope people are respectful and you hope people are great guests, and at the end of the day, nine times out of 10, they are. But if you check them thoroughly and ask them questions, why are you here? Do you know, do you understand my house rules? Are you aware that you are liable for both yourself and the people you bring onto this property? So those are things that people really need to understand,” Cooper added.

She also recommended installing outdoor surveillance cameras as an additional security measure.

“You definitely have to bet on having surveillance cameras on the outside and not on the inside, because of course that’s illegal. Airbnb doesn’t allow that right now,” Cooper said. “If you see crowds of people and, you know, barrels and all these people starting to build tunnels and break into your house, that’s a huge red flag. So you need to turn this off immediately.”

“It’s not about policing your property, it’s about protecting it and making sure that they not only respect their neighbors, but also respect the laws that we have in Bryan and College Station, but also respect your house rules and, you know, making sure your house isn’t completely demolished,” Cooper added.

Cooperation with law enforcement authorities

Law enforcement agencies emphasize the importance of working with property owners to ensure community safety. Cooperation in providing security footage and facilitating investigations is encouraged to combat and prevent unlawful activities.

arrest

Almost all of the home’s residents left the area when police arrived, but five people were arrested and detained on various charges.

Taylan Jaquese Johnson, 19, of Bryan was the host and organizer of the party, police said in their reports. Officers said they found marijuana in his underwear. He was charged with misdemeanor noise and possession of marijuana. He was released on bail. Online jail records show he was arrested for marijuana possession back in 2022.

Markell Jermaine Foster, 21, of Bryan, was arrested after police said he refused to stay away from a crime scene set up outside the home. After several warnings, police took Foster into custody, where he reportedly resisted arrest and subsequently refused to identify himself. He is charged with evading arrest, interfering with public functions and failing to identify himself. According to online jail records, Foster has two prior drug arrests in Bryan.

Marquavius ​​Benford, 18, of Bryan, was arrested on a charge of unlawful possession of a firearm by a felon. He remains in jail on $80,000 bond. Online jail records show Benford was arrested and convicted last year on multiple firearm and vehicle theft charges. According to police, Benford was seen on Instagram pointing a gun at the camera during the party.

Jakelynn Fletcher, 17, of College Station was arrested after police reportedly found him upstairs covered in vomit along with an empty bottle of promethazine and marijuana. According to arrest reports, Fletcher was wanted on a probation violation for unauthorized use of a motor vehicle and was listed as a missing person from a San Antonio residence. His new charges include possession of a dangerous drug and possession of marijuana.

According to police, Cameron Deshawn Jockeith Scott, 17, of Bryan, had a loaded firearm with a scratched off serial number. He is charged with illegally carrying a weapon and tampering with ID numbers on personal property. He also had two warrants for his arrest on unrelated charges in the Bryan case. He was released on nearly $8,600 bail.

Another person was arrested on a minor municipal warrant for Bryan.

Copyright 2024 KBTX. All rights reserved.