By Leah Justice

leah.justice@tryondailybulletin.com

The Polk County Sheriff’s Office arrested three local residents this week after the Polk Aggressive Criminal Enforcement (PACE) Team initiated an investigation after observing suspicious vehicles in the Columbus area.

The investigation led officers to 1901 Howard Gap Road in Tryon and after obtaining a search warrant for the residence arrested three people.

Lauren Brook Adams, of 1901 Howard Gap Rd., Tryon was arrested for a probation violation out of Gaston County, according to sheriff reports.

Matthew A. Thornton, of 15 Big Level Rd., Mill Spring was arrested for simple assault, according to sheriff reports. Both Adams and Thornton had outstanding warrants for their arrests.

Also arrested was Corey Randall Dinsmore, of 274 Tablerock Ln., Saluda on charges of felony possession of stolen property, possession of methamphetamine, possession with intent to sell and deliver marijuana and possession of drug paraphernalia, according to sheriff reports.

Officers found a vehicle on the property that was discovered to have been stolen out of South Carolina. All known occupants of the residence were detained outside while deputies searched the premises as they had reason to believe another subject was hiding inside the residence and could have been armed. A police K9 was brought into the residence and after officers announced the K9 would be deployed, Dinsmore surrendered, according to sheriff reports.

Officers searched the residence and found methamphetamine and marijuana belonging to Dinsmore, according to the sheriff’s office.

The arrests were made on Tuesday, May 5 at approximately 9:30 p.m.

Adams was still in jail as of Thursday, May 7 under a $15,000 bond. Thornton was released on a promise to appear in court. Dinsmore was still in jail as of Thursday under a $20,000 bond.