Suspicious incident lands one in jail

A Defuniak Springs man is behind bars in Washington County after reports of a suspicious incident were called into the Sheriff’s Office Telecommunications Center. 

On May 6 at 4:15 p.m., a caller reported that a white male was sitting slumped over the steering wheel of a vehicle near the intersection of State Road 79 and State Road 20 in Ebro.  Due to the nature of the call, the closest unit was an off duty Panama City Beach Police officer who responded first and ascertained the welfare of the subject. 

The man found playing on the phone and not in need of medical attention was identified as 34-year-old Matthew James Lunsford.

A Washington County deputy arrived on scene and made contact with the PCB officer and Lunsford. Illegal items were located in plain sight inside the vehicle, and Lunsford was detained. Further investigation revealed more illegal items located inside the vehicle.

Lunsford was out on bond for aggravated battery from Walton County. He was transported to the Washington County Jail on three charges of possession of drug paraphernalia, possession of a controlled substance and possession of methamphetamine. 

Anyone with knowledge of crimes being committed or tips may contact WCSO at 850-638-6111. Information may be given anonymously by calling 850-638-TIPS (8477) or by email at [email protected].