On Wednesday morning, around 7 am, the Hopkins County Sheriff's Office responded to a concerning situation along FM 1567 West. Reports flooded in of a woman wandering without clothing, catching the attention of a passing female motorist. The passerby contacted emergency services for assistance. She then picked up the naked woman, staying on the line with 911.
As they neared Highway 19 South on FM 1567, news arrived from dispatch that deputies were en route. This prompted the caller to halt at the junction of FM 1567 and FM 3389. Upon the deputies' arrival, they encountered the unclothed individual seated in the caller's vehicle. 40-year-old Tonya Elaine Payne, as she was later identified, engaged in conversation with the deputies, who advised her to relocate to the backseat of their patrol car.
Once situated, efforts to ascertain Payne's identity commenced. Initially providing a false name, Payne claimed to be Amber Smith. However, communication with dispatch revealed no record of such an individual. After persistent attempts, deputies succeeded in confirming Payne's identity. During questioning, she disclosed walking from Cooper, Texas, and consuming methamphetamine.
Payne was placed under arrest and transported to the Hopkins County Jail. Payne stands charged with public intoxication, as documented by the Hopkins County Detention Center.
Approximately a month and a half ago, on January 6, 2024, Payne found herself in the custody of Caddo Mills Police Officers. She was apprehended on charges of unauthorized use of a vehicle. However, despite the arrest, no further legal actions were taken in that particular case.
