COLLEGE STATION, Texas (KBTX) -As the influx of visitors descends upon Aggieland for graduation ceremonies, sporting events, and concerts in the coming weeks, law enforcement officials are urging caution among hosts of short-term rentals to ensure community safety.
Over the weekend, the collaboration between College Station and Bryan police led to the arrest of six teenagers and the confiscation of multiple firearms following an unruly gathering at an Airbnb property. This incident has prompted authorities to issue warnings to homeowners about the potential risks associated with hosting such events.
The Party Gone Awry
Arrest reports indicate that a noise complaint triggered a substantial law enforcement response when officers reached an Airbnb rental on Estates Circle near Holleman Drive in College Station. Upon arrival, officers were met with a chaotic scene, finding around 40 to 50 mostly underage individuals in a smoke-filled room smelling of marijuana.
“The door opened, about 30-40 people, maybe a little bit more, just kind of estimating, started pouring out of that apartment,” recalled Officer David Simmons of the College Station Police Department.
Police say the subsequent search of the premises resulted in the arrest of six individuals and the discovery of seven firearms, two of which were reported stolen, and one with its serial number intentionally filed off.
Heightened Caution Urged
In light of such incidents, law enforcement authorities are urging Airbnb hosts to exercise vigilance and diligence in screening potential renters.
Shelby Cooper, an experienced Airbnb host with multiple properties, emphasized the importance of proper vetting and communication with guests.
“Properly vetting people, asking questions, not trying to be noisy but just saying hey, give me a little information about why you’re in town, what you’re going to be using my property for, and how many people are going to be with you,” Cooper said.
Cooper further stressed the significance of setting clear expectations for guests to mitigate potential issues.
“You hope people are going to be respectful and you hope people are going to be great guests and at the end of the day 9 times out of 10 they are, But, properly vetting, asking them questions, why are you here? You know, do you understand my house rules? Do you understand that you’re both liable for yourself and who you bring on to this property? So those are things that people really need to understand,” Cooper added.
She also recommended installing exterior security cameras as an additional safety measure.
“You definitely need to bet having security cameras on the exterior, not the interior because that of course is illegal. Airbnb does not allow that now,” said Cooper. “If you start seeing, you know, droves of people and, you know, kegs and all these people just start tunneling and coming in your house, that’s a giant red flag. So you need to shut that down immediately.”
“It’s not about policing your property but being protective and making sure that not only are they respectful of their neighbors but respectful of the laws that we have in Bryan and College Station, but also respectful of your house rules and, you know, making sure that your house isn’t completely demolished,” Cooper added.
Collaboration with Law Enforcement
Law enforcement agencies emphasize the importance of collaboration with property owners in maintaining community safety. Cooperation in providing security footage and facilitating investigations is encouraged to address and deter unlawful activities.
Arrest
Most everyone inside the home left the area when police arrived but five people were detained and arrested on various charges.
Taylan Jaquese Johnson, 19, of Bryan was the host and organizer of the party, police say in their reports. Officers say they found marijuana in his underwear. He was charged with Disorderly Conduct by Noise and Possession of Marijuana. He was released on bonds. Online jail records show he was previously arrested in 2022 on marijuana possession charges.
Markell Jermaine Foster, 21, of Bryan, was arrested after police say he refused to stay out of a crime scene that was set up outside the home. After multiple warnings, police took Foster into custody where he reportedly resisted arrest and then refused to identify himself. He is charged with Evading Arrest, Interference with Public Duties, and Failure to Identify. Foster has two previous drug-related arrests in Bryan, according to online jail records.
Marquavius Benford, 18, of Bryan was arrested on a charge of Unlawful Possession of a Firearm by a Felon. He remains in jail on an $80,000 bond. Online jail records show Benford was arrested and convicted last year on multiple firearm and vehicle burglary charges. Police say Benford was seen on Instagram pointing a firearm at the camera while at 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. Arrest reports say Fletcher was wanted for a parole violation on an Unauthorized Use of a Motor Vehicle charge and was listed as a missing person from a halfway house in San Antonio. His new charges include Possession of a Dangerous Drug and Possession of Marijuana.
Cameron Deshawn Jockeith Scott, 17, of Bryan, police said had a loaded firearm with a scratched-off serial number. He’s charged with Unlawful Carrying of a Weapon and Tampering with ID Numbers on Personal Property. He also had two warrants for unrelated charges in Bryan. He was released on bonds totaling nearly $8600.
One other person was arrested on a minor municipal warrant out of Bryan.
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