Booneville police and constables responded to a shoplifting report at Tractor Supply on August 13, 2026, according to authorities. The suspect, described as a white male carrying a black backpack, fled on foot toward the New China Buffet.
Constable Bryon Parker, nearby at the time, located the suspect behind the buffet. The man, identified as 37-year-old Jonathan Decanter of Falkner, Mississippi, was attempting to hide. During a search, officers found brass knuckles and a pocketknife on Decanter.
Decanter appeared to be under the influence of a stimulant and was taken into custody. A search of his backpack revealed additional merchandise, a second set of brass knuckles, and a large fixed-blade knife. Staff at Walmart and Tractor Supply indicated they planned to review surveillance footage and expected to file shoplifting charges.
Further investigation showed Decanter is a convicted felon from Tippah County. On August 14, after being read his rights, Decanter admitted to stealing items, including brass knuckles, from a flea market. He was formally charged with possession of a weapon by a felon, according to Investigator Aaron Stolz.
Judge Ray Hall set Decanter’s bond at $5,000. The case will be presented to the next Prentiss County grand jury. Investigator Torie Jumper and Kolby Knight also assisted in the investigation, authorities said.
