WISK/WDEC

“Local News”

Monday July 15^th, 2019

*UPDATE*

If you like to drive a little too fast, you might want to check your review mirror this week for blue lights because they’re going to be a little more visible. Operation Southern Shield starts today to crack down on speeders. This safety initiative started in 2017 and the results speak for themselves. The first year Operation Southern Shield was held there was an overall decrease of 51% in traffic fatalities due to Troopers cracking down on speeders as well as distracted and impaired drivers. There will be no warnings issued so slow down or pay up. This is not just in Georgia this week—it’s also in Tennessee, Alabama, Florida and South Carolina. Operation Southern Shield will run today through July 21^st so you have been warned.

The monthly meeting of the Sumter County Board of Commissioners will be at 6 tomorrow evening in the Commissioners Room at the Sumter County Courthouse. All meetings of the Board of Commissioners are open for the community to attend. Citizens may find out tomorrow night plans for Sumter County Fire & Rescue now that Chief John Ekaitis will be leaving this month.

The regular monthly meeting of the Mayor and City Council will be this Thursday July 18^th at 6pm. This meeting will be held in Council Chambers of the Public Safety Building in downtown Americus. This meeting is also open for the community to attend.

The Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT) wants to know how Georgians feel about a statewide transit plan. GDOT helps local transit providers in small cities and rural areas get federal and state grants for capital, operations and planning. The Georgia Statewide Transit Plan Survey would help give GDOT insight for future projects, with input from many sources, including the public survey, transit providers, planning agencies, regional commissions and local governments. Transportation officials said after hearing from Georgians about the lack of information about existing transit services, they hope the survey will show them exactly how to serve residents better across the state and especially in rural areas. To take part in the survey, go to: www.GDOTtransitsurvey.org.

Bethany presents “Foster Care and Foster Care Adoption Orientation” on Tuesday July 23^rd from 6-8pm at the Lake Blackshear Regional Library at 307 E. Lamar Street in Americus. You will need to RSVP no later than Friday July 19^th by calling 706-330-2128. During the meeting, get a description of the current need for foster families in our community, what to expect in terms of caring for children in foster care and the foster home and licensing process. After attending the meeting, you’ll be able to begin the process of becoming a foster or adoption parent.

Americus Police had an extremely busy weekend. Willie C. Chambers was arrested for an outstanding warrant at 105 S. Dudley Street.

Ciano D. Perkins was arrested for simple battery from a previous case.

A simple battery (FVA) from a domestic situation occurred at 911 Parker Street. 1^st degree cruelty to children and aggravated assault from another domestic case occurred at 1017 Southerfield Road. A battery (FVA) and aggravated assault was reported at 109-H Magnolia Village. Marquis C. Hawkins was arrested for 3^rd degree cruelty to children and simple battery (FVA) at 915 Ridge Street this morning around 4:15.

Criminal trespass complaints were made at: 802 S. Lee; 406-B Academy Street; 1501-B East Lamar; 502 S. Lee; 1036 Douglas Circle; 409 Winn Street; and 702-A Davenport Street.

Thefts took place from: 457 Rees Street; 1101 Crawford Street; 117 S. Dudley; 105-E Eastview Circle; 216-A Horton Drive and 127 S. Dudley. Tavares Roberts was arrested for theft at 113 Highway 27E.

Following a traffic stop on Crawford at Wanda Way, Eric C. Hardy was arrested for window tint violation and possession-control or distribution of THC oil.

A financial transaction card fraud is being investigated.

An aggravated assault occurred at 405-B Academy Street.

A theft by deception was reported at 704 N. Lee Street.

Kyleik Sims was arrested on Ginger Drive and charged with 1^st degree felony burglary.

After a GSP initiated traffic stop on S. Lee, Dontavious D. Oliver was arrested for possession of marijuana—less than an ounce; possession of drug-related objects and headlight requirements.

A 13-year old was arrested for reckless conduct for an incident on Academy Street.

An entered auto and theft occurred in the Wal-Mart parking lot. An auto was entered at 1023 Harrold Avenue.

Anthony T. Walker was arrested for obstruction on W. Forsyth at 2:42 Sunday morning.

A case of identity theft is under investigation.

An armed robbery around 6am Sunday morning at 1101 Crawford Street is under further investigation.

Keidrick L. Parker was arrested and charged with theft in McCoy Hill Park.

A motor vehicle theft occurred from 103 Bronco Drive.

A hit-n-run accident was reported at 1711 E. Lamar.

Officers answered 11 total domestic-related weekend calls and 3 miscellaneous calls.

*UPDATE*

Sumter County Sheriff’s Deputies were busy making 41 traffic stops this past weekend with the majority of the citations issued for speeding. Deputies answered 4 activated alarms. 7 domestic-related calls were answered. Shots were reportedly fired in the Claude Harvey-Salters Mill Road area. Suspicious vehicles were spotted at 186 Railroad Street, Eaton Road and in the Lacross Road-Springhill Church area. Damage to property occurred at 165 Culpepper Drive. A criminal trespass complaint was made at 149 Ginger Drive. A suspicious person complaint was filed at 152 Lane Store Road. 1 prisoner transport was made over the weekend. 3 motorists were given assistance. Deputies worked 2 deer-related accidents.

In the Sumter County Jail today: Timothy Tyree Angrish for simple battery/ 1^st degree felony burglary/ and 3^rd degree cruelty to children; Ty’Anna Le’Shaye Bridges for criminal trespass; Willie Clarence Chambers for City probation; Michael Gwyne Dunn for 2^nd degree felony burglary; Jakendrick Deuntez Fitzpatrick—holding for Twiggs County; Dorothy Dianna Fuentes for probation violation; Antonio Leon Golphin for driving with a suspended license and disorderly conduct; Marquis Cantrell Hawkins for simple battery/ battery (FVA)/ and 3^rd degree cruelty to children; Joshua David Hill for probation violation; Constancio Dia Lopez for driving while unlicensed; Keidrick Lamar Parker for theft by taking; Joseph Kevin Plunkett for felony probation violation; Kyleik Rashawn Sims for criminal trespass and possession of a schedule 1 controlled substance; Vincent Edward Thomas for DUI and driving with a suspended license; and Anthony Terrell Walker for obstruction and probation violation. 2 were released from jail after paying fines. 1 was released from jail after posting bond. 1 was released to another jail.