WISK / WDEC

"Local News"

Tuesday March 3rd, 2015

*UPDATE*

Quick work and solid leads resulted in 4 arrests so far in last Friday’s double homicide and arson at 780 RW Jones Road. Sumter County Sheriff Pete Smith said yesterday that more arrests are possible as this investigation continues. In custody are 17-year old Ruhemmeien King, charged with 2-counts of felony murder, 2-counts of aggravated assault and 1-count of arson. Charged with theft by receiving stolen property are 22-year old Qwinterrious Dodson and 28-year old Reginald Mathis. A fourth suspect, 21-year old Brandon Prince was charged with making false statements to law enforcement officers. The main motive appears to be robbery as a gun safe was removed from the house but most of the stolen property was recovered by yesterday. Anyone with any additional information in this ongoing investigation can contact the Sumter County Sheriff’s Office at 924-4094.

Early voting continues for the March 17^th ESPLOST Referendum. Early voting is being held in the Elections Office at the Sumter County Courthouse Monday through Friday from 8 to 5. Those coming to early vote will need to bring a photo ID with you. Early voting will continue until Friday March 13^th at the Courthouse. If you do not early vote and wish to exercise your right to vote, you will then go to your usual polling place 2 weeks from today.

This is a continuation of the current ESPLOST that is already in place. Voters are NOT voting on a new tax but a continuation of the current ESPLOST.

Road work gets underway today on McGarrah Street. If you travel on McGarrah in your daily commute you will need to make alternate travel plans. The road work is expected to be completed by Thursday March 5^th barring any complications or potential weather delays. Drivers will notice detour signs in place as a reminder.

This is the weekend that times changes to daylight saving time. As you set your clocks forward one hour on Saturday night before going to bed, it’s always a good time to change the batteries in your smoke alarms at the same time. It is also a good time to make sure your smoke alarm is working properly. Having a working smoke alarm doubles the chances you will be able to survive a fire in your home. Daylight saving time officially begins at 2am Sunday morning.

From the Monday Americus Police incident reports, criminal trespass complaints were made at 209 Murphy Mill Road and 229 Bell Street.

Thefts took place from 701 Davenport Street and West Lester Street.

A domestic call was answered at apartment 209 140 Lonnie Lane.

Edward Alan Waters was arrested at 1:36 this morning on W. College Street and charged with possession of marijuana-less than an ounce and possession and use of drug-related objects.

A hit-n-run accident was reported at 227 N. Lee Street.

Officers worked 3 accidents with no reported injuries. After an accident investigation on Highway 30, Larry Darrell Gandy was arrested and charged with driving without a license.

There were 2 traffic stops yesterday in the City conducted but mainly as warnings.

*UPDATE*

It was a quiet Monday overall for the Sumter County Sheriff’s Deputies but a busy one for Sheriff’s Investigators. Only 17 total incidents were worked by Deputies. 2 traffic stops were conducted with warnings issued to the drivers. Suspicious person complaints were made on the Bumphead Road and US 280 east. Counterfeit money was reported at 200 Industrial Boulevard. Harassing phone calls were also reported.

In the Sumter County Jail: Qwinterrious Jerod Dodson for felony theft by taking; Reginald Tavilous Harris for probation violation; Ruhemmeneion Omaca King for pending charges; Reginald Keith Mathis for felony theft by taking; Brandon Lenorris Prince for giving false name, address or birthdate to law enforcement; Lee Smith for felony failure to appear; and Edward Alan Waters for possession of marijuana-less than an ounce.