GRIFFIN POLICE DEPARTMENT

On September 19, 2020 at approximately 2:27 p.m., The Griffin Police Department responded to the entrance of the Griffin Crossings Apartment complex, located at 1597 W McIntosh Rd, in reference to a male subject with a gunshot wound to the chest. Griffin Fire and Wellstar EMS responded to the scene.

The victim was transported by ambulance to Wellstar Spalding Regional E.R. After arriving at the hospital, he succumbed to his injuries. The victim has been identified as Reginald Darnell Hamm (24-year-old male, from Griffin, Ga).

The Criminal Investigation Division was notified and responded to the scene. Investigators conducted numerous interviews and executed several search warrants. Based on the information obtained, it was determined that Hamm and two other subjects had been involved in a dispute at Walmart. After leaving Walmart, Hamm and both subjects encountered each other again at the entrance to Griffin Crossings. During this encounter, Hamm was shot by John Hunter (21-year-old male, from Terrytown, LA). After discovering this information, the Griffin Police Department C.A.G.E. unit was able to locate the subjects at 1597 W. McIntosh Rd., Apt 1601. Four subjects were taken into custody at this location and transported to the Griffin Police Department.

The individuals listed below have been arrested and charged with the following:

John Robert Hunter – 21-year-old white male. Charged with Murder and Possession of a Firearm During the Commission of a Crime.

Jacorey Leblanc – 18-year-old black male. Charged with Murder and Possession of a Firearm During the Commission of a Crime. Leblanc is also wanted by the Shreveport (LA) Office of Juvenile Justice for Escape.

Ashante Harris – 23-year-old black female. Charged with Felony Hindering Apprehension.

Shedreka Leblanc – 30-year-old black female. Charged with Felony Hindering Apprehension.

The investigation remains active and no further information is available for release.

The Griffin Police Department would like to thank the citizens of Griffin for their continued involvement and partnership with us in an effort to keep our city safe.

On Sunday, September 20, 2020 at approximately 9:40 pm, the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office responded to an accident/incident on I-75 northbound near Johnstonville Road involving an off-duty Glynn County Police Officer and an unknown suspect.

Investigators have identified the unknown suspect as 25 year old Markel Dezman Matthews of Griffin, Ga

Preliminary investigation shows that Matthews struck the Officers marked patrol vehicle in the rear, leaving both vehicles inoperable. Matthews exited his vehicle and attacked the Glynn County Officer. The Officer proceeded to defend himself against Matthews. After a brief struggle, Matthews then ran into Interstate traffic where he was struck by multiple vehicles, killing him instantly.

The Glynn County Police Officer was taken to the Monroe County Hospital for minor injuries.

GRIFFIN POLICE DEPARTMENT

On Wednesday, September 23, 2020 at approximately 5:55 pm, Officers with the Griffin Police Department responded to Spalding Wellstar Hospital in reference to a shooting victim.

Investigators from the Criminal Investigations Division responded as well and learned that a child had sustained a gunshot wound to the leg and foot. It was determined that the incident occurred at North Hill Street and Kentucky Avenue while the child was left unattended in a parked vehicle (with the gun inside). The caregivers to the child were outside the vehicle when the child accessed the weapon and discharged it striking themselves in the leg and foot.
Dequaveon L. Lewis, 21, of Stockbridge, Ga. and Kevon Roydrell Roberts, 22, of Griffin, Ga. (Father of the Child) were arrested and charged with Reckless Conduct and Cruelty to Children given their actions or inactions related to the incident.

The investigation is ongoing and further information will be released later by the Griffin Police Department.

The child was transported to Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta and is expected to make a full recovery.

Lamar Sheriff Brad White

PHOTO COURTESY OF WALTER GEIGER.

The Barnesville Herald Gazette reports that the 28-year-old male driver of a Chevrolet Cavalier and his dog are dead following a head-on accident near the Hot Shot convenience store.

The accident occurred on Friday about 6 pm in Lamar County.

Surveillance video from the store location revealed the driver of the Cavalier was running at a very high rate of speed in the southbound lane when he encountered slower traffic ahead. He veered into the northbound lane where he struck by a pickup truck in the northbound lane.  The driver was ejected. He was dead at the scene as was a dog.

The driver of the pickup was life-flighted as a precaution due to recent neck surgery.

The dead man has been identified as Charles Casey Bell. Two dogs were killed in the collision.

WKEU NEWS WOULD LIKE TO THANK WALTER GEIGER AND THE BARNESVILLE HERALD GAZETTE FOR THEIR ASSISTANCE IN THIS NEWS STORY  YOU CAN SUBSCRIBE TO THE HERALD GAZETTE ON LINE AT BARNESVILLE.COM

SPALDING FIRE DEPARTMENT

WELL STAR SPALDING EMS

Spalding Sheriffs Department

Saturday evening about 9:10 pm the Spalding Fire Department, Spalding Regional EMS, and First responders from Henry County were called to a 4 passenger 4-wheeler accident at Azalea road in North Spalding County near the Henry County line. Henry County EMS was the first units at the scene and advised 911 that two patients had been thrown from the 4 wheeler and one was extracted from under the vehicle with one patient bleeding from the chest area and another passenger had bleeding from the head area.  One patient was transported  to Grady Hospital in Atlanta.  2 additional patients were taken to Spalidng Regional for treatment of non life threatening injuries.

The accident is being investigated by the Spalding Sheriffs Department and more information is expected to be released as the investigation continues.

WILL DOSS CHAIRMAN GRIFFIN SPALDING SCHOOL BOARD

Griffin Spalding School Board Chairman Will Doss, was in a skydiving accident Saturday.  He suffered two broken ankles (one required surgery) and his left knee was also injured.

He will be unable to walk for some time according to his doctors.

The Family said that Will and his loved ones already feel the areas love and prayers, so please continue praying for his total healing.

WKEU will let you know other ways you can help.  In the meantime, if you want to give towards out of pocket medical expenses, etc, as these are going to add up, Eagles Way Church will be receiving donations to help lessen the burden. Thank you for your prayers and love!

GRIFFIN POLICE DEPARTMENT

Operation Twilight

In September, 2020 the City of Griffin Police Department’s Specialized Investigations Unit (S.I.U.), along with the GPD Criminal Apprehension and Gang Enforcement (C.A.G.E.) unit a series of successful enforcement operations have been concluded. The units have pursued and apprehended numerous subjects involved in significant criminal activity, which primarily centered on narcotics distribution and gang related crimes. The S.I.U./C.A.G.E. Units, alone, have made 44 arrests, 4 of which were gang arrests, have recovered 6 handguns and seized over $6,400.00 as well as a stolen vehicle.

To highlight a few cases…..

On September 19, 2020, the S.I.U./C.A.G.E. Unit assisted investigators with a homicide that occurred in the entrance way of Griffin Crossings Apartments. Within 10 hours from the beginning of the incident the S.I.U./C.A.G.E. Unit had 4 subjects in custody, two of which were directly responsible for the murder. They also recovered 2 firearms, one of which was the murder weapon.

On September 22, 2020, the S.I.U./C.A.G.E. Unit conducted a concentrated patrol in a high crime/known narcotics area. During this
concentrated effort, they performed a traffic stop on a vehicle which led to the seizure of 14.33 grams of Cocaine and 17 grams of Marijuana in the possession of Dante Crawford (DOB: 5/4/1984) who was subsequently arrested. Crawford was charged with Possession of Cocaine, Possession of Cocaine With Intent to Distribute, Possession of Marijuana Less Than One Ounce and Possession of Marijuana With Intent to Distribute.

On September 23, 2020 the S.I.U./C.A.G.E. executed a narcotics search warrant at 1014 Ray Street, Griffin, Georgia 30223 which resulted in the seizure of 6.18 grams of cocaine and the arrest of Farentae Nelson (DOB: 7/28/1982). Nelson fled on foot from the residence on the S.I.U./C.A.G.E. Unit’s arrival and was apprehended with the assistance of the Spalding County C.A.G.E. Unit and K9 officer. Nelson was charged with Possession of Cocaine, Possession of Cocaine With Intent to Distribute, Obstruction of Law Enforcement Officer as well as a Pardon and Parole Violation of Probation for a previous homicide sentence.

On September 28, 2020, the S.I.U/C.A.G.E. Unit executed another narcotics search warrant at 328 N. 2nd Street, Griffin, Georgia 30223, which resulted in the seizure of 32.56 grams of Cocaine and $3,800 U.S. currency and the arrest of Don Evans (DOB: 2/11/1973). Evans was charged with Possession of Cocaine, Possession of Cocaine With Intent to Distribute and Trafficking Cocaine.

On September 29, 2020 the S.I.U./C.A.G.E. Unit executed an additional narcotics search warrant at 420 N. 16th Street, Griffin, Georgia 30223 which resulted in the seizure of 55.65 grams of Cocaine and the arrest of Issac Lavar Reid (DOB: 10/17/1979) and Lequila Harvey (DOB: 11/14/1983). Reid was charged with Possession of Cocaine, Possession of Cocaine With Intent to Distribute, Trafficking Cocaine, Child Cruelty 3rd Degree and Obstruction of Law Enforcement. Harvey was charged with Possession of Cocaine, Possession of Cocaine With Intent to Distribute, Trafficking Cocaine, and Child Cruelty 3rd Degree.

Lastly, on September 30, 2020, S.I.U./C.A.G.E. Unit conducted an operation on a stolen vehicle that was located in the Oaks Apartments where Sadarius Williams (DOB: 3/20/1994) was arrested after a brief foot pursuit from the stolen vehicle. Williams tried to abandon a handgun while being apprehended and he was also in possession of ecstasy, cocaine, Oxycodone, Amphetamine, marijuana and $2,621.00 U.S. currency. Sadarius Williams was booked at the Spalding County Jail with 44 criminal charges associated with his actions giving rise to pending Criminal Gang Act charges.

These successful operations were the result of hard work and countless hours of surveillance supported by information provided by concerned citizens. These efforts are a fine example of the Griffin Police Department’s dedication to eliminating crime in our neighborhoods and, in conjunction with our citizen partners, further illustrates our commitment to improving the safety and quality of life for all our citizens.

The Griffin Police Department would like to thank the citizens of Griffin for their continued involvement and partnership with us in an effort to keep our city safe. The Griffin Police Department works to continue strengthening the bond with the community

Final Lovejoy Wild Cats 27  Griffin Bears 6 at Memorial Stadium Friday Night.

LOVEJOY WILDCATS

       GRIFFIN BEARS

The effort was there, the result was not for the Griffin Bears who fell to 1-3 on the season following a 27-6 loss to the Wildcats of Lovejoy Friday night at Bill Haisten Field at Memorial Stadium.

The Bear defense played solidly in the opening quarter, twice turning the Wildcats over on downs on the heels of a pair of untimely turnovers.

Lovejoy broke the scoreless deadlock with 4:17 left in the half on a 6 yard run by Jocari Terrell then added a late score thanks to a 28 yard pass from Stephin Craig to Antonio Jones which gave the Wildcats a 14-0 advantage.

Griffin scored late in the 3rd period when Khalfani Harps hooked up with Jaleel Chambliss on a 30 yard scoring play but Lovejoy would tack on two 4th quarter touchdowns to win by the 27-6 final.

The Bears will be back in action next Friday when they open Region 2-AAAAA play on the road at McIntosh.

GRIFFIN POLICE DEPARTMENT

During the overnight hours, between 11:30 pm October 2 and 6:00 am October 3, 2020, the Uniform Patrol Division of the Griffin Police Department received several reports of entering autos. These incident occurred in the areas of W. Quilly St., W. Slaton Avenue, Ellis Street, S. 19th St., N 9th St. and Woodland Drive. The suspects damaged vehicles and removed items, mainly cash, from the automobiles.

If you have any information or may have video surveillance footage (ring cameras, home video systems) in these areas that may have captured anything that would assist in the apprehension of these individuals, please contact Investigator (Adam Trammel at 770-229-6450, ext. 526) or atrammel@cityofgriffin.com.

The Griffin Police Department would like to thank the citizens of Griffin for their continued involvement and partnership with us in an effort to keep our city safe. The Griffin Police Department works to continue strengthening the bond with the community. The above story is proof that working together saves lives.

Board of Commissioners of Spalding County
Regular Meeting
October 5, 2020
6:00 PM
119 E. Solomon Street, Room 108

During the meeting the Commissioners will:

1. Recognition of Kathy Gibson upon completion of the Clerks Masters Education Management
Development Program from the Carl Vinson Institute of Government at the University of Georgia on
September 16, 2020.

CITIZEN COMMENT

The Commissioners will consider a street light district for Sun City Peachtree – Pod 7.

Consider approval of the following 2020
Alcohol License Renewals for the
Wholesale Sale of Beer and Wine:

Jackson Beverages, LLC, located 915 S. Pinehill Rd.,
Griffin, Ga 30224

Consider approval of the 2021 Alcohol
License Renewal-Consumption on
Premises for:

Victoria McDaniel-Hole N the Wall Lounge, located at
1647 N. Hill St., Griffin, GA 30223.

Consider the approval of the following
2021 Alcohol License Renewals for
Retail Package Store:

Carver Bottle Shop, located at 1557 D Williamson Rd.,
Griffin, Ga 30224

HUB, located at 7770 Newnan Rd., Suite A&B, Brooks,
GA 30205

Sam’s Package Store, 1301 N Hill St., Griffin,
GA 30223

VJ Sons, located at 2004 N Expressway, Griffin,
GA 30223

The Liquor Gate, located at 1740 Zebulon Rd.,
Griffin, GA 30224

Consider approval of the 2021 Alcohol
License Renewals for Retail Sale of
Beer and Wine:

362 Express, located at 1600 Williamson Rd., Griffin, Ga 30224

Circle K Store #2723331, located at 3420 Jackson Rd., Griffin, GA 30223

Expressway Food Mart, located at 2903 N Expressway, Griffin, GA 30223

Aman Food Mart, located at 3970 N Expressway, Griffin, GA 30223

Food Station, located at 1779 Zebulon Rd., Griffin, GA 30224

Huckaby’s, located at 7652 Hwy 16 West, Brooks, GA 30205

Ingles Markets #457, located at 1735 Zebulon Rd., Griffin, GA 30224

JV’s Corner, located at 1700 Zebulon Rd., Griffin, GA 30224

Petro Griffin, LLC, located at 1639 N Hill St, Griffin, GA 30223

Prince Food Mart, located at 3425 Jackson Rd., Griffin, GA 30223

Super Food, located at 2529 Old Atlanta Rd., Griffin, GA 30223

Tony’s One Stop, located at 4275 Hwy 19/41, Hampton, GA 30228

Zetella Express, located at 4319 Newnan Rd., Griffin, GA 30223

Consider the approval of the following 2021
Alcohol License Renewals for Retail Sale of Beer only:

High Falls Country Store, located at 2662 High Falls Rd., Griffin, GA 30223.
Monoprix Food Mart, LLC, located at 390 Airport Rd., Griffin, GA 30224
S&M Grocery, located at 3244 Fayetteville Rd., Griffin, GA 30223

Consider approval of G-17 Disclosure Letters and Letters of Intent
with Raymond James for renewal and extension of the 1% Special
Purpose Local
Option Sales Tax.

Consider request from Spalding County Water Authority with
regards to Service Delivery Strategy, and the Water contract
with the City of Griffin.

Commissioner Dutton would like to discuss development
standards for residential and commercial construction
in Spalding County.

REPORT OF COUNTY MANAGER

REPORT OF ASSISTANT COUNTY MANAGER

REPORT OF COMMISSIONERS

CLOSED SESSION

COVID19

Some residents in Fayette County are concerned over COVID19 in the School System.   The Covid-19 update by Fayette County Public Schools for Sept. 26 through Oct. 2 showed eight new student Covid-19 cases out of 13,640 students and three new staff cases.

As of Oct. 2, along with eight new student cases, there were 91 students remaining in isolation or quarantine. That number compares 18 in isolation or quarantine on Sept. 25, 35 on Sept. 4 and 102 on Aug. 28.

Also as of Oct. 2, there were three new staff cases and seven staff remaining in isolation or quarantine, down from six on Sept. 25, four staff on Sept. 4, and down from 25 on Aug. 28.

The Oct. 2 report noted 13,640 students attending in-school classes. That compares to 13,596 on Sept. 11, 13,614 on Sept. 4 and 13,703 students on Aug. 28.

Fayette County’s public schools employ 2,988 staff.

As previously noted, asked why the school system is only providing the number of total positive cases and quarantines within the school system and not by school, officials said the number of positive Covid-19 cases are so low that infected individuals could be easily identified, putting the school system in violation of HIPPA (Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act) and FERPA (Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act) laws. Parents will be notified if there is a case at their child’s school.

THIS STORY WAS FEATURED IN THE FAYETTE CITIZEN YOU CAN SUBSCRIBE TO THE FAYETTE CITIZEN ON-LANE using GOOGLE CHROME AND SEARCH FAYETTE CITIZEN.

Both Griffin and Spalding High Schools Football Teams were on the road Friday night. The Bears traveled to McIntosh High School in Fayette County, and Spalding traveled to West Laurens in Dexter.

The Bears improve to 2 and 3 in the season and 1 and 0 in region play following their 38 to 7 win over the McIntosh Chiefs.

In Dexter the Spalding Jaguars came up short in its 4th quarter come back bid and fell to the Raiders of West Laurens 14 to 7.

The Bears will be back in action on Thursday night from Bill Haisten Field at Memorial Stadium as the Bears will welcome in Whitewater from Fayette County. Kickoff is set for 7:00 Thursday evening. Bears Tailgate Show will go on the air at 5:30 on 88.9 FM The Rock, and on our live stream.

The Spalding Jaguars will be back in action Friday night from Bill Haisten Field at Memorial Stadium with kick off at 7:30. The Jaguars will welcome in to Memorial Stadium the Panthers of Perry.

The Jaguars Tailgate Show will go on the air at 6:00 Friday evening on 88.9 FM The Rock, and on our live stream.

GRIFFIN BEARS                    38

McINTOSH  CHIEFS            7

SPALDING JAGUARS       7

WEST LAURENS           14

Spalding Sheriffs Department

Sheriff Darrel Dix is asking the citizens for assistance in relation to a person of interest. Spalding investigators are seeking to identify a person in a report of suspicious activity near Edwards Road. Anyone that may have any information of interest is asked to please contact Lt. James Cape at 770-467-4282 ext 45905 or jcape@spaldingcounty.com.

On Friday, October 9, 2020 at approximately 12:00 am, the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office, in conjunction with the Lamar County Sheriff’s Office, conducted a Search Warrant at America’s Best Value Inn, located at 130 N Frontage Road in Forsyth GA. The Search Warrant was conducted as a result of an ongoing investigation that identified Michael Hardy, who has a history of drug offenses in the Lamar and Monroe area.

After a search of the motel room Investigators seized approximately 98 grams of methamphetamine and made 6 arrests. While on scene Investigators called animal control to remove four dogs, which were located inside the motel room, due to the unfit living conditions. The suspects were arrested and charges are listed below.

1.Michael Hardy

– Trafficking Methamphetamine

-Possession of drug related objects

2.William Maxon

–          Wanted Spalding CO VOP (Traffic offense)

–          Trafficking Methamphetamine

–          4 Counts of Cruelty to animals

      –     Possession of drug related objects

3.Crystal Maxon

–          Wanted Pike CO VOP (Robbery)

–          Wanted Zebulon PD VOP (Traffic offense)

–          Trafficking Methamphetamine

–          4 Counts of Cruelty to animals

–          Possession of drug related objects

4.Charles Maxon

–          Wanted Spalding CO VOP (Possession of Amphetamines)

–          Trafficking Methamphetamine

–          Possession of drug related objects

5. Jacob Brand

–          Trafficking Methamphetamine

–          Possession of drug related objects

 6. Arlena Arellano

–          Trafficking Methamphetamine

–          Possession of drug related objects

On Friday, October 9, 2020 at approximately 2:00 pm, Monroe County Deputies observed 2 vehicles ( a VW Jetta and a Jeep Grand Cherokee) traveling I-75 driving erratically and speeding through traffic. Deputies made contact with both vehicles at mile marker 201, at which point both vehicles fled from Deputies. A chase began and continued through Lamar County into Pike County. Lamar County Deputies performed a PIT maneuver on the Jetta in Pike County which rendered it inoperable. Both suspects in the vehicle were taken into custody and transported to the Monroe County Jail. The Grand Cherokee continued traveling to Spalding County, where the driver wrecked into another vehicle. Both drivers of the vehicles sustained minor injuries and were transported to the hospital to receive treatment. The passenger of the Grand Cherokee was taken into custody and transported to the Monroe County Jail.

Both vehicles had been stolen from Miami Beach, FL last night, October 8, 2020.

The driver of the Jetta was Christopher Garcia-Espinoza, of Wisconsin. Garcia-Espinoza will be charged with multiple traffic violations, fleeing, possession of marijuana, theft by receiving and more may be pending.

The driver of the Grand Cherokee was Devion Thomas, of Wisconsin. Thomas will be charged with multiple traffic violations, fleeing, theft by receiving and more may be pending. Thomas was also wanted for theft in Wisconsin.

The passengers of the vehicles were Matthew Rhone and Quantrell Caffey, both of Wisconsin. 

TORNADO WATCH

Saturday evening about 6:45 the National Weather Service issued a tornado warning for the surrounding area of Spalding County, North and Central Georgia.

Heavy rains struck Spalding County and the surrounding areas,  a tornado was reported above the Atlanta Motor Speedway in Hampton traveling east.  The tornado continued to the East above McDonough, toward Butts County, Jenkinsburg, and into Covington where it damaged a  homeless shelter building.

Trees were reported down in many areas of Atlanta, and Fulton County.  The Major TV Channels reported no severe damage in the Griffin or Spalding area or areas south of Atlanta. The tornado watch was extended until about 8 pm in this area and expired by about 9PM for most of the Atlanta and Central Georgia Area.

Spalding County Senior Center Partners with Brightmoor to Offer Weekly Bingo.
The Spalding County Senior Center is excited to announce Bingo is now hosted weekly! Join us for Bingo with Brightmoor every Thursday from 1:00 pm-2:00 pm at: Wyomia Tyus Olympic Park Pavilion #2 1301 Cowan Road
Griffin, Georgia 30223.

This fun-filled program is open to seniors age 50 and over.
Physical distancing will be observed and masks are required for participation.
You may bring your own snacks/drinks but the sharing of food is not permitted.
Pre-registration is required.

Due to limited space, participants may only register for one (1) Thursday at a time.
Please call 770-467-4385 or email lbrown@spaldingcounty.com to register.
For more information, call the Spalding County Senior Center at
770-467-4385.