UPDATED: Hiawassee Antique Mall burglary suspect arrested, previously targeted shop
City Police, News November 23, 2019HIAWASSEE, Ga. – Nathan Brice Garrett, 31, was arrested in Alabama on theft charges after allegedly pawning items stolen from Hiawassee Antique Mall during an early morning burglary, Sunday, Nov. 3.
According to Hiawassee Police Department, a white male wearing a mask entered the antique store through a broken window, stealing an undisclosed amount of merchandise. The incident was captured on a surveillance camera.
Of interest, Garrett was previously arrested in connection with a burglary at the same location.
Nathan Garrett’s 2017 booking photo.
On August 17, 2017, at 6:04 pm, two Hiawassee Police Department officers responded to the area of Hiawassee Antique Mall in reference to a burglary in progress. Upon their arrival, the officers were told by witnesses that the suspect fled on foot into the wooded area behind what was once Fred’s store.
With the assistance of the Towns County Sheriff’s Office, Georgia Department of Natural Resources, and the Towns County Fire Department, a perimeter was established around the area where Garrett was seen fleeing. TCSO’s bloodhound quickly picked up a scent and lead officers into the wooded area. Shortly thereafter, Garrett was seen fleeing across Bell Creek Rd behind McDonald’s.
As officers closed in on Garrett, the suspect entered the water and began to swim into Lake Chatuge. With Garrett in the water, Towns County Fire and Rescue was requested to launch their boat from Station 1 in the event that a rescue was required. According to law enforcement, Garrett attempted to swim to several docks but was met by officers at each of them. The suspect finally exited the lake in the area of the Towns County Senior Center, where Garrett was placed into custody without further incident.
Garrett was listed as a Hayesville, NC, resident at the time of his 2017 arrest.
Hiawassee Police Department is expected to release additional details on the recent arrest in coming days.
UPDATED, 11/25/19: Official Press Release from Hiawassee Police Department:
On November 3, 2019, at 4:00 am, a masked burglar forced entry into the
Hiawassee Antique Mall and stole a large amount of jewelry from several different vendors.
Since then, the Hiawassee Police Department has been working diligently to identify the burglar
and solve the case. Several leads were developed during the investigation, but a breakthrough
came when Nathan Brice Garrett was discovered to have been in the store 12 hours prior to the
burglary.
Garrett has previously been convicted of burglary after his unsuccessful attempt in 2017 to
burglarize the Hiawassee Antique Mall. He was caught red-handed breaking through the wall of
the building and then led police on a foot pursuit which ended after he swam out into Lake
Chatuge in an attempt to avoid capture. Garrett was arrested, convicted of burglary, and
sentenced to five years of probation.
While investigating Garrett, it was discovered that he had sold jewelry to several pawn shops in
the Auburn, Alabama area, where he currently resides. The jewelry was identified as that taken
during the November 3 rd burglary. The Hiawassee Police Department secured arrest warrants
for the charges of Burglary 2 nd Degree and Criminal Damage to Property 2 nd Degree, and the
Auburn Police Department was put on notice. On November 21, 2019, Garrett was arrested by
the Auburn Police Department at Auburn Pawn Shop when he returned for the second time to
sell more of the stolen jewelry.
“Garrett was the first person to come to mind due to his prior burglary attempt at that location,”
stated Chief Smith. “However, it wasn’t until video of Garrett was discovered by the Antique Mall
owners, that we were able to place him at the scene of the crime. We thank them for the many
hours they spent reviewing security camera footage. We also wish to thank the Auburn and
Opelika Police Departments for their assistance in recovering stolen property and capturing
Garrett.”
Nathan Brice Garrett is currently in the custody of the Lee County Alabama Sheriff’s Office,
awaiting extradition to Towns County. He is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of
law.
Related Archive: The search continues for a second suspect involved in an alleged shoplifting incident at Hiawassee Antique Mall.
Sheriff’s Office continues crack down on drugs
News September 21, 2019HIAWASSEE, Ga. – Investigators and deputies with the Towns County Sheriff’s Office continue their pursuit of drug suspects in the Towns County area. On Sunday evening, Sept. 15, Towns County deputies responded to a residence off Valley View Drive in Hiawassee in reference to a domestic incident. Upon further investigation, deputies arrested the following suspects:
Charles Marion Adams III, 61, of Hiawassee was arrested and charged with:
- 1 Count of Violation of Georgia Controlled Substance Act, Manufacturing Marijuana
Debra Adams, 60, of Hiawassee was arrested and charged with:
- 1 Count of Violation of Georgia Controlled Substance Act, Distribution of a Schedule IV Drug, Xanax.
Nathan Adams, 18, of Hiawassee was arrested and charged with:
- 1 Count of Violation of Georgia Controlled
Substance Act, Possession of Schedule IV Drug
Xanax - 1 Count of Drugs Not in Original Container
On Wednesday, Sept. 18, Towns County deputies arrested Joseph Larry Maney, 38, of Cleveland, GA at a residence off Huey Lane in Hiawassee. Maney was charged with the following:
- 1 Count Violation Georgia Controlled Substance Act,Possession of Methamphetamine
- 1 Count Drug Related Objects
- 1 Count Obstruction of a Law Enforcement Officer
Maney was additionally wanted on a warrant out of Hall County for a probation violation.
On Wednesday Sept. 18, Towns County Sheriff’s Office investigators and deputies obtained and executed a search warrant at a residence located off Scataway Road in Hiawassee. Upon the completion of the search warrant, deputies arrested the following suspects:
Brittany Wright, 32, was arrested and charged with:
- 1 Count Violation of Georgia Controlled Substance Act, Possession of a Schedule IV Drug Xanax
- 1 Count Drugs Not Kept in Original Container
- 1 Count Possession of Drug Related Objects
Jamison Chadwick Williams, 42, of Hiawassee was arrested and charged with:
- 1 Count of Violation of Georgia Controlled Substance Act, Possession of Marijuana
- 7 Counts Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon
Williams is additionally being held on a Jackson County probation warrant.
On Thursday, Sept. 19, Law enforcement officers obtained and executed a search warrant at a residence located off Sunnyside Road in Hiawassee. Information that was provided by a City of Hiawassee Police Officer assisted county deputies with obtaining the search warrant. The following suspects were arrested upon the completion of the
search warrant:
Bobby Croy, 46, of Hiawassee was arrested and charged with the following:
- 1 Count of Violation of Georgia Controlled Substance Act, Possession of Methamphetamine
- 1 Count of Violation of Georgia Controlled Substance Act, Possession of Schedule II Drugs
- 1 Count of Drug Related Objects.
Ryan Croy, 26, of Hiawassee was arrested and charged with the following:
- 1 Count of Violation of Georgia Controlled Substance Act, Possession of Methamphetamine
- 1 Count of Violation of Georgia Controlled Substance Act, Possession of Schedule II Drugs
- 1 Count Drug Related Objects
“The Towns County Sheriff’s Office will continue their strong effort to seek out the drug suspects within the Towns County area, and additional arrests will be forth coming,” Towns County Chief Deputy Terry Conner stated. “The above cases will be forwarded to the Enotah Circuit District Attorney’s Office for prosecution.”
All suspects are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
Hiawassee K9 receives ballistic vest, heat alarm donation
City Police, News October 27, 2019
HIAWASSEE, Ga. – The Prissy and Andy Armstrong Trust recently made a substantial contribution to the Georgia Police K9 Foundation, which in turn will protect “Buddy,” Hiawassee Police Department’s drug-detection K9. “We will be receiving a ballistic vest for Buddy, and a heat alarm system for the patrol car,” Hiawassee Police Chief Paul Smith said, expressing appreciation to the Georgia Police K9 Foundation for their generous donation.
“The Prissy and Andy Armstrong Trust is named for Metro Atlanta architect Andy Armstrong of Armstrong Associates Architects and his beloved Beagle, Prissy. The Foundation supports local animal causes, mostly canine. Bulletproof and stab-proof vests for working dogs serving in law-enforcement and military arenas are the current focus,” the Georgia Police K9 Foundation said. “These custom, soft body armor vests, created and distributed by LOF Defence Systems, were developed in conjunction with police and military handlers to provide ballistic and edged weapon protection for major vital organs, while allowing complete freedom of movement in all working conditions. The company emphasizes comfort, allowing a working dog to wear the vest for a full shift even in Georgia’s heat and humidity, ensuring the dog is always protected when confronting a threat.
“Extremely generous contributions to Georgia’s law enforcement K9 units made by The Prissy and Andy Armstrong Trust have included more than $53,000 in protective vests and $3,000 in heat alarms. Thank you to Trust founder Susan Mack-Armstrong for her continuous and unwavering support to protect these K9 officers. While highly trained, K-9 lives are at stake as much if not more than their human counterparts. K-9 Officers are trained to subdue a suspect until he can be taken into custody by their handlers, increasing community safety. They also can be trained to search for narcotics, including cocaine, marijuana, crystal meth and heroin, and more than a dozen explosive odors.”
Buddy was trained for drug-detection and donated to the Hiawassee Police Department by PAWS Dog Training K9 Behavior Center.
Related Archive:
Hiawassee traffic stop leads to massive seizure, felony drug charges
News September 21, 2019
Lonnie Max Marcus
HIAWASSEE, Ga. – A joint drug investigation ended Friday, Sept. 13, following the traffic stop of a Young Harris man who was charged with trafficking methamphetamine. The joint investigation was conducted by Towns County Sheriff’s Office, Hiawassee Police Department, Appalachian Regional Drug Enforcement Office, and Union County Sheriff’s Office,.
On the morning of Sept. 13, 2019, a Hiawassee Police officer conducted a traffic stop on a Harley Davidson motorcycle. The driver was identified as Lonnie Max Marcus, 44, of Young Harris, GA. Upon further investigation, Marcus was arrested without incident and charged with the following:
- 1 Count Violation Georgia Controlled Substance Act, Possession of Methamphetamine
- 1 Count Violation Georgia Controlled Substance Act, Possession of Schedule IV drug, Xanax
- 1 Count Possession of Firearm During the Commission of Felony
- 1 Count Removing Plate to Conceal Vehicle Identity
- 1 Count Operating Vehicle without Registration
- 1 Count No Insurance
Hiawassee Police Department seized the 2009 Harley Davidson motorcycle, approximately $8,000 in cash, and a firearm at the time of the traffic stop. Investigators and officers with the Appalachian Regional Drug Enforcement Office, Towns County Sheriff’s Office, Hiawassee Police Department, and Union County Sheriff’s Office executed a search warrant at the shop of Marcus, located off Highway 66 in Young Harris, later that day.
Investigators seized and recovered a quantity of methamphetamine with a street value of $11,200, cash in the amount of approximately $32,000, and 29 firearms from the location.
“Lonnie Max Marcus, upon the completion of the search warrant, was arrested for Violation of Georgia Controlled Substance Act, Trafficking Methamphetamine, and Possession of a Firearm during the Commission of a Crime, Theft by Receiving Stolen Property, and Possession of a Sawed Off Shotgun. There will be additional charges forthcoming,” Towns County Chief Deputy Terry Conner stated.
The case will be forwarded to the Enotah Circuit District Attorney’s Office for prosecution. Marcus is presumed innocent until proven guilty by a court of law.
Hiawassee Police Department welcomes drug detection dog
City Police, News September 24, 2019HIAWASSEE, Ga. – A drug detection dog recently joined the ranks of Hiawassee Police Department. “Buddy,” a year-and-a-half old yellow labrador, was donated to the law enforcement agency by Ed Able, owner and operator of P.A.W.S. Dog Training K-9 Behavior Center, in Young Harris.
Buddy joins in Hiawassee Police Department’s mission to fight crime.
Able, a 40-year veteran canine trainer, told FetchYourNews in May that his goal in forming the organization, in conjuntion with local veternarian Dr. Hilty Burr, was based on the goal of training canines for law enforcement and first responders. The trainer said that it typically takes six-to-eight weeks to train the canines, followed by additional time spent in the field teamed with the handler.
Hiawassee Police Chief Paul Smith spoke fondly of the department’s new addition. Buddy has been assigned to assist Hiawassee Sergeant Tracy James. “Sergeant James has previous experience in canine handling,” Smith said. “He and Buddy have been training for about three weeks now. The dog is alerting on three different drugs. There’s four drugs he has to alert on in order to be certified. There’s marijuana, methamphetamine, cocaine, and heroin. He’s alerting on everything but heroin right now, They just haven’t started on it. He’ll do fine when they introduce that to him. He’s a very smart dog.”
Chief Smith expressed sincere appreciation for Able’s contribution, adding that a dog of Buddy’s caliber would have cost the department roughly $15,000.
Reported roadside domestic dispute leads to drug arrest
News August 16, 2019HIAWASSEE, Ga, – On Tuesday afternoon, August 13, an officer with Hiawassee Police Department reported to Towns County Sheriff’s deputies a possible domestic incident on the northbound shoulder of State Route 75 South. The officer observed a vehicle pulled over on the shoulder of the roadway, occupied by a male and female whom appeared to be engaged in a domestic dispute.
Towns County deputies responded to meet with the city officer. According to law enforcement, the female subject appeared and behaved as if under the influence of some type of drugs. Upon further investigation, the female was identified as Anna Damewood, 20, of Gainesville, Georgia. Damewood was arrested and charged with:
- 1 Count Violation of the Georgia Controlled Substance Act (Possession of Methamphetamine)
- 1 Count of Drug-Related Objects
The male subject was identified as Anthony David Stephenson, 37, of Dacula, Georgia. Stephenson was
arrested and charged with:
- 1 Count of Obstruction of a Law Enforcement Officer
Authorities determined that Stephenson was wanted on charges out of Gwinnett County for a probation violation warrant and Cobb County on a bench warrant for failure to appear on a charge of possession of a controlled substance.
The Towns County charges will be forwarded to the Enotah Circuit District Attorney’s Office for prosecution. Both suspects are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
Hiawassee Police Department intercepts 116 grams of methamphetamine in recent weeks
City Police, News August 5, 2019
HIAWASSEE, Ga. – Two additional drug dealers were recently taken off the streets of Hiawassee. On June 30, Richard Deaton of Flowery Branch, GA was stopped by the Hiawassee Police Department for a vehicle equipment violation. A probable cause search of Deaton revealed 18 grams of methamphetamine and 4 grams of marijuana. Deaton was arrested and charged with: Turn Signal Requirements, Possession of Marijuana, Possession of Methamphetamine, and Possession of Methamphetamine with Intent to Distribute.
Joseph Llorens
On Sunday, July 28, Hiawassee Police Department stopped a vehicle for a violation of Georgia’s hands-free law. The driver was arrested for driving with a suspended driver’s license. An inventory of the vehicle revealed 98 grams of methamphetamine and 28 grams of marijuana. Joseph Llorens of Cleveland, GA was charged with: Driver to Exercise Due Care, Driving While License Suspended, Possession and Use of Drug Related Objects, Possession of Marijuana, Possession of Marijuana with Intent to Distribute, Possession of Methamphetamine, Possession of Methamphetamine with Intent to Distribute, and Trafficking Methamphetamine.
Richard Deaton
“While it is unfortunate that people are bringing these drugs into our community, our officers are doing a fantastic job in detecting and arresting those who are responsible,” Chief Paul Smith stated. “Arresting the drug dealers is a very important step in combating the drug problem. I’m proud of the work we’re doing in Hiawassee.”
The discovery of 98 grams of methamphetamine is one of the largest drug seizures by the Hiawassee Police Department, Smith said.
All suspects are innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
City of Hiawassee employee arrested for methamphetamine
City Police, News August 27, 2019HIAWASSEE, Ga. – Patti Diane Moon, 60, a billing clerk for the City of Hiawassee, was arrested Sunday morning, Aug. 25, by Hiawassee Police Department on multiple charges.
Moon was allegedly driving on the wrong side of the road when the traffic stop was conducted. Upon investigation by Hiawassee Police Department, Moon was arrested and charged with the following crimes:
- Possession of Methamphetamine
- Possession of Drug-Related Objects
- Driving Under the Influence
- Drugs not in Original Container
- Failure to Drive in Single Lane
- Driving on Wrong Side of Road
Hiawassee City Council went into executive session following last night’s monthly work session to discuss a personnel matter, possibly in connection with Moon’s arrest.
Moon is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
Towns County Lions Club donates patrol vehicle to Hiawassee Police Department
News May 20, 2019
HIAWASSEE, Ga. – The Towns County Lions Club has been serving the community since their inception in 1940. Lions Club International is known for their yellow vests and their generosity in serving the blind and visually impaired. Locally, they are also known for their involvement in the Georgia Mountain Fair as well as their funnel cake booth. With nearly 80 years of community service in Towns County, their latest service project may be a first.
Hiawassee Police Chief Paul Smith was contacted by the Towns County Lions Club last month with the offer to help locate a vehicle for the department. “I explained that while we were in need of a newer vehicle, the department’s budget did not allow for the purchase of one this year. However, we began looking at what was available in the area,” said Chief Smith. Several used Dodge Chargers were available at Jacky Jones in Hayesville. The vehicles had been traded in by a North Carolina police agency, and still had most of the necessary equipment installed, including the prisoner partition, siren, and emergency blue lights.
Hiawassee Police Department’s new addition
After inspecting and test driving the vehicles with Chief Smith, the Lions Club met and voted to purchase one of the vehicles for the Hiawassee Police Department. Ronnie Whelchel, the Towns County Lions Club second vice president, was instrumental in the acquisition of the patrol car. “The Lions’ motto is, ‘We Serve,’” said Whelchel. “What better way to uphold this motto, than to assist those who serve and protect our community.”
Hiawassee Mayor Liz Ordiales and Chief Smith were overjoyed upon hearing of the donation of the vehicle. “We are so fortunate to live in a community that thrives on supporting our area,” said Mayor Ordiales. “The Lions Club has a long-standing tradition of doing just that. We appreciate this service project so much as it enhances our fleet and allows us to provide better service to our community.” “I am incredibly thankful for the generosity shown by the Towns County Lions Club,” said Chief Smith. “The vehicle that I have been driving was the oldest in the fleet and was well past the recommended mileage for a patrol car. I will be proudly driving the new vehicle which displays the Lions Club logo along with ‘Towns County Lions Club Service Project’ behind the rear passenger windows.”
Lions Clubs International is the world’s largest service club organization with more than 1.4 million
members in approximately 46,000 clubs in more than 200 countries and geographical areas around
the world.
Hiawassee Police Chief warns of officer impersonation scam
City Police, News March 7, 2019
HIAWASSEE, Ga. – Hiawassee Police Chief Paul Smith warned citizens last week at City Hall’s work session of another telephone scam making the rounds. Chief Smith said that he received a phone call from a Blairsville resident, asking if the city police department had called earlier to solicit donations for a fallen officer fund. Smith said that the solicitor claimed to be an officer with the Hiawassee Police Department.
“Please be cautious of all phone calls from unknown individuals. Phone numbers can be spoofed so it will look like you are receiving a call from a legitimate source,” Chief Smith cautioned. “Don’t give out any information on a phone call that you did not initiate. If someone calls you claiming to be with an organization you are familiar with, hang up and call the organization back on a known phone number.”
Smith stated that Hiawassee Police Department never initiates phone calls to raise funds.
Hiawassee traffic stop leads to morphine, meth arrests
City Police, News September 25, 2019
Darla Conner
HIAWASSEE, Ga. – Two females were arrested and charged with drug possession Tuesday, Sept. 17, following a traffic stop conducted on Bell Creek Road by Hiawassee Police Department.
Upon investigation, Darla Lin Conner, 36, and Shannon Marie Austin, 35, both of Blairsville, GA, were taken into custody after a vehicle search led to the discovery of illicit substances. A male passenger was released without charges after officers determined that the subject was not in posssession of illegal items. According to the arresting officer’s report, the “faint odor of green marijuana” was detected in the vehicle, giving the officer probable cause to search
Darla Lin Conner was charged with the following: Possession of methamphetamine, possession of a controlled substance, possession of a drug related object, and brake light requirements.
Shannon Austin
Shannon Marie Austin was charged with the following: Possession of methamphetamine, possession of a drug related object, possession of a controlled substance (morphine) and possession of a dangerous drug.
Several morphine pills were reported by law enforcement as found in a small box with Austin’s possessions. Morphine is a prescribed narcotic used medically to relieve acute or chronic moderate to severe pain.
The case will be forwarded to Enotah District Attorney’s Office for prosecution.
Austin and Conner are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
Chief Smith promotes “See Something, Send Something” app
News August 27, 2019
HIAWASSEE, Ga. – Hiawassee Police Chief Paul Smith is encouraging citizens to install a cellphone application to report suspicious activity to authorities.
“See Something, Send Something” provides a platform to capture a photo of suspicious activity or send in information with written text, the Georgia Department of Safety website explains. Information received in the app is sent directly to the Georgia Information Sharing and Analysis Center (GISAC) where the tips can be evaluated and provided to law enforcement across the state as needed. The application is available at no cost for iPhone and Android phone users, as well as iPad users.
“They now have a crime analyst on duty 24 hours a day, and if anybody sees something suspicious or hears about something suspicious going on, they can get on that app – and they can do it anonymously- and it will be looked at by a crime analyst,” Chief Smith said. “If it’s something that needs to be handled on a local level, they’ll send it on to us. If it’s something more toward the level of domestic terrorism, then they have the resources there to work with it. They just launched the app and they want everybody to have it.”
The Department of Homeland Security lists the following as examples of suspicious activity:
- Unusual items or situations: A vehicle is parked in an odd location, a package/luggage is unattended, a window/door is open that is usually closed, or other out-of-the-ordinary situations occur.
- Eliciting information: A person questions individuals at a level beyond curiosity about a building’s purpose, operations, security procedures and/or personnel, shift changes, etc.
- Observation/surveillance: Someone pays unusual attention to facilities or buildings beyond a casual or professional interest. This includes extended loitering without explanation (particularly in concealed locations); unusual, repeated, and/or prolonged observation of a building (e.g., with binoculars or video camera); taking notes or measurements; counting paces; sketching floor plans, etc.
Some of these activities could be innocent—it’s important to consider the context of the situation. It’s then up to law enforcement to determine whether the behavior warrants an investigation.
Taser donated to Hiawassee Police Department by local veteran organizations
News August 17, 2019HIAWASSEE, Ga. – Members of five Towns County veteran organizations recently rallied behind supporting local
law enforcement. Hiawassee Police Chief Paul Smith was approached by a member of the VFW who expressed a desire to help the city police department.
“We have been in need of an additional Taser, but have had to put funds toward other projects,” Chief Smith explained. “For the past two years, we have been sharing Tasers between officers, which leaves some of us without the option of an effective midrange less-lethal weapon.”
Tasers are a brand of conducted electrical weapon that uses an electric current to disrupt voluntary control of muscles, causing temporary neuromuscular incapacitation. The use of conducted electrical weapons by law enforcement agencies has resulted in fewer injuries for both the officers and suspects. “Without the option of a Taser, an officer may be required to use hands-on physical force or an impact weapon like an expandable baton,” Chief Smith said. “These force-options can result in serious injuries to the suspect and officer. We are incredibly
grateful for the support and the donation made by our veteran organizations.”
“We feel a Taser is more effective and safer in apprehending a criminal,” said Mel Halfon, VFW Post 7807 Commander. “We expect a safe community where we can go about our daily activities in an environment without fear, risk of harm, or injury. Our veterans’ family is happy to support the Hiawassee Police Department and provide funding to purchase a Taser.”
Donations for the Taser were made by VFW Post 7807, VFW Auxiliary, The American Legion Post 23, The American Legion Auxiliary, and Sons of the American Legion.
“Our veterans are such an integral part of our community,” Mayor Liz Ordiales said. “We thank them for their service then, now, and always.”
Driver turns self in after Hiawassee hit and run
Business July 7, 2019HIAWASSEE, Ga. – FetchYourNews (FYN) received information regarding a hit and run, occurring shortly before 11 p.m. last night, Saturday, July 6, west of the Valero gas station on State Route 76 in Hiawassee.
A 23 year old Hispanic male pedestrian suffered non-life threatening injuries and was transported to Union General Hospital for medical treatment.
The driver of the vehicle, who has not been identified by FYN at this time, later turned themself in to law enforcement at the Towns County Detention Center. FYN contacted Hiawassee Police Department for additional details, and will provide further information surrounding the incident as it becomes available.
UPDATE: Hiawassee Police Department informed that the case was turned over to Georgia State Patrol for investigation, and no arrests were made by the city agency.
Hiawassee Police Department continues to warn of circulating scams
City Police, News June 25, 2019
HIAWASSEE, Ga. – Hiawassee Police Chief Paul Smith continues to warn the community of circulating telephone scams that could drain victims’ bank accounts. Scammers often target potential victims’ social media accounts prior to attempt to deceive, Smith cautioned, collecting information that could lead citizens to believe the call is, in fact, legitimate.
“One of the common scams that I’ve seen is called a ‘grandkids’ scam,’ Smith explained. “The person calls an area where there’s lots of retired people, Towns County, and one of the scripts they use goes something like, ‘Hey Grandma, I don’t have a lot of time to talk, but I just got arrested for a DUI. An attorney says he can get me out of jail, but I need you to wire him some money’…These people call from spoofed phone numbers. I’ve talked about that before. They can put in whatever phone number they want to show up on your caller ID…
“Another common scam is a tech support scam. I’ve had several calls in Hiawassee for that, where someone calls claiming they’re from Microsoft or Apple, and they say that they discovered a virus on the computer and need to remove it for them for a small fee, of course. Once they get access to the computer to remove the virus, they’ve got everything. They’ve got full access to the computer, and then they install a virus so that it covers their tracks.”
Chief Smith advised against falling prey to lottery scams, a ploy where a con artist claims the lottery “winner” simply needs to pay applicable taxes or import fees prior to receiving a large sum of money.
Lastly, the chief warned of scams involving law enforcement impersonation, when a caller claims to have an arrest warrant for missed jury duty or an unpaid traffic ticket. “If the police department or sheriff’s office has a warrant for you, they aren’t going to call you. They’re just going to show up and serve the warrant,” Smith said.
Feature Image: Hiawassee Police Chief Paul Smith – Spring, 2019
On-Scene Exclusive: Towns County holds active shooter drill, tests medical response
News May 3, 2019
HIAWASSEE, Ga. – Realistic is the most accurate adjective to describe an active shooter drill which took place in Towns County on the morning of Friday, May 3, 2019. The full-scale training, directed jointly by the Georgia Mountains Healthcare Coalition and the Northeast Georgia Health System, was designed primarily to test the response of emergency medical providers.
A Towns County deputy stands beside a subdued “shooter”
The mock scenario took place outside of Dr. Samuel Church’s office, located behind Zaxby’s restaurant, off State Route 76 in eastern Hiawassee. “Victims” were staged – complete with graphic, cosmetic injuries – at various points throughout the crime scene. Some were in open view, while others were in less obvious locations. The narrative, previously reported by FYN, read that two, escaped inmates – members of the brutal “Ghostface Gang” – shot innocent bystanders outside of the medical provider’s office.
A young “gunshot victim” awaits emergency medical treatment
At 9:11 am, Towns County 911 dispatched emergency responders to the scene of the simulated crisis. Within one minute, law enforcement officers from Hiawassee Police Department and Towns County Sheriff’s Office arrived at the masacre, blocking the roadway with patrol vehicles before “fatally” subduing two shooters in skilled succession. One the threat had been neutralized, four Towns County Sheriff’s deputies secured a perimeter around the scene, and Hiawassee Police Chief Paul Smith could be seen directing a hysterical actor to a suitable location. Along with civilians, a law enforcement officer was said to have been “fatally shot” during the mock attack.
Brandi Garrett, a resident of Hayesville, volunteered to play the role of a fatally injured “victim”
Towns County Fire and Rescue responders soon arrived at the location, lights flashing and sirens screaming, rendering aid while triaging “victims” according to the severity of their injuries. “Victims” who were fatally wounded were quickly tagged to alert incoming responders of their expired conditions.
Towns County Emergency Medical Service (EMS) paramedics and emergency medical technicians (EMTs) raced to the crisis, providing urgent treatment on multiple casualties. Three ambulances transported the “victims” to Chatuge Regional Hospital in Hiawassee, and three of the “patients” warranted an air-flight to trauma centers. FYN spoke with EMS Director Ken Nicholson during the drill as he assisted a role-player who suffered a gunshot wound to the abdominal area. “The training was laid out good,” the lead paramedic said. “The victims were scattered in different places, and it went well, working with available resources.”
“I think it went well,” agreed Hiawassee Police Chief Paul Smith, once the exercise had concluded. “It was about as realistic as we could have hoped. While the drill was designed mainly to test medical response, the addition of law enforcement created an authentic scenario. The drill was realistic, and the stress involved helped induce the right mindset.” Chief Smith was the commanding officer of the drill, as it occurred within the city’s jurisdiction. Smith explained that in a real-life situation at that particular location, Main Street would have been partitioned to eliminate traffic, and the media would have likely been staged at a nearby plaza. Georgia Bureau of Investigation would have been tasked with investigating the tragic scene. Towns County Sheriff’s Captain Jim Couch explained that the Towns County Courthouse and Towns County Schools simulated a lock-down for the sake of security during the drill.
Towns County Fire and Rescue prepares a “victim” for transport
Towns County Emergency Management Agency (EMA) Director Brandon Walls observed the agencies’ response techniques, noting areas that could benefit from additional training. Walls described the drill as “quality,” adding that EMA plans to “hotwash” items with the fire department. Clearview at Chatuge Clinic Director Wendell Farmer was present throughout the exercise, along with registered nurse and paramedic, Sherry Minchew, an artistic participant who created the detailed, physical effects on the “injured” role-players.
An active shooter drill was simultaneously held in Blairsville at the farmers market venue, with “patient” transports arriving at Union General Hospital.
Feature Photo: Towns County EMS transports a “gunshot victim” to an awaiting ambulance for treatment