Hiawassee traffic stop results in two drug arrests
Arrest Reports, News February 25, 2019
HIAWASSEE, Ga. – Two suspects were arrested after Hiawasse Police Department stopped a white Chevrolet pickup on Highway 76, Wednesday, Feb. 20, within the city limits.
The traffic stop led Hiawassee Police Department to request the assistance of a Towns County Sheriff’s Office investigator. Upon completion of the initial investigation, a quantity of illegal drugs and firearms were discovered in the vehicle.
Towns County Sheriff’s Office secured warrants and arrested two suspects on felony drug charges.
The occupants of the vehicle were taken into custody at the scene and charged with the following offenses:
Jake Scott Davies, 41, of Hayesville, NC
– One Count Violation of Georgia Controlled Substances Act -(Possession of Methamphetamine)
– Four Counts of Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon
Timothy Jeffery McCoy, 39, of Marble, NC
– One Count Violation of Georgia Controlled Substance Act -(Possession of Methamphetamine)
“The Sheriff’s Office looks forward to continuing the partnership and teamwork between the Sheriff’s Office and Police Department in combatting the illegal activity within the Towns County community,” Towns County Sheriff’s Office stated.
Fetch Your News is a local now-news outlet, attracting more than 300,000 page views and 3.5 million impressions per month in Towns, Dawson, Lumpkin, White, Fannin, Gilmer, Pickens, Union, and Murray counties, as well as Clay and Cherokee County in N.C. – FYNTV attracts approximately 15,000 viewers per week, reaching between 15,000 to 60,000 per week on our Facebook page.
Hiawassee traffic stop takes more methamphetamine off streets
Arrest Reports, News December 14, 2018HIAWASSEE, Ga. – A traffic stop conducted by Hiawassee Police Department led to yet another drug arrest during the afternoon hours of Saturday, Dec. 8, near the intersection of Main Street and Bell Creek Road.
Amanda Aveline Wheeler, 39, of Hiawassee, was arrested and charged with the following offenses:
Evidence retrieved by Hiawassee Police Department
16-13-30 DRUGS- METHAMPHETAMINE POSSESSION OF
16-13-30 DRUGS- METHAMPHETAMINE SALE/DELIVER/DISTRIBUTE
16-13-30 DRUGS- MARIJUANA POSSESSION LESS THAN 1 OUNCE
16-13-30H POSSESSION OF SCHEDULE IV DRUGS
16-13-32.2 POSSESSION AND USE OF DRUG RELATED OBJECTS
A probable cause search was conducted due to an odor of marijuana wafting from the the interior of the vehicle. According to the Hiawassee Police Department, Wheeler offered that a quantity of marijuana was, in fact, present within the glove box of the vehicle, prior to the execution of the search.
“I started the search by opening the glove compartment. Once open, I located a small plastic bag that contained a quantity of marijuana that had a total weight of less than one ounce,” the arresting officer wrote in a report requested and obtained by FYN, “I then continued the search and in the back seat, there was a bag that contained Ms. Wheeler’s personal items. Inside the bag, I located a small black case that contained two plastic bags with methamphetamine, a clear plastic case with methamphetamine, a set of digital scales, and a plastic bag with several empty red plastic bags.”
In addition, Wheeler allegedly possessed a loose benzodiazepine pill, and had an outstanding warrant from Clay County, North Carolina.
Wheeler was transported to the Towns County Detention Center, and faces criminal prosecution.
Wheeler is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
South Florida Police Agency partners with Hiawassee Police Department for “Shop with a Hero”
Community, News December 10, 2018
HIAWASSEE, Ga. – The Sunny Isles Beach Police Department and its city have teamed up with Chief Paul Smith and the Hiawassee Police Department, to augment the annual Shop with a Hero program, for deserving children in need.
In a recent meeting with Chief Smith and Mayor Ordiales, recently retired Police Chief Fred Maas offered assistance to this worthwhile cause, having had a similar program back in Florida.
Maas is a recent, permanent resident to the Hiawassee and Towns County area after 44 years of service in South Florida law enforcement.
“It is our strong commitment to community and our desire to help this worthwhile program for the local children and families,” Maas said, “Our agency has sent bags and bags full of new toys and gifts, in addition to supplying monetary donations to Chief Smith to help with Christmas and holiday shopping for the kids.
“Sunny Isles Beach is an Oceanside community on Miami Beach, Florida, where community, police and government work in concert for the benefit of all residents and business owners. So this program and that of Sheriff Clinton for Towns County are familiar to us and we wanted to be a part of it and show our support for it. Everyone has been given talents and blessings by God. How we choose to use them and share them, is the real question and test.”
Maas plans to work with and support Chief Smith in any way possible for the success of this and other programs deemed beneficial to the people of Hiawassee.
“We are extremely grateful for the support shown by Chief Maas and the Sunny Isles Beach Police Department,” Chief Smith said, “Many children will have a brighter Christmas because of their donations. This program is so important to the families and children who get to participate in it, and for the first responders who volunteer for it. Donations to this program allow law enforcement officers to have a positive and impactful experience with our community children, which we may otherwise not be able to have. It builds relationships and memories that last a lifetime.”
If you wish to donate to Shop with a Hero, you may do so at Hiawassee City Hall or the Towns County
Middle School.
Feature Photo: (L-R) Chief Paul Smith, Mayor Liz Ordiales, Chief Fred Maas
Fetch Your News is a hyper local news outlet, attracting more than 300,000 page views and 3.5 million impressions per month in Towns, Dawson, Lumpkin, White, Fannin, Gilmer, Pickens, Union, and Murray counties as well as Clay and Cherokee counties in N.C. – FYNTV attracts approximately 15,000 viewers per week, reaching between 15,000 to 60,000 per week on our Facebook page.
For the most effective, least expensive local advertising, call 706-276-6397 or email us at [email protected]
Towns County pursuit ends in Clay County arrest
News March 12, 2018HIAWASSEE, Ga. – An officer with the Hiawassee Police Department attempted to stop a vehicle with an inoperable taillight near the Valero gas station on state Route 76, shortly before 9 p.m. Monday, Feb. 26.
The vehicle fled, emergency dispatch was notified, and law enforcement followed in pursuit from Towns County, Georgia, into Clay County, North Carolina.
Towns and Clay County deputies pursued the vehicle on state Route 69 near Byers Road. The driver proceeded to advance onto Cherry Road.
The vehicle then crashed into a ditch on Watters Road, striking a Towns County Sheriff’s Office vehicle.
A brief foot chase followed into the nearby woods, ending with the apprehension of the driver by a Towns County deputy.
The driver of the 1999 GMC Sonoma, Ryan Turbyfill, had outstanding warrants from Union County, Georgia, and New Hanover, North Carolina, for larceny.
Turbyfill, 39, of Wilmington, North Carolina, was arrested and charged with Felony Flee to Elude Arrest, Resisting a Public Officer, Driving While Impaired, and Reckless Driving.
In addition, the suspect was served a larceny warrant from New Hanover County, North Carolina, and a fugitive warrant for charges in Union County, Georgia.
Turbyfill was taken into custody, transported to the Clay County Detention Center, and is being held on a $20,000 bond.
Fetch Your News is a hyper local news outlet that attracts more than 300,000 page views and 3.5 million impressions per month in Dawson, Lumpkin, White, Fannin, Gilmer, Pickens, Union, Towns and Murray counties as well as Cherokee County in N.C. – FYNTV attracts approximately 15,000 viewers per week and reaches between 15,000 to 60,000 per week on our Facebook page. – For the most effective, least expensive local advertising, call 706-276-6397 or email us at [email protected]
Hiawassee Police Department Activity Report
City Police, News October 3, 2017
Hiawassee Police Department Activity Report – September, 2017
Calls For Service – 360
- Dispatched – 175
- Self-Initiated – 185
Reports – 158
- Incident – 23
- Miscellaneous – 2
- Accident – 11
- Citations – 122
Arrests – 16
- Felony – 0
- Misdemeanor – 7
- Felony Drug – 7
- Misdemeanor Drug – 2
Citations – 76
Written Warnings – 46
Total – 122
- 30 Days to Register Vehicle – 1
- Driving While Unlicensed – 2
- Speeding – 24
- Drugs to be Kept in Original Container – 1
- Tag Light Requirements – 1
- DUI – 1
- Taillight Requirements – 2
- Failure to Maintain Lane – 3
- Uniform Rules of the Road – 3
- Failure to Stop at Stop Sign – 2
- Violation of License Restrictions – 1
- Failure to Yield Turning Left – 1
- Window Tint Violation – 1
- Following Too Closely – 3
- Windshield Obstruction – 2
- Improper Lane Change/Usage – 1
- Improper Passing on Left – 4
- Improper Turn – 1
- Improper Use of Central Turn Lane – 4
- No Insurance – 1
- No Proof of Insurance – 1
- Obedience to Traffic Control Device – 1
- Open Container Violation – 2
- Possession of < 1 oz Marijuana – 2
- Possession of Drug Related Object – 3
- Registration Requirements – 3
- Safety Belt Violation (Adult) – 4
- Safety Belt Violation (Child) – 1
Man sought for assault on law enforcement faces drug charges
Arrest Reports, News December 3, 2018YOUNG HARRIS, Ga. – Law enforcement officers from the Towns County Sheriff’s Office, Union County Sheriff’s Office, and Hiawassee Police Departmet arrested a suspect at a residence on Sampson Road in Young Harris on Sunday, Nov. 25, on outstanding warrants stemming from Towns, Union, and Gordon Counties.
Towns County Sheriff’s Office investigators seized metamphetamine with a street-value of $5,000, illicit Schedule II and Schedule IV drugs, additional drug-related objects, and cash. 
The suspect was identified as Christopher Steven Ray, 34, of Murphy, North Carolina. Ray was taken into custody, and charged with the following offenses:
- One Count Trafficking in Methamphetamine
- One Count Possession of Methamphetamine with Intent to Distribute
- One Count Possession of Methamphetamine
- One Count Possession of Schedule II drugs
- One Count Possession of Schedule IV drugs
- One Count Possession of Drug-Related Objects
- One Count Obstruction of Law Enforcement Officers
In addition to the listed charges, investigators served warrants on Ray which involved a previous encounter with the subject on Sept. 6, 2018. The warrants were related to the following crimes:
- One Count Possession of Methamphetamine
- Three Counts Obstruction of Law Enforcement Officers
- Two Counts Violation of Georgia Controlled Substance Act, Possession of Schedule IV drugs
Gordon County Sheriff’s Office held outstanding warrants on Ray for Aggravated Assault on a Law Enforcement Officer along with several traffic offense warrants.
Union County Sheriff’s Office had previously issued a warrant for Ray for Violation of Probation.
The Towns County Sheriff’s Office warrants and charges will be forwarded to the Enotah Circuit District Attorney’s Office for prosecution.
Ray is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
Feature Photo: Evidence seized from the Young Harris residence where Ray was apprehended.
Reports of Black Bear Sightings as Winter Approaches
News November 26, 2018
HIAWASSEE, Ga. – Most longtime residents are aware that the Appalachian mountains are home to abundant wildlife, including bears, but newcomers and visitors may not know what measures to take should an encounter with one occur.
In recent weeks, there have been reports of several black bear sightings in the area. A Ramey Mountain homeowner alerted FYN to frequent bear activity in her community, a few miles west of Hiawassee, in early November.
On Friday, Nov. 23, Hiawassee Police Department responded to a bear disturbance, frightening the massive creature out a resident’s yard with the blast of a patrol siren. “Please be respectful of these animals and keep your distance,” Hiawassee Police Chief Paul Smith cautioned on social media, “While they typically avoid human contact, they will attack if they feel threatened.”
Yesterday, Nov. 25, a black bear was struck and killed on Highway 64, outside of Hayesville, NC, in the vicinity of Shooting Creek and Pounding Mill Road.
Photo by Hiawassee Police Department
Bears become especially active as the summer season ends. During the fall months, bears eat and drink nearly nonstop, aiming to put on enough weight to prepare for a long winter’s nap, known as hibernation.
While it is advised to “play dead” when faced with the threat of a grizzly or brown bear, that is not the route to take with the black bear species. “Try to escape to a secure place such as a car or building. If escape is not possible, try to fight back using any object available,” the National Park Service instructs, “Concentrate your kicks and blows on the bear’s face and muzzle.”
The National Park Service offers additional tips on bear safety:
- Identify yourself by talking calmly so the bear knows you are a human and not a prey animal. Remain still; stand your ground but slowly wave your arms. Help the bear recognize you as a human. It may come closer or stand on its hind legs to get a better look or smell. A standing bear is usually curious, not threatening.
- Stay calm and remember that most bears do not want to attack you; they usually just want to be left alone. Bears may bluff their way out of an encounter by charging and then turning away at the last second. Bears may also react defensively by woofing, yawning, salivating, growling, snapping their jaws, and laying their ears back. Continue to talk to the bear in low tones; this will help you stay calmer, and it won’t be threatening to the bear. A scream or sudden movement may trigger an attack. Never imitate bear sounds or make a high-pitched squeal.
- Pick up small children immediately.
- Hike and travel in groups. Groups of people are usually noisier and smellier than a single person. Therefore, bears often become aware of groups of people at greater distances, and because of their cumulative size, groups are also intimidating to bears.
- Make yourselves look as large as possible (for example, move to higher ground).
- Do NOT allow the bear access to your food. Getting your food will only encourage the bear and make the problem worse for others.
- Do NOT drop your pack as it can provide protection for your back and prevent a bear from accessing your food.
- If the bear is stationary, move away slowly and sideways; this allows you to keep an eye on the bear and avoid tripping. Moving sideways is also non-threatening to bears. Do NOT run, but if the bear follows, stop and hold your ground. Bears can run as fast as a racehorse both uphill and down. Like dogs, they will chase fleeing animals. Do NOT climb a tree. Both grizzlies and black bears can climb trees.
- Leave the area or take a detour. If this is impossible, wait until the bear moves away. Always leave the bear an escape route.
- Be especially cautious if you see a female with cubs; never place yourself between a mother and her cub, and never attempt to approach them. The chances of an attack escalate greatly if she perceives you as a danger to her cubs.
Fetch Your News is a hyper local news outlet, attracting more than 300,000 page views and 3.5 million impressions per month in Towns, Dawson, Lumpkin, White, Fannin, Gilmer, Pickens, Union, and Murray counties, as well as Clay and Cherokee County, N.C. – FYNTV attracts approximately 15,000 viewers per week and reaches between 15,000 to 60,000 per week on our Facebook page.
For the most effective, least expensive local advertising, call 706-276-6397 or email us at [email protected]
Vehicle plunges into local store
News October 16, 2018
HIAWASSEE, Ga. – Earlier this afternoon, Tuesday, Oct. 16, an older male driving a Hummer vehicle plowed through the storefront of Eller Electronics at 563 North Main St. in Hiawassee.
Eller’s Electronics
According to the driver’s account to responding law enforcement, the driver’s foot became caught on the accelerator pedal, causing the vehicle to collide with the business.
No injuries were reported.
Fetch Your News is a hyper local news outlet that attracts more than 300,000 page views and 3.5 million impressions per month in Towns, Dawson, Lumpkin, White, Fannin, Gilmer, Pickens, Union, and Murray counties as well as Cherokee County in N.C. – FYNTV attracts approximately 15,000 viewers per week and reaches between 15,000 to 60,000 per week on our Facebook page. – For the most effective, least expensive local advertising, call 706-276-6397 or email us at [email protected]
Hiawassee Police Chief Paul Smith marks first year as city’s top cop
City Police August 1, 2018
HIAWASSEE, Ga. – Today, August 1, marks the one-year anniversary of the appointment of Hiawassee Police Chief Paul Smith, and FYN sat down with the law enforcement official to discuss his year-long journey.
Chief Smith began his law enforcement career in Cobb County, Georgia, serving as an officer for three years prior to transferring to the Towns County Sheriff’s Office in 2009. Smith attended Towns County Comprehensive, Young Harris College, Kennesaw State University, and Cobb County Department of Public Safety, and has been with the Hiawassee Police Department since 2010. Smith accepted an assignment as acting police chief of the agency five months prior to his official appointment on August 1, 2017.
Hiawassee Police Department Mission Statement
Chief Smith shared that an affinity for community service spurred his decision to enter law enforcement.
“I grew up a community orientated family, doing litter clean-up together and things like that,” Smith said, “I had been in Boy Scouts from a young age, was an Eagle Scout, and began considering law enforcement in high school. Giving to the community, it had been a memorable part of my life, and becoming an officer was an extension that I could build on.”
The Hiawassee native says his goals for the department include “continuing to technically advance into the 21st century” while maintaining a “professional, positive community presence.” Smith recently revised the agency’s operations manual, which lists expectations of respect for citizens, officer integrity, commitment to service, and a strive for excellence among its mission.
Furthermore, Smith aspires to complete his degree in Criminal Justice. “I’m a few classes short. Cobb County came calling before I graduated. I took classes after the academy, but it was difficult to find any that worked with my schedule. That’s a personal, short-term goal of mine, to finish my degree now that online classes are more prevalent.”
Smith is proving to be a respected leader, highly-visible and easily approachable, available to address citizen concerns, and provide useful information to the public. When not actively enforcing the law and preserving the peace, Smith regularly steps in to offer other forms of service. Whether its shopping with local children during the holiday season, providing car seats to parents in need, ensuring that city activities go as planned, or taking on the responsibility of emptying trash cans on the town square during events, the humble public servant is an appreciated asset to the community.
As part of continuing education and training in the administration of law enforcement, Smith recently attended the 2018 Annual Summer Training conference, sponsored by the Georgia Association of Chiefs of Police. Heads of law enforcement agencies from over 550 departments throughout the state participated in the Savannah conference. “It was informative. There was a series of classes on different subjects, and though some were geared toward larger agencies, the conference provided a good opportunity to network with other departments,” Smith said.
Additional articles related to Chief Smith are available.
Towns County GOP draws State candidates days before run-off election
Election 2018, News, Politics July 23, 2018
Vendors set up shop, selling their wares
HIAWASSEE, Ga. – Towns County Republican Party hosted an “Old-Fashion Rally and BBQ” on Hiawassee Town Square, the weekend prior to the state run-off election. Towns County GOP Chair Betsy Young organized and orchestrated the event, drawing Gubernatorial candidate Casey Cagle , and Secretary of State candidate David Belle Isle, to visit with constituents.
Towns County GOP Chair Betsy Young and County Commissioner Cliff Bradshaw review the day’s agenda
Georgia State Senator Josh McKoon spoke on behalf of Lieutenant Governor candidate David Shafer, and former State Representative Stephen Allison represented Gubernatorial candidate Brian Kemp. Kemp was unable to attend due to an engagement with U.S. Vice President Mike Pence in Macon, Georgia.
Towns County Sheriff Chris Clinton and his band rocked the Square
Vendors set up shop along Berrong Street, and K&K Killer Kue served smoked pork barbeque sandwiches to guests.
The Republican Party held a bake sale, and the President’s Team manned an information booth.
Radio host of EXtreme Carolina, Michael Levi Borkman, served as Master of Ceremony.
Former Towns County Republican Chair Mark Wolchko streamed music, leading up to the candidate “stumping”.
(L-R) Master of Ceremony Michael Levi Borkman and Secretary of State candidate David Belle Isle
Chris Clinton, who serves as Towns County Sheriff, and his band provided live entertainment.
Hiawassee Police Department chipped in, providing not only security, but supplying a needed tent and table for visitors.
Local resident Betty Phillips visits the President’s Team booth
Towns County Commissioner Cliff Bradshaw, staying throughout, and Hiawassee Mayor Liz Ordiales made a brief appearance at the event.
The State Run-Off Election takes place tomorrow, July 24. Polls will be open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.
(Feature Image: Blairsville Mayor Jim Conley shakes hands with Gubernatorial candidate Casey Cagle)
Hiawassee hosts back-to-back Moonshine Cruiz-In events
Business July 15, 2018
HIAWASSEE, Ga. – Two pit stops occurred in the heart of Hiawassee during the 9th annual Georgia Mountain Moonshine Cruiz-In.
The first took place on the evening of Wednesday, July 11, as a fresh event was introduced to the itinerary: A “drive-in” movie presentation of the 1978 classic hit, ‘Grease’, starring John Travolta and Olivia Newton-John.
Vehicles from different eras traveled from miles around to rest their engines on Hiawassee Square while their owners enjoyed a night on the town. Hiawassee Mayor Liz Ordiales graciously welcomed newcomers to the event as they arrived, taking their seats among the ever-growing crowd. A senior couple danced to aptly-themed music, entertaining bystanders before the main event began. Towns County High School football players sold beverages to fund the purchase of needed equipment. Towns County Library Branch Manager Debbie Phillips operated an old-fashion popcorn machine, and the smell of a vendor’s hot boiled peanuts tempted guests to snack as they watched the film.
The following day, Thursday, July 12, the owners of antique vehicles, along with appreciative spectators, flocked to the town square to participate in Hiawassee’s second annual Moonshine Cruiz-In Block Party. A parade of classic cars arrived on the square at noon, greeted by upbeat music streamed by “Soundman” Tim Massey. A sudden downpour of rain began to fall in unison as the cars roared in. Attendees sought shelter under the tents provided by United Community Bank, Hiawassee Police Department, and beneath nearby store-front awnings while they waited for the summer storm to pass. The clouds soon cleared, and visitors circled the square, stopping to converse with car owners while ogling a variety of vehicles from days gone by.
Unique, antique truck attending the Moonshine Cruiz-In Block Party
“I think it’s great that Hiawassee added (these events) to the line-up,” Jerry Shook, a Habersham County resident and the proud owner of a pristine 1956 Ford Town Sedan, told FetchYourNews, “I attend every year, and it’s a nice to have even more to look forward to.”
Food vendors set up shop along Berrong Street, which was closed to traffic. Local restaurants Monte Alban, Sundance Grill, Asiano’s, and Hawgs & Dawgs BBQ offered a selection of festival-friendly fare. Cub Scouts Troop 407 supplied soft drinks to heat-parched guests. The event ran until 2:00 pm, and the classic cars and trucks proceeded to the Georgia Mountain Fairgrounds to regroup for a sixty mile caravan cruise to Mercier Orchards in Blue Ridge, Georgia. The crew returned to the fairgrounds that evening to celebrate the Sour Mask Kickoff Bash, overlooking sparking Lake Chatuge.
The rally continued into the weekend at the Georgia Mountain Fairgrounds, featuring music, food, vendors, and of course, plenty of hot rods.
(Feature Photo: Jerry Shook checks under the hood of his 1956 Ford Town Sedan)
Visitors were offered lunch options from five local vendors
Unrelated Hiawassee checkpoints result in arrests, increased child safety
City Police, News June 1, 2018
HIAWASSEE, Ga. – Hiawassee Police Department mobilized traffic checkpoints at two separate locations on the evening of Wednesday, May 23, charging motorists with driving under the influence and drug-related offenses.
The initial checkpoint took place at approximately 8 p.m. in the vicinity of the Bell Creek Car Wash on state Route 75 north. According to the incident report, Hiawassee Police Department made contact with a grey Chevrolet Impala, occupied by three subjects. Upon interaction, the officer detected the odor of alcohol within the vehicle. The male driver consented to a preliminary breath test, which detects the presence of alcohol, and the breathalyzer registered 0.103 percent blood alcohol concentration. The maximum limit in Georgia to operate a motorized vehicle is .08 percent. The suspect then consented to standardized field sobriety testing, soon thereafter declining to participate. The driver was taken into custody by the officer. In addition, morphine pills were discovered in an unmarked bottle within the vehicle, and the suspect was charged with driving under the influence, drugs to be kept in original container, and creating hazardous or offensive conditions.
A subsequent checkpoint occurred on South Main Street, near Azalea Drive, at approximately 10 p.m. A female motorist was arrested and charged with driving under the influence, open container violation, and obstructing law enforcement officers. Several bottles of alcohol were discovered within the vehicle by Hiawassee officers after the odor of alcohol and marijuana was detected, providing officers with probable cause to conduct a search. According to the incident report, the female suspect proceeded to ingest “a green, leafy substance.” The subject denied possession of marijuana.
Chief Smith describes evidence seized from a recent search warrant during a city council meeting.
In other news, at a recent city council work session, Hiawassee Police Chief Paul Smith provided additional information on a significant drug arrest that took place within the city limits May 15, 2018. Federal and state charges resulted from the observation of the odor of marijuana noted by officers upon response to an unrelated panic alarm, originating from the AT&T store on Main Street. It was determined by responding officers that the odor wafted from an adjoining apartment, and a warrant to search the residence was obtained. Upon execution of the warrant, illicit substances, firearms, $700 in cash, and a postal scale were seized as evidence. Barry Hunter Collins was arrested and charged with multiple felonies, including a federal charge. Collins was an employee of the Blairsville postal service at the time of his arrest.
Chief Smith released the regularly-complied department activity report for the month of April, and while statistics continue to show a decrease in drug-related arrests – with only a single misdemeanor arrest for possession of under an ounce of marijuana and drug-related objects – the overall amount of issued citations increased in comparison to the previous month. A total of 115 citations were written in April, 35 of which were warnings. Data from March revealed a total of 79 citation, 21 being warnings. The highest amount of citations were the result of speeding, followed by tag registration and license requirements, safety belt violations, and brake lights or turn signal infractions.
Hiawassee Police Department conducted 237 calls for service in April, a combination of dispatched and self-initiated.
On Saturday, May 26, the Hiawassee Police Department held a child car seat safety check on Hiawassee Town Square. The event drew 20 participants, with 11 cars seats determined defective, and replaced at no charge.
Hiawassee Police Department replaced defective car seats on Memorial Day weekend.
[Feature photo: Hiawassee Police Chief Paul Smith displays the department’s former patch, while sporting the newly-acquired design, created by Smith]
Hiawassee Police Department: November Incident Report
City Police, News December 4, 2017
Calls For Service
Dispatched 138
Self-Initiated 185
Total 323
Reports
Incident 23
Miscellaneous 1
Accident 11
Citations 140
Total 175
Arrests
Felony 0
Misdemeanor 10
Felony Drug 1
Misdemeanor Drug 4
Total 15
Citation Report
BRAKE LIGHTS AND TURN SIGNALS REQUIREMENTS 5
NO PROOF OF INSURANCE 8
DRIVING WITHOUT LICENSE ON PERSON 3
NO TAIL LIGHTS 1
DRUGS TO BE KEPT IN ORIGINAL CONTAINER 5
OPEN CONTAINER VIOLATION 5
DUI – ALCOHOL – ENDANGERMENT OF CHILD UNDER AGE 14 1
OPERATING VEHICLE W/SUSPENSION 1
DUI 2
POSSESSION AND USE OF DRUG RELATED OBJECTS 5
FAIL TO STOP FOR SCHOOL BUS LOAD/UNLOAD 1
POSSESSION OF OUNCE OR LESS OF MARIJUANA 4
FAIL TO YIELD WHEN ENTER/CROSS ROADWAY 1
RECKLESS DRIVING 1
FAILURE TO MAINTAIN LANE 2
SAFETY BELT VIOLATION (ADULTS) 4
FOLLOWING TOO CLOSELY 2
SAFETY BELT VIOLATION (CHILD UNDER 8) 1
IMPROPER BACKING 1
SPEEDING 43
IMPROPER LEFT OR RIGHT TURN 1
TAG LIGHT REQUIRED 5
IMPROPER LIGHTING EQUIPMENT 2
TAGS: ALTERATION/IMPROPER PLATES/REGISTRATION 1
IMPROPER USE OF CENTRAL TURN LANE 4
TAGS: OPERATE VEH W/OUT REVALID TAG/DEC 2
LICENSE: 60 DAYS TO CHANGE NAME/ADDRESS 1
TAGS: REGISTRATION AND LICENSE REQUIRED 4
LICENSE: DRIVING WHILE LIC. SUSP/REVOKED 5
TAGS: USE OF TAG TO CONCEAL IDENTITY 2
LICENSE: DRIVING WHILE UNLICENSED 4
TIRE REQUIREMENTS 1
LICENSE: DRIVING WITH EXPIRED LICENSE 2
TOO FAST FOR CONDITIONS 1
LICENSE: VIOLATION OF LIC. RESTRICTIONS 1
VIEW OBSTRUCTED (WINDSHIELD/OTHER) 4
LIGHT REDUCING MATL. AFFIXED TO WINDOWS 1
WRITING, SENDING, OR READING TEXTS WHILE DRIVING (ANY AGE) 1
NO INSURANCE 2
Total (including warnings) 140
Suspect at large in Hiawassee armed robbery
News November 23, 2017HIAWASSEE, Ga. – On Nov. 22, 2017, at 8:25 p.m., two Hiawassee Police officers were dispatched to an armed robbery at the Save-A-Lot grocery store located at 236 N. Main St. The officers were on scene within one minute and began searching the area for the suspect who had fled on foot.
It was reported that after the store was closed, a white male, approximately 6 feet 3 inches tall with a slim build, appeared from the rear of the store wearing a mask and brandishing a handgun. One employee was locked in a cooler while the other was lead at gunpoint to the safe. An undisclosed amount of cash was stolen from the safe, and the suspect fled the store on foot.
The employees were not harmed during the incident.
Towns County Sheriff’s Office assisted in the search with bloodhound, Copper, but the suspect remains at large.
If you have any information about this armed robbery, please call the Hiawassee Police Department at 706-896-2888.
Fetch Your News is a hyper local news outlet that attracts more than 300,000 page views and 3.5 million impressions per month in Dawson, Lumpkin, White, Fannin, Gilmer, Pickens, Union, Towns and Murray counties as well as Cherokee County in N.C. – FYNTV attracts approximately 15,000 viewers per week and reaches between 15,000 to 60,000 per week on our Facebook page. – For the most effective, least expensive local advertising, call 706-276-6397 or email us at [email protected]
Hiawassee Police Department Activity Report: October 2017
City Police, News November 6, 2017
Hiawassee Police Department Statistics and Arrests for October 2017
Hiawassee Police Department – Year in Review
City Police, News January 31, 2019HIAWASSEE, Ga. – Hiawassee Police Chief Paul Smith presented the department’s 2018 activity statistics during the first city council meeting of the new year, Jan. 28.
In 2018, 1,142 traffic stops were conducted by Hiawassee Police Department, with the most activity occurring in July. Smith relayed that the summer spike was due to the Hands-Free Georgia Act. As a result of the traffic stops, 681 tickets were issued, 362 written warnings were given, and hundreds of verbal warnings were extended.
Hiawassee Police Department arrest statistics
Last year, the city police department made 118 arrests, 21 of which were misdemeanor drug violations, and 16 were cited as felony drug offenses. The remainder of the arrests amounted to 11 felonies and 70 misdemeanors. According to data, there were 98 fewer arrests made in 2018 than in 2017. Likewise, fewer drug arrests occurred in 2018 than the prior year. Of the 118 arrests, Smith informed that 80 of the arrests were the result of traffic stops, accounting for half of felony arrests.
Hiawassee Police Department
A total of 335 reports were filed in 2018, consisting of 205 incident reports, 87 accident reports, 32 miscellaneous reports, five domestic violence cases, and two juvenile reports.
While the statistics show that criminal activity has decreased, Hiawassee Police Department remains vigilant in their duties, a reasonable explaination as to why there has been a reduction in arrests. “It’s good to see numbers drop in law enforcement,” Chief Smith said.
(Graphics courtesy of Hiawassee Police Department)
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