Routine Traffic Stop leads to Heroin Arrest
Arrest Reports, City Police, News September 18, 2018
HIAWASSEE, Ga. – Hiawassee Police Department conducted a routine traffic stop on the evening of Saturday, Sept. 15, upon witnessing a 2002 Chevrolet Malibu improperly traveling east on Main Street, unlawfully occupying the center turning lane. State law prohibits the use of a central turn lane in excess of 300 feet of travel.
The driver was identified as Lisa Beth Bradley, 55, of Roswell, Georgia.
Lisa Beth Bradley
“I noticed as I was talking to the driver that she was sweating more so than seemed normal, her eyes were very constricted, and she seemed very nervous,” the officer stated in the report obtained by FYN, “The driver then advised me that she was distracted due to her vehicle overheating.”
Upon requesting Bradley exit the vehicle, and observing additonal behavior which led the officer to question the condition of the driver, the officer inquired as to whether Bradley was taking medication. According to the officer’s report, Bradley stated that she was not, shortly thereafter divulging a methadone prescription. Hiawassee Police Department purportedly retained consent to search Bradley’s vehicle – with Bradley documented as repeatedly responding “if you have to” – prompting law enforcement to subsequently discover the methadone and a pipe, resemblant to that of a narcotic smoking device, “burnt on both ends” along with a “small clear baggie with what appeared to be heroin or possibly crack cocaine.”
According to the Hiawassee Police Department, nine syringes were found in the suspect’s vehicle
Hiawassee Police Department stated that when asked if the substance was heroin, Bradley replied, “I believe so.”
Methadone, a powerful narcotic, is often legally prescribed to heroin and opioid users as replacement therapy to quell the harsh withdrawl symptoms experienced from discontinuation of the initial drug of abuse.
Bradley was taken into custody and charged with Possession of Heroin, Possession and Use of Drug-Related Objects, and Improper Use of Central Turn Lane. Bradley was transported to the Towns County Detention Center, with the investigation turned over to the Towns County Sheriff’s Office. Bradley’s vehicle was towed and impounded.
Bradley is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
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 manhunt leads to four arrests, recovery of stolen firearms
Arrest Reports, News August 25, 2018HIAWASSEE, Ga. – On Wednesday, Aug. 22, Towns County Sheriff’s Office responded to assist Hiawassee Police Department following a traffic stop at Chatuge Lodge, after two suspects exited a vehicle they were occupying, and fled on foot. Law enforcement officers established a perimeter in the area, and a sheriff’s bloodhound was deployed on scene in an attempt to locate the fleeing subjects. The suspects were not apprehended at that time.
The following day, Aug. 23, Towns County 911 received a call pertaining to two subjects fitting the description in the vicinity of Pioneer Trail, located off Highway 75 North. A responding deputy spotted the two suspects, whom proceeded to flee on foot. Additional law enforcement officers arrived on scene, and established a perimeter. A female subject was discovered hiding near a residential area, and was taken into custody without incident.
A CodeRed 911 alert call was dispatched to residents in the area, advising citizens to be on the lookout for the second suspect.
The male suspect, Shaun Ewing, 36, of Hiawassee, was spotted shortly thereafter on Upper Bell Creek Road. Towns County Sheriff’s Office deputies and Hiawassee Police Department officers continued the search throughout the night, and into the following morning.
On the morning of Friday, Aug. 24, a tip was received that Ewing was at a location off of Highway 75 North. Law enforcement officers responded on scene, taking the suspect into custody without further incident. A second CodeRed alert was activated, alerting area residents that the manhunt had concluded due to the suspect’s arrest.
K-9 Unit searching the Upper Bell Creek area
The suspects have been linked to an ongoing investigation by the Towns County Sheriff’s Office related to a burglary that was reported on Aug. 15, at a residence off of Fodder Creek Road. A victim reported that numerous firearms, along with other items, had been stolen.
Towns County Sheriff’s Office investigators teamed with officers from the Hiawassee Police Department to execute a search warrant at a residence on Kontahetta Way in Hiawassee.
Deputies arrested James Robert Gregory, 38, seizing items that had been stolen during the burglary, along with a quantity of methamphetamine.
On Friday, Aug. 24, law enforcement officers recovered additional firearms and items from a location off of Swallow Creek Road that had been reported as stolen from the Fodder Creek residence.
Hiawassee Police Department arrested and charged Bobbie LeAnn Saxon, 37, of Hiawassee, with the following offenses:
- One Count Violation of Georgia Controlled Substance Act, Possession of Methamphetamine
- One Count Fleeing and Attempting to Elude
- One Count Failure to Maintain Lane
- One Count No Seat Belt
- One Count Possession of Drug-Related Objects
Towns County Sheriff’s Office arrested the following suspects:
- Sandi Pate, 29, of Hiawassee — Probation Violation Warrant
- Shaun Keith Ewing, 36, of Hiawassee —- Probation Violation Warrant
- James Robert Gregory, 38, of Hiawassee — One Count Violation of Georgia Controlled Substance Act, Possession of Methamphetamine
According to the Towns County Sheriff’s Office, the investigation into the burglary is considered active and ongoing, and additional charges are forthcoming.
All suspects are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
Towns County Sheriff’s Office extends their appreciation to the following agencies for their assistance in the search and apprehension of the suspects: Hiawassee Police Department, Georgia Wildlife Resources Department, Georgia State Patrol, U.S. Forest Service, Towns County 911, Towns County Fire and Rescue, along with the residents in the area of Upper Bell Creek.
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]
Local law enforcement explains Hands-Free Georgia Act
News June 12, 2018
HIAWASSEE, Ga. – The Hands-Free Georgia Act takes effect July 1, and local law enforcement plans to uphold the newly-enacted state mandate. The new law strictly prohibits drivers from holding a cellular phone or stand-alone electronic device in their hands, or touching any part of their body, while operating a vehicle on Georgia roadways. Motorists will not be permitted to write, read, or send text messages nor emails, use social media, or otherwise access internet data. Drivers will be allowed use of GPS and navigational devices, however, via hands-free methods. While motorists will still be permitted to stream music through apps, the activation of such devices, changing of songs, or streaming of any type of video is prohibited. In addition, recording or broadcasting videos also constitutes a violation of law. Mobile devices may be used in lawfully parked vehicles which does not include traffic signals or stop signs.
“Hiawassee Police Department will certainly be enforcing the hands-free law,” Hiawassee Police Chief Paul Smith told FetchYourNews, “It’s definitely an issue we’ve seen, and it’s a growing issue that we’ve been looking at.” Smith explained that the penalty for first-time citations includes a $50 fine, a one-point penalty against the driver’s license, and states that the purchase of a hands-free device, such as a Bluetooth device or a stationary mount for electronics, prior to an appearance in court, will allow a defendant to enter a not guilty plea. Subsequent violations carry stiffer penalties.
“It’s becoming a habit we don’t think twice about since we have been talking on our phones while driving for more than three decades, and it is going to take time for all of us to stop automatically reaching for the phone when it rings,” Governor’s Office of Highway Safety Communication Director Robert Hydrick said, “If you want to talk on your phone or use GPS while driving, now is the time to implement those measures so hands-free will become the instinctive thing to do.”
Two-year studies revealed a 16 percent decrease in traffic fatalities within the 15 states that have implemented similar hands-free driving laws.
Additional information on the Hands-Free Georgia Act can be found at www.headsupgeorgia.com
Federal and state charges result from odor of marijuana
City Police, News May 19, 2018
Barry Hunter Collins
HIAWASSEE, Ga. – Hiawassee Police Department responded to a panic alarm at a local business at approximately 5:15 p.m. on the evening of May 15, 2018. After investigating the alarm, officers questioned employees about a strong odor of marijuana observed upon entering the building. It was determined that the odor was originating from an adjoining apartment. A warrant for the apartment was obtained to search apartment, and the premise was secured.
During the execution of the search warrant, a large quantity of drugs were seized, including marijuana, methamphetamine, prescription narcotics, and steroids. The street value of the drugs were estimated at over $5,000 dollars. In addition, three weapons, U.S. currency, laptop computers, and numerous cellular phones were seized as evidence. Towns County Sheriff’s Office assisted Hiawassee Police Department during the execution of the search warrant.
Barry Hunter Collins was arrested and charged with the following:
- Possession of Methamphetamine;
- Possession of Methamphetamine with Intent to Distribute;
- Possession of Marijuana;
- Possession of Marijuana with Intent to Distribute;
- Four counts Violation of the Georgia Substance Control Act;
- Three counts Drugs to be Kept in Original Container;
- Two counts Possession of Drug-Related Objects; and
- Three counts Possession of Firearms during the Commission of a Crime.
Additional evidence discovered during the investigation was turned over to the United States Postal Service Office of Inspector General. Collins was charged with Obstruction of Mail by the Inspector General’s Office.
The suspect is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
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, Union, Dawson, Lumpkin, White, Fannin, Gilmer, Pickens, 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 on our Facebook page.
For the most effective, least expensive local advertising, call 706-276-6397 or email us at [email protected]
UPDATED: Female suspect in Thanksgiving Eve armed robbery apprehended, BOLO issued for accomplice
News December 7, 2017
HIAWASSEE, Ga. – On Thanksgiving Eve, Nov. 22, at 8:25 p.m., the Hiawassee Police Department responded to an armed robbery at the Save-A-Lot located at 236 N Main Street.
Chelsea Alferink is being held without bond at the Towns County Detention Center
It was reported that a masked man, armed with a handgun, locked one employee in a cooler while another person emptied the safe at gunpoint. The suspect reportedly fled the scene on foot.
Following an extensive investigation, an arrest warrant was issued Dec. 4, 2017, for Chelsea Alferink, the assistant manager at Save-A-Lot, for the offense of false statements and writings. She was taken into custody without incident.
The following day, arrest warrants for the offense of armed robbery were issued for Alferink and her boyfriend, Daniel Walls.
Alferink is being held at the Towns County Jail without bail.
Walls has not been apprehended at this time. The featured photo is from an earlier arrest.
Towns County Sheriff’s Office offered Hiawassee Police Department assistance in confirming the robber’s identity, although Hiawassee PD states they were investigating Walls as a suspect days prior .
UPDATE: Sheriff Chris Clinton tells Fetch Your News that Daniel Walls surrendered without incident at 5:56 p.m. on Thursday, Dec. 7.
This investigation is still on-going, with the possibility of further charges being filed.
All suspects are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
Anyone who has any information is asked to contact Detective Brandon Barrett at 706-896-2888 ext. 3
Follow Fetch Your News for future developments surrounding this case.
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 Chief Paul Smith Recalls “Shop with a Hero”
City Police November 17, 2017
HIAWASSEE, Ga. – Hiawassee Police Chief Paul Smith offered an emotional account of a Christmas past, expressing his care and concern for the children of Towns County, on the morning of Friday, Nov. 17, 2017, before the Movers and Shakers at Sundance Grill.
Chief Smith described the annual Shop with a Hero program, designed to provide disadvantaged youth with an opportunity to bond with area first responders while purchasing gifts, in hopes of a happier holiday season.
The program was implemented in 2006 by the late Chief Jimmy Wright, four years prior to Smith becoming an officer with the Hiawassee Police Department.
Originally known as “Shop with a Cop,” there were not enough law enforcement officers available to provide a one-on-one experience. Several children were once assigned to a single officer. Firefighters, EMS personnel, and the Coast Guard auxiliary are now active in the outreach.
Shop with a Hero began in 2015.
The police chief reminisced on a past year’s experience.
Smith was paired with a sixth-grade boy as they traveled with other students and officers to Walmart, each child allotted $200 in spending cash. Smith said the child chose some things for himself, then asked if he could spend the remainder on his parents. The sixth-grader decided on a gold cross necklace for his mother and cologne for his father. The boy proceeded to return the items he planned to purchase for himself, in order to buy gifts for his brother and sister who would otherwise not receive presents that year.
“It was such a moving experience,” Chief Smith told the group. “It made quite an impact on me.”
The now-chief later saw the student on the Hiawassee Square during the city’s Halloween festivities, and he remembered the officer in a kind light. Smith said the child had witnessed him arrest a relative, yet it was the shopping expedition that stood forefront in the boy’s mind. “Sometimes the only experience (children have) is seeing us in a law enforcement capacity,” Smith explained.
Several listeners fought back tears as Chief Smith recalled the memory.
A member of the Movers and Shakers asked the chief how many children participate in the annual program. “Usually about 20 kids, based on how much money we can raise,” Chief Smith replied.
Bill “Scotty” Scott, a group leader, announced he felt guided to “pass the hat” to collect donations for the community program and $944 was accumulated, the largest amount in Movers and Shaker’s history, affording additional children an opportunity to experience a joyful Christmas.
Businesses and residents can participate in the generous outreach via checks made out to Shop with a Hero, delivered in person at Hiawassee City Hall or mailed to:
Hiawassee Police Department – c/o Chief Paul Smith – 50 River Street – Hiawassee, GA 30546
The outing is scheduled for Tuesday, Dec. 19, 2017.
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]
Santa Claus was back in town for second annual “Light Up Hiawassee”
Community, News December 7, 2018
HIAWASSEE, Ga. – Jolly old Saint Nick took time out of his busy holiday schedule to make an appearance at “Light Up Hiawassee” on Thursday, Dec. 6, arriving on town square in style by fire engine, escorted by Towns County Fire and Rescue, and Hiawassee Police Department.
The festivities began at 4 p.m. with cookie decorating and rock painting activities for the children, followed by a golf cart parade, as merry music set the mood of the season. Towns County Red Cross volunteers served coffee and hot chocolate, and VFW Post 7807 offered hot dogs, refreshments, and select merchandise.
Hiawassee Councilwoman and event organizer Nancy Noblet poses with Santa
Luminary candles bordered the sidewalks in honor of the local children assisted by the Enotah CASA program throughout the year, with CASA Chair Liz Ruf briefly addressing the crowd.
A mailbox for letters to Santa sat center on Hiawassee Square, at the ready to accept requests from wishful children. Hamilton Gardens extended a host of pointsettia plants for purchase.
A young boy decorates a cookie during the event
Shortly before Santa’s arrival at dusk, Mayor Liz Ordiales counted down the illumination of the square, and the heart of Hiawassee magically transformed into a winter wonderland at the flick of the switch.
The event was originally scheduled for Saturday, Dec. 1, postponed due to unfavorable weather.
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]
North Carolinians ask police for directions, ultimately arrested on drug charges
City Police, News August 14, 2018
HIAWASSEE, Ga. – What might appear to some as a seemingly innocent incident led to the arrest of two North Carolina men, charged with Possession of Methamphetamine, and Possession of a Drug Related Object, thanks to the work of an observant law enforcement officer.
On the evening of Monday, Aug. 6, a Hiawassee Police Department patrol officer was in the parking lot of a local business when the officer was approached by two white males in a white Ford F250, requesting directions. The officer advised the driver that an incoming call for service needed to be addressed, but if the individuals wished to wait, the officer would return shortly to assist in the matter.
According to the detailed incident report, the officer returned soon thereafter to where the men were awaiting directions, when the driver claimed that they had traveled from Cherokee, North Carolina, in search of a gated campground in the area.
As the driver was speaking, the Hiawassee officer observed that the man was “sweating profusely,” that his eyes appeared “extremely dialated,” in addition to “talking very rapidly.”
The officer asked the driver to exit the vehicle. Upon questioning the driver’s condition, the driver said that he had been in a motorcycle accident, and was currently on “Roxy 10’s,” a prescription pain medication, stating that he had taken the opioid an hour and a half prior to contact with the police department.
The driver was identified as Austin Cody Fuller, 20, of Cherokee, NC, and the passenger as Ronald David Warren, 42, of Bryson City, NC.
Upon requesting assistance from the Towns County Sheriff’s Office, the Hiawassee Police Department officer requested that Warren exit the vehicle. After speaking with the individuals and suspecting illicit activity, the officer requested permission to search the vehicle. According to the incident report, Fuller stated, “I don’t care,” along with “It doesn’t bother me.”
Once consent to search was granted, law enforcement officers located a glass smoking device containing methamphetamine, in addition to two additional baggies of methamphetamine, one within the vehicle, the other inside of the Warren’s pocket, following his arrest.
Allen and Fuller were transported to the Towns County Detention Center.
Both suspects are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
Hiawassee Police Department explains software system; offers car seat installation
City Police, News April 25, 2018
HIAWASSEE, Ga. – Hiawassee Police Chief Paul Smith provided information to the community and council during April’s city session.
“Last year in March, we had 17 drug arrests, 13 of those were felonies,” Chief Smith relayed, “This year we had two, one felony and one misdemeanor. Fantastic drop, and like I said before, it’s not like we’re not out there doing the work, there’s less of it to do. Other than that, our numbers are about the same, as far as the traffic stops and citations we’ve been writing.”
In fact, Hiawassee Police Department statistics show an increase in that particular area of activity. Data reveals that 282 reports have been written in the first-quarter of 2018, in comparison to 245 reports in 2017. Citations, incidents, and accidents are included in the report. Calls for service have also increased, jumping from 818 in the first-quarter of last year, to a total of 868 service calls in 2018.
Hiawassee Police Department recently obtained updated software for patrol vehicle computers, assisting officers in operating even more efficiently. The advanced program, equip with GPS capability, expedites the legal process for both citizens and law enforcement.
“We now have the ability to run tags and licenses on the car laptop. Prior to that, we would have to radio into dispatch every time we wanted to run information,” Smith explained.
The new software is capable of quickly providing officers with pertinent information, such as the owner of the vehicle, a driver’s license photograph, and whether the vehicle has valid insurance and proper registration.
L-R: Chief Paul Smith and Officer Jordan Guffey, with Mayor Liz Ordiales – Photo courtesy of City of Hiawassee
“Before I get up to that car, I have an idea what I’m dealing with. It’s a safety feature, and it’s a convenience for us because we’re not having to run everything through dispatch,” Smith says, “Any time someone is driving on the road, we can check their tag to see if they have proper insurance, and their registration. In the past couple of weeks, just by checking random tags, we found two people with no insurance.”
In addition, Chief Smith announced a child car seat safety initiative, encouraged by Hiawassee Officer Jordan Guffey. Officer Guffey attended a 24-hour training course, acquiring certification in proper installation. In turn, the program has supplied four child car seats to the City of Hiawassee, which are available to parents in need.
Hiawassee Police Department will be on Town Square on Saturday, May 26, with additional car seats, free of charge. The department is offering to inspect or install the seats in vehicles in order to heighten the safety of children in the community.
Questions surface after school lock-down drill
News March 20, 2018HIAWASSEE, Ga. – On the morning of Wednesday, March 14, a lock-down training exercise took place at Towns County School at 10 a.m.
While there was a call for a nationwide walk-out in remembrance of the 17 lives lost Feb. 14, 2018, at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida, many schools across the nation chose a proactive approach.
FetchYourNews (FYN) learned of the drill and hoped to highlight the positive measures taken.
In the aftermath of the Parkland tragedy, FYN has reported on the subject of school safety in Towns, Gilmer, Fannin, Union, Lumpkin, and Dawson County, Georgia, as well as Cherokee County, North Carolina.
While the ultimate safety of students is not being called into question, with FYN maintaining conviction that security is of the utmost concern for Towns County School administrators and Towns County first responders alike, unexpected questions arose during our research.
Letter sent to the parents of elementary school students
In a letter forwarded to FYN, dated March 13, 2018, and signed by Towns County Elementary Principal Dr. Sandra Page, parents of elementary school children were advised a day in advance that the drill would occur. The letter reads, in part, that “during an active shooter drill, it is necessary to reenact the scenario of a shooter on campus in order to find strengths and possible weaknesses in our emergency plans.”
The letter goes on to state that “local agencies such as the police, EMS (emergency medical services), and the fire department will be involved in this drill and will be arriving on campus.”
Following an unsuccessful, in-person attempt to acquire sufficient information on the active shooter drill from the Towns County Sheriff’s courthouse office, FYN contacted the emergency agencies listed as participants in the training exercise.
FYN was surprised to learn that the Hiawassee Police Department, Towns County Emergency Medical Services (EMS), Towns County Fire and Rescue, as well as the Towns County Emergency Management Agency (EMA) were not notified that a drill was scheduled, and therefore did not participate.
At a Movers and Shakers meeting held Feb. 23, Towns County Sheriff Chris Clinton, along with Towns County School Superintendent Dr. Darren Berrong, spoke with concerned citizens regarding school safety. The sheriff divulged that a few years had passed since an active shooter drill was conducted.
Sheriff Clinton opened his speech by recalling a recent conversation with Hiawassee Police Chief Paul Smith.
“The chief and I were just discussing this, what, a week ago maybe, that it’s about time that we do another one, and that we do it together,” Sheriff Clinton assured.
Sheriff Clinton continued, “How do we make our children safer? Now. Not some place down the road at some philosophical perfect normal for you, but right now. How do we do that? Frankly, at the end of the day, we have to make it a harder target.”
After referencing the 1999 Columbine tragedy, Sheriff Clinton asked, “What’s been done by the government to make our children safer? Not a single thing. Because a lot of people think they can get up and talk about it, and they can harp on whatever their pet issue is. I’m pro-gun, I’m anti-gun, whatever, but as long as they’re talking about it and people are listening, they are getting political mileage out of it, and they really don’t care. I’m sorry, but I care.
“I’m coming to silence the gun. I’m not coming to survive it. I’m coming to silence the gun,” Sheriff Clinton emphasized. “Frankly, that’s what I expect from every deputy sheriff and every law enforcement officer in this nation. God help me if I have to walk past my own children while they bleed. I’m coming to silence the gun.”
At the conclusion of the forum, Sheriff Clinton acknowledged a need to ensure all first responders are familiar with the school’s campus and lock-down procedure. The sheriff told those in attendance that it is up to the community to decide what level of security they want in place. “I work for you,” Sheriff Clinton reminded.
FYN contacted Sheriff Chris Clinton on the evening of the lock-down in anticipation of learning why his plans to include other emergency agencies had changed.
Sheriff Clinton failed to provide an explanation, focusing rather on garnering the individual identities of FYN’s sources. Shortly after asked if proper protocol was followed, a concern brought to the attention of FYN by an emergency official, Sheriff Clinton ended communication.
The following day, Thursday, March 15, FYN Chief Executive Officer Brian Pritchard sat down with Hiawassee Mayor Liz Ordiales, Hiawassee Police Chief Paul Smith, and Towns County Fire Chief Harold Copeland, reconfirming the lack of communication and coordination.
FYN met with Superintendent Dr. Darren Berrong on Friday, March 16, in search of further clarification.
Berrong revealed that the active shooter drill was implemented between himself and Sheriff Clinton, following the Movers and Shakers forum.
When the question was posed concerning the absence of agencies, Berrong replied, “Well, (the school) wasn’t sure of everyone who was involved. I think there were some of those individuals there.” Upon learning that was not the case, Berrong stated there may have been a miscommunication in verbiage, saying, “Personally, for me, it wasn’t about the fire department. It was about the police officers.”
Berrong was then asked to recap the drill.
“At 10:00, Mr. Perren came over the announcement through all three schools and informed them we were going into a lock-down, that there would be police officers walking through the hallways, make sure to keep your doors locked, and to keep the kids in a safe area,” Superintendent Berrong explained. “While that was going on, police officers were making their rounds through the building, just to make sure they were still familiar with what the campus actually looks like, what’s going on during a lock-down, where can you go and where can’t you go in case there is a shooter in the school, and what areas can we access. They made their rounds through the school while we were in lock-down. We were in lock-down probably ten minutes. Our school isn’t a very big building, you can make a round through there fairly quickly. So ten to fifteen minutes, and pretty much that was the end of the drill.”
FYN inquired if there are plans to hold a subsequent active shooter exercise. “We may have further drills. We don’t have any planned currently,” Dr. Berrong said. “Sheriff Clinton and I are in discussion about this summer, getting together with all personnel, fire department and everyone, just to sit down and make sure everyone has plans of the school building, and make sure everyone has access to the ‘Crisis Go’ app, which alerts people when there is an emergency on campus, and just have another round-table discussion about what we are going to do when something like that happens, how do we shut the campus down. We had one of those several years ago, but it’s about time we had another one.”
FYN contacted Towns County School Facility Director Roy Perren. Director Perren relayed that the exercise was exclusively planned for the Towns County Sheriff’s Office and that there was never an intention to include other emergency agencies. The facility director added that a Towns County School meeting will be held in conjunction with the Georgia Emergency Management Agency (GEMA) April 13 concerning the involvement of all first responders, should an emergency situation arise.
Elementary School Principle Dr. Sandra Page returned FYN’s request for comment on the afternoon of Monday, March 19.
Page stated that to her knowledge, the active shooter exercise was changed to simply a lock-down drill on the morning of March 14, shortly before the training occurred, excluding the need for the involvement of agencies other than the Towns County Sheriff’s Office. “I just wanted to get the information out so that students, parents, and teachers were aware that a drill was going to take place,” Dr. Page said. “That was my main concern.”
This left FYN with more questions than answers, considering that none of the emergency agencies listed in the letter had been notified that an active shooter drill had been scheduled.
Hiawassee Police Department, Towns County EMS, Towns County Fire and Rescue, and Towns County EMA state that their departments expect to take part in future training exercises.
Suspect apprehended after foot pursuit
News November 27, 2017HIAWASSEE, Ga. – On Thanksgiving night, Nov. 23, Towns County Sheriff’s deputies responded to an area near Fred’s department store to assist a Hiawassee Police Officer who was in a foot chase with a suspect. The pursuit resulted from of a domestic call the Hiawassee Police Department responded to at Huddle House in Hiawassee.
The Hiawassee Police Officer requested the assistance of the Sheriff’s Office’s bloodhound to assist with locating the fleeing suspect. The deputies set up a perimeter around the area, awaiting the arrival of the bloodhound, “Copper”.
The suspect, Robert Burl Fletcher, 38, of Gastonia, North Carolina, was arrested and charged with one count of battery/family violence and one count of obstruction of an officer.
Due to the teamwork between the Hiawassee Police Department and the Sheriff’s Office, the reported incident was quickly resolved and the suspect was apprehended.
Hiawassee Police Department Activity Report – August, 2017
Business September 5, 2017
Hiawassee, GA – Hiawassee Police Department has released their monthly activity report for August, 2017.
Name of subject, date of arrest, and charged offense(s) can be found in the weekly reports provided by Towns County Sheriff’s Office.
Hiawassee Police Department August Activity Report:
Total Calls for Service: 348
- Dispatched – 157
- Self-Initiated – 191
Total Reports: 164
- Incident – 31
- Accident – 8
- Citations – 123
- Miscellaneous – 2
August Arrests: 23
- Felony – 2
- Misdemeanor – 16
- Felony Drug – 3
- Misdemeanor Drug – 2
Hiawassee Police Department 2017 Activity Report:
Total Calls for Service: 2,462
- Dispatched – 1,143
- Self-Initiated – 1,319
Total Reports: 848
- Incident – 196
- Accident – 46
- Citations – 563
- Miscellaneous – 43
2017 Arrests: 146
- Felony – 5
- Misdemeanor – 72
- Felony Drug – 42
- Misdemeanor Drug – 27
Smokies GT donates $5000 to Shop with a Hero
Community, News December 14, 2018
HIAWASSEE, Ga. – Disadvantaged children will have a reason to smile this holiday season, thanks to the generousity of Smokies GT, a non-profit club of Porsche owners that raises funds for worthy charities.
The organization hosts a local event each spring to benefit the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, and graciously extended $5000 of their good-will to the Shop with a Hero program.
Hiawassee Police Department heads the annual initiative, pairing first responders with area children to travel and purchase Christmas gifts, while providing a positive mentoring experience.
Smokies GT is a group of Porsche GT car enthusiasts
Hiawassee Police Chief Paul Smith expressed deep gratitude for the donation from Smokies GT, as well as to others who have contributed to the cause, for the added ability to bring deserved cheer to underpriviledged children.
A founder of Smokies GT provided background information on the charitable club.
“We have an annual event in Hiawassee along with smaller events throughout the year. The focus is on enjoying these great cars in ways for which they were built, on the track, and on mountain roads. At the spring event, we enhance our passion of driving by also raising funds for charitable causes. One of our members has two children with Cystic Fibrosis- so a great deal of focus is for us to raise money for the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation,” the spokesperson, who asked to remain anonymous, relayed, “Hiawassee has always been so welcoming to our group so we would love to find more ways to give back to the community.
“The Smokies group was started “by accident” by a few Porsche GT3 owners who simply wanted to go for a mountain drive. The drive got bigger and bigger, turned into a weekend and we are now in our sixth year,” the representative continued, “The group has grown to over 400 GT owners from all over the US and some from Canada. There will be over 100 Porsche GT’s at this year’s event in Hiawassee, coming from as far as Seattle.
“Our group is informal, a family, and brings together like-minded individuals, many of whom have become lifelong friends through the event. As part of the 2019 event, we will do a track day at Road Atlanta, Mountain Drives in GA / TN / NC and will rent Heaven’s landing airstrip where we take CF patients and underprivileged kids for the ride of their life down an open runway in a Porsche GT! Over the past few years, our group has raised over $500,000 for charity and we expect to double that amount to a total of close to $1,000,000 in 2019.”
For additional information on Smokies GT, visit their website.
Hiawassee Police Chief visits McConnell Pre-K, shares Halloween safety tips
City Police, News October 27, 2018
HIAWASSEE, Ga. – Halloween is just around the corner, and Hiawassee Police Chief Paul Smith took the opportunity to reach out to Pre-K students at McConnell Baptist Church, sharing Halloween safety tips with the children on Friday, Oct. 26.
“There were a couple of children who were initially frightened, but they warmed up to me by the end of my visit,” Chief Smith said, “It is always a delight to speak to a group of young children. They are always curious about the equipment that police officers wear.” Smith demonstrated how handcuffs operate with the cooperation of a teacher, much to the amusement of the children.
Chief Smith also discussed bike, vehicle, and gun safety with the class.
At the conclusion, the police chief gifted the students with reflective, candy-filled, trick-or-treat bags, safety tips, and police-themed coloring pages.
The City of Hiawassee will host their annual Halloween celebration, with candy booths for trick-or-treaters, on Wednesday, Oct. 31, beginning at 5:30 p.m.
This year’s event will be held on the wrap-around porch of the Towns County Courthouse, rather than Hiawassee Town Square.
The Old Rock Jail will transform into a haunted house attraction on Halloween night.
Admission is free.
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Local couple charged with cruelty to children
Arrest Reports, News October 4, 2018
HIAWASSEE, Ga. – On Thursday, Sept. 13, a criminal investigator with the Hiawassee Police Department responded to a residence on Rolling Acres Road to meet with Towns County Department of Family and Children Services (DFCS) concerning an alleged child abuse case.
Joey Malone Johnson
According to Hiawassee Police Department records, DFCS stated to the investigator that a report had been made by one of the children living at the residence to Towns County School officials and the Towns County Sheriff’s Office regarding physical abuse.
DFCS relayed to the investigator that there were three children in the household, living at the residence with their mother, Kristen Renee Watson, and father/step-father Joey Malone Johnson. Furthermore, it was discovered that another family resided in the home, consisting of a mother and her three children.
Kristen Renee Watson
Upon investigation, Joey Malone Johnson, 32, and Kristen Renee Watson, 26, were arrested and charged with three counts of cruelty to children, first degree.
The three children involved in the investigation were removed from the home by DFCS.
The investigation is active and ongoing.
The suspects are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
Fetch Your News is a hyper local news outlet, attracting over 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, dial 706-276-6397 or email us at [email protected]