A Douglas man identified as 41 year old John Harrell has been charged in the beating of his 64 year old father, after he attempted to intervene and stop his son from beating a juvenile who was also injured. John Harrell is charged with cruelty to children, domestic violence battery and drug violations.
According to officials in Blairsville, 75-year-old Bevalene Torbush and her son, 48-year-old Stacy Waldrip, stole more than $150,000 from 85-year-old victim Fain Griffith. They are charged with exploitation of the elderly woman and theft by deception.
Fresh Express is recalling some possibly contaminated prepackaged salad mix sold only at Walmart stores in the southeastern United States. The recall of a limited number of cases of Organic Marketside Spring Mix was announced by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. The 5 ounce Organic Mix is sold in Alabama, Florida and Georgia. The company said “extraneous animal matter” was allegedly “found in a single container of the salad.” Federal officials recommended that two people who ate salad from a package of salad that reportedly contained a dead bat begin post-exposure rabies treatment.
Gasoline prices in Valdosta continue to climb upwards with the average price reaching $2.25 per gallon. The lowest price for gas in the city Sunday was $2.12 a gallon at a retailer on U.S. 84 west of Valdosta, while the highest was $2.69 on North Patterson.
Kenron Elkins who was wanted on outstanding warrants for failure to appear and violation of probation in Colquitt County was found and arrested by a Colquitt County deputy. During a search of the 40 year old Elkins the deputy discovered methamphetamine hidden in one of Elkins’ socks and his situation went from bad to worse; he was charged with possession.
Mollinedo Lopez and Jamie Martinez were arrested by agents with the GBI and charged with murder. An investigation revealed their connection to a body that was discovered in Brooks County. Officials say that the body has not yet been identified.
An Old Bainbridge Road vehicular crash has claimed the life of Cairo resident 38 year old Kanji Queens. The cause of the accident has not been determined. The victim was not wearing a seatbelt at the time of the crash.
Tax revenues in the state of Georgia were up for the Month of March after falling in February due to an increase in tax refunds. Gov. Nathan Deal’s office reported that net tax collections for March rose by $32.5 million over March of last year, or 2.1 percent.
Sadness and shock has hit hard at a Lawrenceville neighborhood in the wake of the double murder of an elderly couple in their apartment. Law enforcement officials found the bodies after a call was placed asking them to check on the couple since no one had been able to contact them. Two teenagers have been arrested and charged with their murders; one of them is listed as the victim’s 17 year old granddaughter and the other suspect is the granddaughter’s 19 year old boyfriend.
44 year old Corey Porto of Valdosta was arrested and charged with burglary, obstruction, both felonies, and misdemeanor battery. He was taken into custody after smashing his way into a Clay Road business and struggling with store employees who attempted to hold him. He also resisted apprehension by law enforcement officers on the scene. He was brought under control after backup arrived and taken to the Lowndes County Jail.
According to Sergeant First Class Tracy Tabb, Post #31 Valdosta Troopers investigated 126 traffic crashes, resulting in 62 injuries and 1 fatality during the month of March 2017. Post #31 Troopers issued 620 citations, 20 D.U.I. arrests were made and 81 Seatbelt Violation citations were issued. Child Restraint Violation citations totaled 19; there were 49 Distracted Driving citations and 252 citations for speeding. Post #31 Troopers also made 7 drug arrests including 3 felony drug arrests.
