STAFF REPORT :::

The Griffin Police Department is searching for a suspect in a Thursday morning armed robbery of the Dollar General located at 1019 Memorial Drive.

According to a press release, officers of the GPD Uniform Patrol Division were dispatched to that location just after 11:30 a.m.

Employees reported the suspect used a handgun during the commission of the crime.

The suspect is described as a black male approximately six feet to six feet three inches tall. He had a beard at the time of the incident.

One employee was treated for non-life-threatening injuries at the scene by WellStar Spalding Regional Hospital Emergency Medical Services.

The suspect remains at large and the investigation is ongoing.

Anyone with information related to this incident is asked to contact the GPD Criminal Investigation Division at 770.229.6450.

STAFF REPORT :::

Griffin-Spalding County Board of Education member Syntel Brown was seriously wounded in a stabbing Monday morning.

According to a press release issued by Sheriff Darrell Dix, the incident occurred at a High Falls Road residence.

Deputies responded at approximately 9:07 a.m. to a call of an aggravated assault at that location. Upon arrival, deputies located Brown, age 33, in the front yard.

Mr. Brown was found to have suffered multiple stab wounds and cuts,” the release stated. “A neighbor, along with deputies, began rendering aid to Brown until EMS could arrive. Brown has since been transported to Atlanta Medical Center for treatment.”

A second individual identified as 24-year-old Devontae Perkins, was located a short distance from the residence. Like Brown, Perkins was found to be suffering from multiple stab wounds and cuts.

Perkins was transported to WellStar Spalding Regional Hospital, where he is being treated for his wounds.

“After being briefed by my investigators as to the details of the incident and those involved, I made the determination to contact the Georgia Bureau of Investigation and ask for their assistance,” Dix said. “At this point the investigation has been turned over to them. No other details will be released at this time as the investigation into the incident and fact gathering is ongoing.”

Kimberly Willis Green, executive director of Communications and Partnerships for the Griffin-Spalding County School System stated, “Our hearts and minds are with Mr. R. Syntel Brown and his family at this time. We wish him a speedy recovery.”

SHEILA A. MATHEWS :::

The Georgia Bureau of Investigation continues to investigate the Monday morning aggravated assault that left two men wounded, but some information has been made available.

Spalding County Sheriff Darrell Dix, whose personnel initially responded to the High Falls Road scene, soon after requested the GBI conduct this investigation.

“Because Sheriff Dix felt as though because it involved an elected official that we needed to bring in the GBI. Solely for that purpose,” explained Capt. Dwayne Jones.

Jones also reported that there are no outstanding suspects in this incident.

“Please stress that we are not looking for any suspects related to this. The Sheriff says that we consider both these to be victims, so there was not a third party involved,” Jones said. “I’m not speaking for the GBI. This is their criminal investigation. The Sheriff has put this out already – there were two parties involved. There was not a third party.”

Asked if that means investigators have identified one of the injured men as the perpetrator, Jones said, “That’s something that the investigation with the GBI will have to determine – who was the primary aggressor or if they both were aggressors, I really don’t know, but we are not looking for anyone else related to the incident that occurred yesterday.”

Syntel Brown, age 33, a teacher and member of the Griffin-Spalding Board of Education, was critically injured in the incident. He sustained multiple stab and cut wounds and was transported to the Atlanta Medical Center Trauma Unit.

A second man, 24-year-old Devontae Perkins, also sustained multiple stab and cut wounds. He was transported to the emergency room of WellStar Spalding Regional Hospital.

SHEILA A. MATHEWS :::

The Spalding County Sheriff’s Office is investigating a Tuesday armed robbery of the Family Dollar store located in the area of N. Hill Street and McIntosh Road.

Officials say two suspects remain at large.

“They were last seen leaving on foot. Initially, we thought there might have been a vehicle involved, but we don’t believe there is,” said Capt. Dwayne Jones. “It’s just a description that I gave out – two black males, one wearing a red hoodie and black pants with like a stripe going down it, like it’s a warm-up pant with one of those lighter colored stripes on it, and the other male was wearing all black.”

Jones is uncertain if any customers were present at the time of the armed robbery.

Asked if investigators believe the perpetrators of Tuesday’s armed robbery may have been involved in other similar Spalding County incidents, Jones said, “We can’t say definitively that they do, but it’s certainly something that we’re looking at. We’re certainly comparing footage that we have, descriptions that we have and the masks that they wore to see if there’s any correlation.”

Jones did identify one difference in Tuesday’s robbery.

“It was not the same type mask that we’ve had in earlier robberies, but they were masks, so as I said, we’re looking at potential connections,” he explained, soon adding, “I don’t know what type they did, but it is my understanding they brandished a firearm.”

Jones said he was unaware of any injuries in the incident.

Anyone with information pertaining to this armed robbery is asked to call 911.

STAFF REPORT :::

An investigation of the Griffin Police Department Special Investigation Unit (SIU) and Criminal Apprehension and Gang Enforcement Unit (CAGE) resulted in the arrest of seizure of illegal narcotics, one firearm and the arrest of three individuals.

According to a press release, the investigation focused on two apartments located at 311 E. Tinsley St. – Units A and B. Authorities allege drugs were being distributed from both.

A search warrant was executed Jan. 24, resulting in the seizure of 104 ecstasy pills with an approximate weight of 31 gross grams, six gross grams of crack cocaine and a misdemeanor amount of marijuana.

Also recovered were a handgun and several items used for the packaging of illegal narcotics.

Arrested were Willie James Gay Jr., who was charged with possession of cocaine, possession of cocaine with intent to distribute, possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony and possession of marijuana less than one ounce; Larry Lamont Blanton, who was charged with possession of cocaine, possession of cocaine with intent to distribute and possession of marijuana less than one ounce; and Rodriquez Robinson, who was charged with trafficking methamphetamine (Ecstasy), possession of Ecstasy with intent to distribute, possession of Ecstasy and possession of marijuana less than one ounce.

STAFF REPORT :::

The Spalding County Sheriff’s Office Special Operations/Narcotics Division was an assisting agency involved in an investigation of the Drug Enforcement Agency Atlanta Carolinas High Intensity Drug Trafficking Areas (HIDTA) program that resulted in the seizure of a large quantity of illegal narcotics and numerous arrests.

According to a press release issued by Sheriff Darrell Dix, his agency, as well as the Henry County Flint Circuit Drug Task Force, assisted the HIDTA program in an ongoing investigation that began July 2017.

Authorities say the focus of this operation was an alleged drug trafficking organization in the metro Atlanta area official say was responsible for supplying methamphetamine, cocaine and heroin to street level distributors in Spalding and Henry counties.

This operation resulted in the seizure of approximately four kilograms of methamphetamine, approximately 19 kilograms of cocaine, approximately seven kilograms of heroin, 11 firearms, three vehicles and approximately $389,000 in alleged drug proceeds.

Arrested and facing state charges are:

​Serafin Villalobos, age 42, a Mexican citizen residing in Riverdale, who has been charged with trafficking cocaine;

Joseph Mackenzie Ferrell, age 33, of Locust Grove, who has been charged with trafficking methamphetamine and weapons violations;

Brooke Sharee Pittman, age 25, of Locust Grove, who has been charged with possession of methamphetamine;

Diana Rothackcer, age 41, of McDonough, who has been charged with trafficking methamphetamine;

Rene Francisco Mirano-Malina, age 36, of McDonough, who has been charged with trafficking methamphetamine;

Patricia McKool Nichols, age 56, of McDonough, who has been charged with possession of methamphetamine; and

Jennifer Laurel Betsill, age 33, of Locust Grove, who has been charged with possession of methamphetamine.

Arrested and facing federal charges are:

Douglas Villegas, age 45, also known as “Loko,” of Autry State Prison, where, having been convicted of murder, he was serving a life sentence, has been charged with numerous counts of conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine and heroin.

Norma Boyd, age 53, also known as “Jan Boyd,” of Griffin, who has been charged with numerous counts of conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine and heroin;

Armando Landa-Hernandez, age 32, a citizen of Mexico residing in Lawrenceville, who has been charged with possession of methamphetamine and heroin with intent to distribute and federal weapons charges;

Miguel Carachure-Guzman, age 29, a citizen of Mexico residing in Lawrenceville, who has been charged with possession of methamphetamine and heroin with intent to distribute and federal weapons charges;

Rodney Lee Marsh, age 36, of Atlanta, who has been charged with possession of methamphetamine and federal weapons charges;

Laura Rosemary Adams, age 38, of Stockbridge, who has been charged with conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine and heroin and federal weapons charges; and

Rene Lujan Saucedo, age 45, a citizen of Mexico residing in Atlanta, who has been charged with numerous counts of conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine and federal weapons charges.

Officials say Villegas ran a drug trafficking organization of Autry State Prison.
Villegas is now in federal custody.

Investigators identified Boyd as Villegas’ main distributor.

“The Spalding County Sheriff’s Office continues to work with other law enforcement agencies on the local, state and federal levels to make the lives of drug distributors and those providing illegal narcotics to Spalding County as miserable as possible,” Dix said. “We will continue to do all we can to make Spalding County a safer place.”

STAFF REPORT :::

Three perpetrators of a July 2018 armed robbery of the Griffin T-Mobile store have been sentenced to prison sentences ranging from 20 years to life in prison.

According to a press release issued by the Spalding County District Attorney’s Office, the case of State of Georgia v. Dexter Lamar Boyd and Victor Lee Warner was tried this week before Superior Court Judge Christopher Edwards.

The jury convicted Boyd and Warner of armed robbery, two counts of aggravated assault, theft by taking and possession of firearm during the commission of a felony.

Warner was also convicted of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.

District Attorney Ben Coker and Assistant District Attorney Donna Gopaul tried the case.

Warner was sentenced to life in prison for his actions, and Boyd was sentenced to 20 years with the first 12 years to be served in prison for his involvement.

Another co-defendant, Timothy Ragland, entered a guilty plea and testified against the other two co-defendants at trial. He received a sentence of 20 years with the first 10 years to be spent in prison.

The defendants were convicted of taking cellular phones from the T-Mobile store located on North Expressway on July 31, 2018.

Officials say they forced two T-Mobile employees into the back and ordered them to dump cellular phones into bags. Unbeknownst to the defendants, one employee placed a tracking device into the bag. That tracking device allowed law enforcement to track the defendants to Henry County, where they proceeded to engage law enforcement in a high-speed chase.

They were apprehended after their vehicle wrecked.

“It was an honor to fight alongside ADA Gopaul and law enforcement in obtaining a conviction in this case. Thank you to my office, law enforcement, and the brave witnesses who testified in this trial. Armed robberies are a horrific crime that have a lasting impact on victims,” Coker said. “We as a society cannot accept or condone the idea that ‘you have it, I want it, I’m going to take it.’ My offices will continue to work hard to make sure that this idea is eradicated from this community. This sentence should be a message to those that violently take what is not theirs. We are tired of it.”

STAFF REPORT :::

Several arrests have been made by the Griffin Police Department in connection to entering auto cases.

According to a press release issued Monday, the first arrest was made Feb. 16, when officers of the Uniform Patrol Division responded to subjects breaking into vehicles in neighborhoods from Tupelo Drive to Forrest St.

Officers reported observing a suspect flee upon their arrival. After a brief foot chase, one juvenile was apprehended.

Authorities allege the juvenile possessed a handgun, more than two ounces of suspected marijuana and items believed to have been stolen from vehicles.

The juvenile was arrested and transported to the Regional Youth Detention Center (RYDC).

Despite a search of the area, no other suspects were located.

The GPD reports five confirmed entering auto cases were reported from the area that night.

Three other entering auto suspects were arrested Feb. 18.

Officials say officers assigned to the UPD apprehended two juveniles and one adult while in the act of breaking into vehicles.

The adult suspect is identified as Jeremy Lance Owens, age 17, who was transported to the Spalding County Jail.

The two juvenile suspects were transported to the RYDC.

Officials stated that whether locked or unlocked, it is illegal to enter another’s vehicle, yet stressed that residents are encouraged to take preventative measures such as removing or concealing valuables and locking vehicle doors to prevent entering auto victimization.

The press release further stated, “The Griffin Police Department would like to thank the actions taken by the citizens of Griffin reporting the activity. The GPD would also like to publically (sic) recognize the Uniformed Patrol Officers for their swift response and solid police work in successfully apprehending the perpetrators of these crimes. Unfortunately, sometimes these crimes are not reported immediately. As a result, important evidence can go undiscovered and the perpetrator may continue to victimize others. The Griffin Police Department would like to ask those who are victims of these crimes to report them.”

STAFF REPORT :::

Antonio Andrews is no longer the head coach of the Griffin High School Bears football team. He will continue to serve as the team’s weight trainer and teacher.

According to a press release issued by the Griffin-Spalding County School System, Andrews tenure as head coach is over, effective immediately.

“We truly appreciate Coach Andrews’ hard work and efforts toward our football program during his tenure as an assistant and head coach,” said GHS Athletic Director Kennedy Holt.

GHS Principal Dr. Darrell Evans said, “We appreciate the leadership and commitment Coach Andrews has dedicated to our student athletes at Griffin High School. However, our goal is to continue to put students first by providing new leadership that focuses on academics, discipline, accountability and cultivating community partnerships.”

Evans said the recruitment process for a new head football coach will take place over the next few weeks.

SHEILA A. MATHEWS :::

A Griffin man was arrested Feb. 17, when he allegedly fired a weapon during a law enforcement search for suspects in a string of entering auto incidents.

Alvin Lee Guild III, age 28, of 735 Bieze St, faces one count each of discharge of firearms on or near public highway and reckless conduct.

According to GPD Officer Kyle Bradford, officers in the area head a gun shot and then observed a vehicle fleeing the scene, but they were unable to locate that vehicle.

Officers then responded to 735 Bieze St., to a report of shots fired.

Bradford reported that upon arrival, he spoke with Taylor Dunn, who stated he and his friends were hanging out at the residence when Guild, who was reportedly under the influence of alcohol, got into an altercation with his ex-girlfriend, Morgan Kendrick.

“Dunn stated Guild was threatening to kill himself and went out behind the house and shot off a rifle outside,” Bradford reported. “Dunn stated Guild then fled in a blue in color Mustang and returned upon seeing police officers in the area.”

Bradford then made contact with Jeffery Daniel, McKenna Edenfield and Kendrick.
Bradford said this trio gave the same information as Dunn.

“They advised me Guild may be inside the residence, but that they were not sure. I asked Kendrick if she minded if we went inside the residence to attempt to locate Guild,” Bradford reported. “Kendrick stated she would take us inside the residence to the last place that Guild was hiding. Officer Michel and I entered the residence with Kendrick. When we got inside the back bedroom of the residence, Officer Michel observed Guild hiding under the bed.”

Guild, who was handcuffed, allegedly told officers he accidentally discharged his weapon.

Bradford reported Guild said he accidentally fired his gun behind the residence.

He said after Mirandizing Guild, the suspect agreed to speak with him and reported he had consumed approximately six alcoholic beverages.

“Guild stated he went out behind the house and shot his AK-47 off by accident. Guild stated he left in his Mustang, but when he noticed police, he turned back behind the house. Guild struck the side of the house with his car when he was pulling into his yard,” Bradford said.

A rifle was recovered from the passenger seat of a blue Mustang parked behind the house, and Guild was transported to the Spalding County Jail.

STAFF REPORT :::

Jeffery Hammond has been selected as the head football coach for the Spalding High School Jaguars.

The Griffin-Spalding County Board of Education voted 4-0 to approve the recommendation of Jeffery Hammond as head football coach of Spalding High School during a special called meeting Feb. 21.

Board Member Barbara Jo Cook was not present to vote during the meeting.

Hammond is currently the offensive coordinator at Colquitt County High School in Moultrie, and a certified math and physical education teacher. Under his leadership, the team went to the GHSA AAAAAAA semifinals playoffs in 2018 with a 43-point scoring average. Hammonds’ has had six semifinal appearances along with two final appearances during his 14 years as an offensive coordinator with three different schools.

Previously, Hammond served as a coordinator at Early County High School, Foley High School and twice at Colquitt County High School.

He has also served as a head coach in baseball, golf, weightlifting and track in Alabama, Florida and Georgia public schools, as well as a football restrictive earnings coach junior varsity defensive coordinator at Troy State University.

Hammond holds a bachelor’s degree in mathematics from Troy State University, a master’s degree in integrating technology into the classroom and a specialist degree in educational technology from Walden University.

“I am excited about the experience and energy Coach Jeff Hammond will be bring to our program at Spalding High School. I feel confident in the knowledge, ability, and skills that he possesses,” said Spalding High School Principal Lindy Pruitt. “I feel certain he will work hard with our students, parents and staff to enhance and sustain the football program and overall athletic program at Spalding. I am ready for spring football and to see what the future holds!”

Nick Davis resigned as head football coach at Spalding High School last month to accept the head football coach position at Fayette County High School.

STAFF REPORT :::

Officers of the Griffin Police Department Uniform Patrol Division recovered an infant that had been abandoned behind a local motel following an alleged attempt to pass a fraudulent check.

According to a press release issued by the GPD, the incident occurred Feb. 22, and began with a report from Sky Check Cashing located at 701 W. Taylor St.

Officials say Tionna Pugh, age 18, attempted to cash a fraudulent check at that business, and that a second suspect, Omisha Sands, age 20, fled and was pursued by a Sky Check Cashing employee.

Sands was apprehended at Hill’s Tire, also located on Taylor St.

Pugh was also arrested at the original scene.

Police say Sands stated she had left her seven-month-old son in a vehicle with two male accomplices, who sped off with the baby when she fled Sky Check Cashing.

Both Sands and Pugh denied knowing the identity of the two male accomplices.

The baby boy was later discovered by the motel clerk at the Comfort Inn and Suites after an anonymous caller contacted the motel and said an infant had been left behind the building.

Motel staff located the baby behind the motel, where he was had abandoned in a car seat in the rain.

Emergency Medical Services evaluated the infant for injuries or health concerns, and once cleared, was turned over to the Department of Family and Children Services.

Sands has been charged with second degree forgery, cruelty to children and reckless conduct.

Pugh has been charged with second degree forgery.

Both women were transported to the Spalding County Jail.

SHEILA A. MATHEWS :::

A Griffin man, 29-year-old David Mitchell, was killed Wednesday night when he was struck by a vehicle on State Route 155.

Trooper Logan Pryor, of the Georgia State Patrol-Griffin Post, was dispatched to the scene of the one-vehicle collision at 7:40 p.m.

“The vehicle that struck the pedestrian was traveling northbound on State Route 155 in the left lane, just north of its intersection with Jackson Road,” Pryor said. “The pedestrian was travelling westbound across State Route 155 from the east shoulder. The pedestrian improperly crossed the roadway into the path of the vehicle, which caused it to strike the pedestrian.”

The vehicle came to a controlled stop, but Mitchell was thrown some distance from the point of impact.

He was pronounced dead at the scene at 8:05 p.m. by Spalding County Coroner Sonny Foster.

The 2004 GMC Sierra 1500 pickup truck that struck Mitchell was driven by 22-year-old Zade Clark, also of Griffin.

Clark was uninjured, and Pryor said he was not charged in the incident.

Pryor said it is uncertain why Mitchell entered the roadway and added the GSP Specialized Collision Reconstruction Team is also investigating this incident.

“We don’t have anything to go on at this point. We’re still waiting on blood results and things like that,” he said. “I fully marked all evidence at the scene for the SCRT when they go out there and do their thing.”

Truth Ministries International invites the community to attend this free event tonight at 7:30 p.m.

STAFF REPORT :::

Parents and guardians of students currently enrolled in the Griffin-Spalding County School System (GSCSS) may apply for a transfer to a school of their choice from the list of identified schools. Applications for the 2019-2020 school year will be accepted through March 15.

School choice is made possible through House Bill 251 and Senate Bill 10, also known as the Georgia Special Needs Scholarship (GSNS) Program.

House Bill 251 allows students to transfer to a school outside their designated attendance zone as long as the destination school is more than four-years-old and has permanent classroom space available.

GSCS students may apply for a transfer to Anne Street, Beaverbrook, Moore and Orrs elementary schools, Carver Road and Kennedy Road middle schools and Griffin High School.

To apply, parents and guardians must complete a school choice transfer request form which can be found on the district website, www.spalding.k12.ga.us, or at the Parent Service Center located at 234 E. Taylor Street.

School choice recipients will not be granted school transportation.

For additional information regarding the HB 251 transfer process, please contact Maria Haven at 770.229.3710 ext. 10335.

Senate Bill 10 allows eligible special needs students who are served under an Individualized Education Plan (IEP), to request a transfer to another school within Spalding County, another public school outside of Spalding County, one of the state schools for the blind or deaf or a private school authorized to participate in the Georgia Special Needs Scholarship (GSNS). Transportation is not provided.

For additional information regarding eligibility and requirements, please contact the Georgia Department of Education at http://www.gadoe.org/External-Affairs-and-Policy/Policy/Pages/Special-Needs-Scholarship-Program.aspx or call 404-656-4328.
For additional information regarding the SB 10 transfer process, contact Julie Thurston at 770.229.3710 ext. 10328.

The deadline for all school choice transfer requests is 4 p.m. March 15. To apply for an internal transfer, parents must complete a school choice transfer request form or the GSNS program form which can also be found on the district website, www.spalding.k12.ga.us, or at the Parent Service Center located at 234 E. Taylor Street.

STAFF REPORT :::

A Spalding County deputy has been arrested and charged with one count of reckless conduct in connection to an alleged domestic dispute Feb. 22. The man was also terminated from the Spalding County Sheriff’s Office.

Charles Bentley was arrested Feb. 27, for an incident involving his live-in girlfriend.

According to a press release issued by Sheriff Darrell Dix, the findings of SCSO internal and criminal investigations indicate that during a domestic dispute, Bentley allegedly allowed his girlfriend’s 11-year-old daughter access to his issued patrol rifle that was kept secured in a locking rack in his marked patrol unit.

“Bentley escorted the girl to his marked patrol unit, instructed her on how to unlock the rifle from its electronic rack, allowed her to handle the loaded rifle both outside and inside the residence before he unloaded it, instructed her on how to activate the optical sight, and told her to point the weapon toward her mother, who was standing in the kitchen at the time, by using the red dot. The child’s mother reported to responding deputies that when she realized what was happening the rifle was pointed at her. The child’s mother waited until Sunday to report the encounter. No shots were fired, and no one was injured during the incident,” the release stated.

“After learning of the situation I immediately ordered simultaneous criminal and internal investigations to be conducted by our Criminal Investigations Division and Office of Professional Standards to determine criminal actions and policy violations. Tuesday morning, I met with the assigned investigators separately, and each briefed me on the status of their own separate investigations. I met with Mr. Bentley at approximately 4:30 pm on February 27, 2019 in my office. I informed him that he was fired based on the internal investigation and that he was under arrest for reckless conduct due the findings of the criminal investigation,” said Dix. “Even though requested, I did not allow him to resign or retire in lieu of termination. Bentley was handcuffed and taken to the Spalding County Detention Center. He was booked in, processed, and posted bond later that night.”

Mr. Bentley had been employed by the Spalding County Sheriff’s Office for more than 20 years before being fired and arrested.

“Mr. Bentley’s arrest was the result of bad choices that were of his own doing, and he, like others, are personally responsible for their own actions and choices with no excuses made or accepted for violating the law. At the time the rifle was pointed at her, the child’s mother had no idea if the weapon was loaded or not, all she knew is that the rifle was pointed at her. Whether it was loaded or not, it is still a violation of departmental policy and criminal law as he was not acting in his official capacity,” Dix said. “In this day and time, law enforcement officers who make bad choices or commit crimes must be held accountable for their actions just as the citizens we serve would be held accountable given the same circumstances. We fight every day to build the trust and confidence that our communities should have in us. One of the ways we can continue to build those relationships is to make sure that we, as a profession, are held accountable and we will do all we can do to accomplish that goal.”

.

SHEILA A. MATHEWS :::

A citizen’s quick thinking and willingness to get involved may well have prevented a tragedy Sunday afternoon when he witnessed a heavily armed masked man approaching a Griffin restaurant.

Wesley Land reported to 911 that as he was parked behind Griffin Stereo at approximately 2:30 p.m., he witnessed a man officials identify as 26-year-old Jeremy Eppinger crouched down behind a retaining wall with his back to a tractor trailer. Land reported to dispatch that he witnessed the man begin advancing towards Pizza Hut, drawing a weapon from his pants.

“Land said he observed Eppinger standing from time to time and it appeared he was looking at Pizza Hut or a vehicle in it. Land stated that he did not think much about the situation until Eppinger jumped up onto the retaining wall with his face covered with a camo mask and pulled a gun from his pants,” reported GPD Officer Michael Betsill. Land then stated that Eppinger started walking toward Pizza Hut. Land stated that when he saw this it startled him, and he quickly put his vehicle in reverse and sped backwards startling Eppinger. Land stated that Eppinger turned to look at him then ran to his car and drove away.”

Land reported the suspect had fled the scene in a blue car, which Betsill spotted as he was en route to the call. Betsill conducted a traffic stop on Eppinger behind The Fish Bowl.

“Eppinger appeared to be calm,” Betsill said, adding that the suspect had both hands on the steering wheel and was looking forward. The officer also stated Eppinger had a camouflage mask around his neck.

“I asked Eppinger if he had any weapons in the vehicle and he at first seemed confused. I asked again and he stated that he had one firearm under the drivers seat for protection because he was a driver (sic all),” Betsill stated in his incident report.

After removing Eppinger from his vehicle, Betsill asked if there were any additional firearms in the vehicle, to which the suspect allegedly responded, “There might be one in my waistband.”

Eppinger was then handcuffed, and a second officer, Patrolman Rhodes, removed a Smith and Wesson 9mm handgun from Eppinger’s pants, Betsill said.

“We then searched Eppinger for any more weapons on his person and found in his front left jacket pocket a magazine loaded with .223 rounds for what appeared to be an AR-15,” Betsill stated.

A subsequent search of Eppinger’s vehicle resulted in the discovery of an SCCY pistol and three wooden blocks covered in duct tape measuring approximately four by 12 inches under the driver’s seat.

Also located were three separate bags containing multiple fully-loaded AR-15 magazines and boxes of ammunition for both pistols, as well as additional .223 rounds.

A Kel-tech .223 AR-15 pistol was located in a cardboard box in the vehicle’s trunk.

“…I returned and asked Eppinger what he was doing. Eppinger stated that he was just cleaning his gun and didn’t want people to see him doing it. I asked Eppinger what he was cleaning his gun with because there were no cleaning supplies in his vehicle to clean a gun with,” Betsill stated. “Eppinger stated that he was going to clean his gun with hand sanitizer and paper towels. I asked why he didn’t have the paper towels behind the semi-truck with him and he could not give a reason but only kept repeating that he had the hand sanitizer in his pocket.”

Officer Todd Hendrix later reported that Jan Travis, the Pizza Hut manager, reported that Eppinger was an employee of the restaurant, but they had been having trouble with him and had cut back his hours.

Eppinger is facing charges of criminal attempt of aggravated assault, possession of a firearm during the commission of a crime and additional misdemeanors.

The investigation of this incident is active and ongoing.

SHEILA A. MATHEWS :::

Spalding High School has been placed on lock down as the Griffin Police Department searches for a suspect that reportedly fled from an officer.

According to Capt. Dwayne Jones, of the Spalding County Sheriff’s Office, that agency is providing assistance.

“They had someone flee from one of their officers,” Jones said, adding that he has no specific details on the nature of the incident for which the suspect is being sought.

The GRIP has placed a phone call to Griffin Police Department Public Information Officer Sgt. Chris Wilson and is awaiting a response. Additional information will be reported as it becomes available.

Publisher’s note: The Spalding County Sheriff’s Office has announced the lock down at Spalding High has been lifted.

STAFF REPORT :::

Officers of the Griffin Police Department on Tuesday responded to a call at WellStar Spalding Regional Hospital regarding a 13-year-old child who sustained a gunshot wound to the leg.

According to a press release issued by the Griffin Police Department, the wound was allegedly self-inflicted.

Officers met with the wounded boy and his parents at the hospital where the child allegedly admitted he mishandled the weapon, accidentally discharging the gun and striking himself in the leg.

No charges have been filed in this incident, however the investigation remains active and ongoing.

SHEILA A. MATHEWS :::

The Thursday afternoon death of a utility contractor working in Spalding County is under investigation.

Officials of the Spalding County Sheriff’s Office, Spalding County Coroner’s Office and Spalding County Fire Department are at the scene of what was reported as a potential industrial incident on Newnan Road.

Due to the circumstances, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration has also been notified.

“We were dispatched to the 2600 block of Newnan Road about a possible accident or medical emergency involving a Comcast worker in a bucket truck. Medical personnel arrived on the scene and found the patient unresponsive. He is deceased at the scene and the scene has been turned over to our Criminal Investigation Division, and OSHA has been notified, along with the Fire Department, which is out at the scene, as well,” said SCSO Capt. Dwayne Jones.

The public is being advised to avoid the area.

“Traffic is going to have to be rerouted as a result of this because the scene has been secured so we can conduct the investigation,” Jones said. “Our thoughts and prayers obviously go to the gentleman’s family. I don’t have any other details concerning the cause of his death. I’m sure the investigation will reveal that once complete.”