CRIME & SAFETY

The Habersham County Sheriff’s Office is looking for a runaway teen who is believed to be traveling with a man in his twenties.

Theft is a crime of opportunity, with would-be thieves often taking the path of least resistance to obtain items belonging to others. Habersham County Sheriff Joey Terrell reminds the community to keep doors locked on vehicles and homes, even in well-populated, well-lit areas. “When we respond to a burglary or theft call, one of the first questions our deputies ask is, ‘Were the doors locked?’ and most of the time the answer is no,” Terrell said. To ensure the safety and security of our community, the Habersham County Sheriff’s Office urges all residents to make a habit of locking their doors, both at home and in their vehicles. Consider doorbell cameras and other exterior security measures such as a porch gate, and motion sensor lighting. “Many thefts and break-ins within our area could have been prevented by simply securing doors and windows,” Terrell said. “Unlocked doors present easy targets for criminals looking for quick opportunities. Also, take a minute to place valuables out of sight.” Purses, electronics, and firearms are three main targets for would-be thieves and often are left unattended in unlocked vehicles. The Habersham County Sheriff’s Office encourages you to develop a daily 9pm routine. At 9pm each night, check to make sure no valuables are in view in your vehicle and that the doors are locked. Also, check all exterior doors on your home and lock them. The “9pm routine”, created in 2017 by a sheriff’s office in Florida, is a nightly reminder to residents to remove valuables from their vehicles, lock their vehicle doors, lock the doors to their residences, turn on exterior lights, and activate all alarms and security systems.

Police said he is 6′0, 25 years old, and has two neck tattoos.

WNEG News is reporting this morning on two incidents involving law-enforcement officials this morning. In one incident around 10 AM this morning, a vehicle pursuit that reportedly began in the area of The Pointe Church, skirted the Walmart parking lot and ended up in the Home Depot parking lot, resulted in a SCSO vehicle apparently being struck and having to be towed from the location. Also, two Toccoa Police officers received injuries from glass when the window of their patrol vehicle was broken during the attempt to subdue the suspect.

The Clayton City Council recently recognized four Clayton Police Officers for going above and beyond the call of duty in saving a baby’s life on March 5, 2024. Assistant Chief John Grist, Sgt. Andy Beck, Investigator Matt Thomas, and Officer Justin Buchanan received plaques for their valor. Clayton Police Chief Andy Strait said, “The officers did an outstanding job from the beginning of the investigation until the end when the baby was saved and the suspect was arrested. They are heroes in my book and representative of the hard work and dedication that every Clayton Police Officer exhibits daily. It was truly an honor for me to present those awards to them.” After the presentation, everyone in attendance gave the officers a round of applause.

A 29-year-old Clarkesville man was arrested and charged on Tuesday for felony possession of a controlled substance. According to a Towns County Sheriff’s Office Facebook post, officers conducted a traffic stop on Highway 76 at Anderson Bridge. There, a K-9 unit was alerted, giving officers probable cause to search...

A wreck in Hall County Friday night left one Lula man seriously injured. At around 7:30 p.m. Friday night, Georgia State Patrol responded to a multi-vehicle crash at GA. 365 and White Sulphur Road. One vehicle was traveling south on GA. 365 in the left lane approaching White Sulphur Road....