The Rome resident that killed himself inside a truck belonging to a man found dead in West Rome on Monday afternoon was a convicted murderer who had been released on parole six years ago.

According to information on the Georgia Department of Corrections website Larry B. Dover was convicted of murder in Bartow County, and he began his sentence in February of 1983.

The jury found him guilty in the stabbing death of his estranged wife in 1981; Dover served 26 years behind bars before being released in 2009.

He allegedly fired several shots at a woman in the Teloga area of Chattooga County Monday and the victim's house caught fire later that same day.

Chattooga County deputies later found the 64 year old in a truck on a dirt road, and, as they approached him, he put a gun to his head and pulled the trigger.

He was being taken to a Rome-area hospital for treatment, but died en route.

Dover was in a pickup truck belonging to 69 year old Wesley Wayne Stewart, who was later found dead inside his home on Marshall Lane in Rome.

The death is being called “Suspicious”; but, authorities are awaiting autopsy results prior to releasing an official cause of death.

(WRGA)

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The Lookout Mountain Drug Task Force has made four arrests and confiscated a quantity of meth in Walker County raids recently; two arrests were made at 2332 Hog Jowl Road in the Cove, 37 year old Leslie Gale Hill was charged with possession of meth and marijuana while DeWayne Eugene Wallin, age 39, was charged with the possession of meth, and a probation violation.

Meanwhile, at a J. Ellis Court address in Chickamauga – 45 year old Nancy Ruth Daniels was charged with possession of meth and possession of schedule IV drugs.

And at 580 Bronco Road in Lafayette, 36 year old Crystal Marie McSears, was charged with possession of meth with the intent to distribute and a probation violation.

Authorities say the arrests were loosely related and the investigation is on-going.

(WQCH)

A single-vehicle accident Monday morning led to injuries when a man hit a water spot that caused his vehicle to overturn and run off of the highway.

According to Walker County 911, emergency responders were dispatched Monday, Jan. 18. around 9:10 a.m., to the 2800 block of Ga. Highway 136 in LaFayette.

According to responders at the scene, a man driving a Toyota pickup truck was passing another vehicle when he drove through a wet spot, which caused his vehicle to overturn and careen into a resident’s yard.

The extent of the man’s injuries is not known at this time, but he is said to be stable and talking to emergency responders.

He was transported by ambulance to Erlanger Medical Center in Chattanooga.

(Walker County Messenger)

For the week of Jan. 13, 2016 – Jan. 19, 2016

Chattooga Co. Animal Control reports 13 investigated cases, impounded 11 animals, stray/owner surrenders turned in were 03, returned 02 animals to their owners, adopted 0 animal, 01 animals went to rescue, euthanized 01 dogs and 0 cat.

Animals that have been picked up or brought to Chattooga County Animal Control may be available for adoption or rescue after a three day holding period, which allows time for owner reclaims.  Chattooga County Animal Control is located off Hwy. 100  at 464 Red Oak Road.  From Summerville, turn left on Red Oak Road  before you get to Georgia Power.  The Center is located at the end of the road on the right.  The adoption fee for male dogs is $75, female dogs $85, male cats $40, and female cats $50.  This includes spay/neuter and rabies shot at the Summerville Veterinary Clinic.  Those people adopting animals who want to use a different veterinarian  must pay a $25 adoption fee and provide proof of spay/neuter within 30 days.   

A Rome resident was arrested early Sunday morning on the charges of Financial Transaction Fraud, Financial Transaction card theft and theft by taking a motor vehicle.

According to a Rome police report, 29-year-old Wesley Thomas Hardin of Wilkerson Rd stole two credit cards from the victim and also took the victim’s car without their permission.

Hardin also took jewelry, coins and memorabilia exceeding the amount $1,500.

The accused was found in possession of methamphetamine, marijuana and lortab.

Hardin is also charged obstruction when he knowingly resisted arrest. 

(WRGA)

From Floyd County Jail records

A 78-year old Rome man has been jailed on a charge of child molestation.

According to Floyd County Jail records, Robert Lester Tucker Sr., of an Old River Road address, was taken into custody at his residence on the felony warrant Monday evening.

He remains jailed without bond.

(WRGA)

A domestic dispute turned deadly kept Chattooga County, Georgia law enforcement officials and emergency personnel busy throughout the day Monday.

A dispute between a male and a female reportedly started near the intersection of Highway 337 and the Trion-Teloga Road when that man fired several shots into the woman's vehicle – incredibly, she wasn't hurt.

Later that day, the woman's house on Webb Road caught fire.

At around 4:45 that afternoon, Chattooga County Deputies located the suspect, sitting in his pickup truck on a dirt road.  According to reports, as law enforcement approached the man, he put a gun to his head and pulled the trigger.

Lifeforce was called however it was quickly decided to rush the man to a Floyd County area hospital instead; the man died while en-route to Rome.

According to Chattooga County Sheriff Mark Schrader, that individual has been identified as 64 year old Larry B. Dover of Rome.

Meanwhile, Rome Police are investigating a suspicious death just off Shorter Avenue.

That call to 9-1-1 came in just after 5:00 Monday afternoon with 69 year old Wesley Wayne Stewart being pronounced dead at 5:55pm at a Marshall Lane residence.

Very little information is being released and officials say the cause and manner of death are unknown, pending the results of an autopsy.

It does appear that the two cases are related, although law enforcement officials aren't sure of the exact circumstances.

We have learned that Dover was in Stewart's truck when he took his own life.

(WRGA/www.wrgarome.com)

                  Chattooga County Sheriff’s Department

24 Hour Arrest Report

1/18/2016 

32 Inmates at Chattooga

40 Meals Ordered

14 Housed at Polk County Jail

                           54 Housed at Bartow County Jail

                              1 Walker County Jail

Total Inmates: 101