For the week of May 04, 2016-May 10 , 2016, Chattooga Co. Animal Control reports 15 investigated cases , impounded 20 animals, stray/owner surrenders turned in were 26, returned 01 animals to their owners, adopted 03 animal, 29 animals went to rescue, euthanized 01 dog and 04 cats.

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.   

Some additional information has now been released by the Georgia State Patrol, Rome Post, regarding an accident in which a pedestrian was struck by a vehicle, on Highland Avenue in Summerville early Monday afternoon.

The victim was reportedly hit at around 1:30pm, suffering serious injuries as a result and at last word, was listed in critical but stable condition, after having been flown from the scene to Erlanger Medical Center in Chattanooga.

No word yet on whether or not that driver will be facing any charges in connection with the incident.

The names of those involved have not yet been released.

We'll have additional information as it becomes available.

The closing of Northwest Georgia Regional Hospital five years ago has led to an increase of people with mental illness being incarcerated.  Law enforcement agencies around Northwest Georgia, including the Chattooga County Sheriff’s Department, saw an increase in incarceration rates when the area’s only mental hospital shuttered its doors.

Now Floyd County Sheriff Tim Burkhalter is taking a closer look at how the increase of inmates with mental illness is affecting the jail population.  Chattooga County routinely houses out inmates at the Floyd County Jail, along with other jail facilities in Northwest Georgia. 

Since last year, five people have died in the Floyd County Jail.  Two of those deaths were ruled suicide, and both of the inmates that died were believed to have been suffering from mental illness.  A third death was ruled a homicide and the accused murderer was suffering from mental illness, according to the Floyd County Sheriff’s Department.

Floyd County Jail officials say that they are going to start monitoring inmates more carefully and follow up with medical evaluations within 48 hours after they are booked into the jail.   

Chattooga County Sheriff's Office Deputies were recently dispatched to a Country Crossing Drive address in Summerville in regard to a burglary in progress call.

The homeowner stated that as he was leaving for work that morning at around 8:00, he had noticed something out of place and returned to the home and opened the front door; at that point, he saw two male subjects barreling out the back door; A 9-1-1 call was quickly made, and deputies soon arrived; the victim told officers that the intruders had apparently gained entry through a window in his father's bedroom.

Several dresser drawers had been opened – and a Glock 23 was reportedly missing from the bedroom; a safe had also been left open however the complainant said nothing appeared to have been taken from it.

It was noted on the incident report that the window where the two subjects had reportedly entered the home was closed and the window screen was in place. The report also noted on that same day that there were two large black dogs inside the home in addition to an alarm system with cameras outside.

The matter remains under investigation.

A resident of Raccoon Creek Road in Summerville reported a case of damage to property, in regard to someone crashing into his fence and gate at the end of his driveway.

Several posts were knocked over, causing considerable damage to the fence.

The estimated cost of repair was $1,000.

There's a small silver lining to that cloud though, the person that did all the damage is likely looking at more than a grand to repair their vehicle after bashing into those fence posts.

Read more

A two-vehicle crash on Highway 140 Sunday night has left one person dead.

The wreck occurred when a Dodge Neon that was traveling westbound, reportedly crossed the centerline and struck a Dodge Ram pickup head on.

According to the report, it appeared that the driver of the pickup attempted to take evasive action but was unable to avoid the car.

The driver of the Neon was pronounced dead at the scene, while the driver of the truck was transported to Floyd Medical Center for treatment.

Investigators say there were no skid marks – indicating that the driver of the Neon never hit the brakes.

No additional information has been released including the names of those involved.

(WRGA)

Chattooga County Sheriff’s

Department Arrest Report

05/01/2016

              48 In House

              04 Housed at Polk County Jail

              31 Housed at Bartow County Jail    

              01 Floyd County Jail

                                             Total Inmates: 84

Read more

A chase occurring early Friday has led to an investigation conducted by the Georgia Bureau of Investigation into an officer's use of force during the incident.

According to reports Tennessee officers entered the Ft. Oglethorpe jurisdiction while trying to capture DeWayne Burns, who was termed "armed and dangerous".

A GBI news release regarding the matter, indicated that the suspect attempted to run over a Ft. Oglethorpe officer following a felony vehicle stop and as a result officers reportedly then fired several rounds at Burns, and the vehicle, causing him to crash inside the Chickamauga Battlefield.

He then fled on foot, apparently having not been injured.

Officers found both a handgun and shotgun inside the vehicle.

Burns remains at large.

(WQCH)