Get ready for a day of family fun as the 4th Annual Chattooga River Fest makes its triumphant return to Lyerly, Georgia, the town where it all began. On Saturday, June 14th, residents and visitors alike are invited to enjoy a day packed with free activities, entertainment, and local flavor.

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UPDATE: Murder victim and murder suspect identified by police.

UPDATE: Summerville Police say a suspect is now in custody. 

6:20 PM – Friday

A Summerville man is dead following a shooting on Oak Street earlier today. At approximately 12:36 pm, Summerville Police Department officers responded to a call regarding a gunshot wound. Upon arrival, they discovered 27-year-old Christopher “DJ” Chapman of Summerville unresponsive in the roadway, suffering from a serious gunshot wound. Chapman was immediately transported to Chattooga ER, where he was later pronounced dead.

The initial investigation identified 24-year-old Deoveon Price of Summerville as the alleged shooter. Price reportedly fled the scene in his vehicle. A short time later, Price was apprehended during a traffic stop on Taylors Ridge. He was found to be driving a different vehicle at the time of his arrest and was taken into custody without incident. According to police investigations, Price and Chapman were involved in a physical altercation prior to the shooting. During the altercation, Price allegedly drew a pistol and shot Chapman in the chest. Price is facing the following charges: Felony Murder,  Aggravated Assault, Possession of a Firearm During the Commission of a Crime.

The Summerville Police Department released a statement extending their gratitude to the Georgia Bureau of Investigations (GBI), the Chattooga County Sheriff’s Office, the Lookout Mountain Drug Task Force, and the Georgia State Patrol for their invaluable assistance throughout the investigation. The investigation is ongoing.

Earlier:

Summerville Police are actively searching for a suspect after a man in his late 20s was shot on Oak Street earlier today, according to Police Chief Brian Ozment. The victim sustained extremely serious injuries from a handgun wound. The shooting occurred in the middle of Oak Street, where the victim was discovered and immediately treated by Atrium Floyd EMS personnel. Chief Ozment confirmed the incident but offered limited details due to the ongoing investigation. The suspect remains at large, and the Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI) has been called in to assist with the investigation. Emergency medical crews worked intensively at the scene to stabilize the victim. While the full extent of the injuries has not been released, authorities described them as life-threatening. The incident has triggered a significant police presence in the area, with officers focused on locating the shooter and securing the crime scene. This is a developing story, and updates will be provided as they become available from law enforcement officials.

Residents of Northwest Georgia should be prepared for scattered thunderstorms this evening and throughout the weekend, with a risk of strong to severe weather, according to the latest forecast. The National Weather Service warns that storms developing this evening into the early overnight hours could pack damaging winds, small hail, and frequent lightning. Primarily impacting the northern counties, these storms pose a potential hazard for outdoor activities. Today will be mostly sunny with a high near 88 degrees, but the chance of showers and thunderstorms increases to 50% after 2 PM. Rainfall amounts are expected to be light, between a tenth and a quarter of an inch, but potentially higher within thunderstorms. Patchy, dense fog may also be present in Northwest Georgia this morning, requiring caution for drivers. The threat of precipitation continues into tonight, with a 60% chance of showers and thunderstorms likely before 3 AM. The skies will remain mostly cloudy with a low around 69 degrees. Saturday and Sunday are also forecast to be unsettled. An 80% chance of precipitation is predicted for both days, with showers and thunderstorms likely throughout the day and night. Highs will be near 86 on Saturday and 82 on Sunday. Gusty winds up to 15 mph are possible both days. The risk of severe weather diminishes slightly on Sunday night, with only a 20% chance of showers and thunderstorms before 2 AM. Monday sees a 50% chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly in the afternoon.

AdventHealth is excited to share that the AngioScreen bus will be available at AdventHealth Medical Group at Shorter Ave on June 19, from 8 am to 3 pm. An AngioScreen is a noninvasive, 10-minute vascular screening designed to assess your risk of heart disease and stroke.

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The Georgia State Patrol has released details regarding an accident that occurred earlier this week in downtown Summerville, where a vehicle collided with a local Mexican restaurant. According to authorities, the driver has been identified as 38-year-old Andrew Gerrin of Gaylesville, Alabama. Gerrin was driving a Honda CRV on Commerce Street when the incident occurred. Troopers investigating the crash told WZQZ News that Gerrin admitted to falling asleep at the wheel while en route to work. His vehicle left the roadway, first striking a decorative Coca-Cola bottle before crashing into the Mexican restaurant. Gerrin has been cited with failure to maintain lane in connection with the accident. There were no injuries reported.

Two Chattooga County Teams competed at the UGA Top Hand Stockmanship and Stewardship Contest  May 3rd in Forsyth, Ga.  The competition is a hands-on contest for students with real world application in the beef cattle industry.  CarolAnn Cash, Evelyn Mae Lutz and Eme McCary were named the state winners at the 4rd Annual Contest. Hannah Hasty, LeeAnna Moseley and Harmon Hasty were reserve champions.

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Chattooga County Sheriff Mark Schrader is issuing a warning to residents about a resurgence of phone scams targeting individuals with false claims of outstanding warrants. Sheriff Schrader took to social media to alert the public, stating, “It’s going around again! Scammers claiming to be Investigators and deputies with the Sheriff’s Office saying you have a warrant….Please do not respond to them, simply hang up.” The scam involves individuals posing as law enforcement officials who contact potential victims, informing them that they have an active warrant for their arrest. The scammers then attempt to coerce the victims into paying a fee over the phone to resolve the fictitious warrant. “We will NOT call you and offer to let you pay your warrant over the phone,” Sheriff Schrader emphasized. “Please, Please do not fall for this.” The Chattooga County Sheriff’s Office urges anyone receiving such a call to immediately hang up and report the incident to local law enforcement. Residents are reminded that legitimate law enforcement agencies will never request payment over the phone to resolve a warrant. Always verify the identity of the caller and contact the Sheriff’s Office directly if you are unsure about the legitimacy of a call.

Georgia Highlands College (GHC) has released its Spring 2025 President’s List and Dean’s List, recognizing students for their outstanding academic achievements. Students earning a perfect 4.0 grade point average while completing a minimum of nine semester hours of credit qualify for the President’s List. The Dean’s List recognizes students who complete at least nine semester hours and achieve a grade point average of 3.5 or higher. Several students from Chattooga County have earned this academic recognition.

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Ronnie Brent Massey, 49, a vice principal and coach at LaFayette High School, was arrested on Monday, June 2nd, and is facing 10 counts of computer child pornography. The arrest was made under the “Internet Crimes Against Children Data System in reference to Child Sexual Abuse Material,” according to a report from the Catoosa County Sheriff’s Office.

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