One Dead Following House Fire in Armuchee

A Floyd County resident lost their life following a house fire Sunday morning in the Armuchee community, according to the Rome-Floyd County Fire Department.

Firefighters were dispatched at approximately 8:44 a.m. on June 14 to a reported structure fire at 494 West Union Road NE with reports that someone was trapped inside.

Twenty emergency personnel responded to the scene, including two engine companies, two tankers, a squad unit, chief officers, and fire investigators. Upon arrival, crews encountered heavy smoke and flames coming from the single-story home and immediately began an aggressive fire attack.

Firefighters were able to bring the blaze under control and extinguish the fire, but one occupant was unable to escape and died as a result of the incident.

The victim’s body was turned over to the Floyd County Coroner’s Office. The identity of the deceased has not yet been released pending notification and identification procedures.

No firefighters were injured while battling the blaze.

The cause of the fire remains under investigation by authorities.

Nearly 1,000 Grams of Meth Seized From Georgia Prison Cell During Investigation

A major contraband investigation has led to the seizure of nearly a kilogram of methamphetamine and multiple cell phones from a Georgia prison inmate’s cell, according to authorities.

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Courthouse Reopens After Bomb Threat Investigation

The Chattooga County Courthouse reopened Wednesday afternoon after a bomb threat prompted an evacuation and law enforcement search of the building.

According to Chattooga County Sole Commissioner Andy Allen, the threat was reported to the Chattooga County Sheriff’s Office Wednesday morning. Officials immediately evacuated and secured the courthouse while deputies conducted a thorough search of the facility.

Authorities later determined there was no active threat and gave the all-clear for employees and the public to return.

The courthouse resumed normal operations at 1 p.m.

Allen thanked the Sheriff’s Office, first responders, courthouse employees, and the public for their cooperation during the incident, saying the safety of the community remains the county’s highest priority.

No injuries were reported, and authorities have not released additional information about the source of the threat.

LaFayette Man Killed In Motorcycle Crash On Shinbone Valley Road In Menlo

A LaFayette man was killed Saturday evening following a motorcycle crash on Shinbone Valley Road in Menlo, according to Chattooga County Coroner Jeremy A. McElhaney.

Authorities said the Chattooga County E-911 Center notified the coroner’s office at approximately 6:18 PM on Saturday, May 16, 2026, regarding a fatal motor vehicle accident.

Upon arrival at the scene, Coroner McElhaney pronounced 39-year-old James Cody Penland dead at the scene.

Preliminary information indicates Penland was the sole operator of a motorcycle that left the roadway and struck a tree. The crash was reportedly discovered and called in by a passer-by. Investigators do not believe anyone else was involved.

The Georgia State Patrol is continuing to investigate the cause of the accident.

Responding agencies included the Chattooga County Sheriff’s Office, Atrium Floyd EMS, and the Menlo Fire Department.

Additional Charges Filed Against Teen Accused Of Discharging Gun On Armuchee High School Grounds

A Silver Creek teenager arrested earlier this week after allegedly discharging a handgun on the campus of Armuchee High School is now facing several additional charges, according to Floyd County Jail records.

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Teen Arrested After Gun Discharge At Armuchee High School

A teen was arrested Tuesday following an incident involving a firearm on the campus of Armuchee High School on Martha Berry Highway.

According to Floyd County Jail records, the incident occurred just after 3:00 PM. Authorities say 17-year-old Scott Ryan Ferguson of Silver Creek discharged a handgun while on school grounds.

Ferguson is charged with possession of a pistol or revolver by someone under the age of 18, carrying a weapon within a school safety zone, and reckless conduct.

School officials say the incident happened in the band parking lot during dismissal. An adult male, not affiliated with the school system, had entered campus to meet a student. While inside a vehicle, the individual was handling a firearm when it was accidentally discharged, resulting in a self-inflicted injury.

Officials confirmed that no students or staff were harmed and that there was no ongoing threat to the campus. Law enforcement responded quickly, took the individual into custody, and secured the weapon.

The Floyd County Police Department, along with the FCS K9 Unit, assisted in the response. School officials say the incident is being treated as isolated, and a full follow-up investigation is underway.

One Dead Following House Fire In Floyd County

Authorities say one person is dead following a house fire early Sunday morning on Old Lindale Road in Floyd County.

Emergency crews responded to the fire during the overnight hours, where reports indicated flames coming from a residence and a possible person trapped inside.

According to reports, one individual was found deceased at the scene, while another person was transported for medical treatment.

The cause of the fire has not yet been officially confirmed, and the investigation remains ongoing.

Officials have not released the identity of the victim.

Arrest Report – Saturday – May 2, 2026

Here is the latest arrest report from the Chattooga County Sheriff’s Office for Saturday, May 2, 2026:

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Coosa Man Arrested Following Rome Shooting

A Coosa man has been arrested in connection with a shooting that happened Wednesday at an apartment on North Avery Road in Rome.

According to Floyd County Jail records, 27-year-old Malik Tray Qurvas Curtis is accused of shooting a 24-year-old woman in the stomach, causing serious injuries.

Authorities say Curtis and the victim had been living together at the time of the incident.

Curtis is facing multiple charges, including aggravated assault, aggravated battery, possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, and possession of a firearm during the commission of a crime.

The investigation remains ongoing.

Arrest Report – Friday – May 1, 2026

Here is the latest arrest report from the Chattooga County Sheriff’s Office for Friday, May 1, 2026:

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