Summerville Resident Reports Vehicle Keyed While Away From Home

A Summerville man reported that his vehicle was intentionally damaged while it was parked outside his apartment, according to a report from the Summerville Police Department.

Police responded to 50 Saratoga Way, Apartment A20, at approximately 8:19 p.m. on June 29 after Garry Lovingood, 63, requested to file a report about his vehicle being keyed.

According to the incident report, Lovingood told Officer J. Pledger he discovered the damage after returning from out of town and believes it occurred while his 2011 white Nissan Murano was parked in the apartment complex parking lot. He said he did not know who may have been responsible and declined to identify any possible suspects because he was uncertain.

Officer Pledger documented the damage, photographed the vehicle, and noted in the report that the scratch appeared to be fresh. Police also advised Lovingood that officers would conduct extra patrols in the area.

The incident was documented as non-criminal damage to a vehicle, and no suspects have been identified.

Arrest Report – Monday – July 13, 2026

Here is the latest arrest report from the Chattooga County Sheriff’s Office for Monday, July 13, 2026:

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Chattooga County Coroner Warns Families About Funeral Home Impersonation Scam

The Chattooga County Coroner’s Office is warning residents about a scam targeting grieving families following the death of a loved one.

In a public alert, Coroner Jeremy A. McElhaney said scammers are posing as funeral home employees after monitoring online obituaries. The scammers then contact family members and demand immediate payment, falsely claiming to represent the funeral home handling funeral arrangements.

McElhaney urged anyone receiving such a call not to provide any personal or financial information. Instead, he advises families to hang up and contact their funeral home directly using a trusted phone number to verify whether the call is legitimate.

“I personally know the owner/operators of all three Chattooga County funeral homes and can assure you that is not the way they conduct business,” McElhaney said.

Residents are encouraged to share the warning to help prevent others from becoming victims of the scam.

Summerville Man Facing Animal Cruelty Charge Following Police Investigation

A Summerville man is expected to face an animal cruelty charge following an investigation into reports that a dog was being kept without adequate food, water or shelter during hot weather, according to the Summerville Police Department.

Police were dispatched at approximately 7:54 p.m. on July 1 after receiving a complaint about a dog allegedly being neglected. According to the incident report, the complainant identified the dog’s owner as Dakota Marks and reported seeing the dog tied to a tree with a ratchet strap.

When officers arrived, they found a large dog secured by a ratchet strap with one end attached to the animal and the other fastened to a tree. The report states the immediate area contained no shelter from the heat, no accessible food, and the only water container had a crack in the bottom, preventing it from serving as a reliable water source. Officers also noted the area was heavily littered with trash and that the restraint was not long enough for the dog to reach a nearby camper.

The responding officer photographed the scene and requested assistance from Animal Control. Attempts to locate Marks at the location were unsuccessful.

According to the report, a warrant was issued for Dakota Marks on a charge of Cruelty to Animals.

Summerville Resident Reports Handgun Missing After Parking Vehicle

A Summerville man has reported a handgun missing after discovering it was no longer inside his vehicle, according to the Summerville Police Department.

Police say James Parker contacted dispatch on June 28, 2026, to report that his Taurus G3 9mm handgun was missing. Parker told officers he believes someone stole the firearm while his vehicle was parked on Hawkins Drive.

According to the incident report, Parker last saw the handgun at approximately 8:30 p.m. on June 27 and discovered it missing around 1:30 a.m. on June 28. The firearm was identified by its serial number in the report.

The incident remains under investigation by the Summerville Police Department, and no suspects have been identified.

Chattooga County Sheriff’s Office Installs Prescription Drug Drop Box

Chattooga County residents have a safe and convenient way to dispose of expired or unused prescription medications. The Chattooga County Sheriff’s Office has announced the addition of a new medication collection container in the lobby of the Sheriff’s Office. The drop box is available to the public Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. until 5 p.m., excluding holidays.

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Georgia Opens Applications for Nonprofit Security Grants to Help Protect High-Risk Organizations

The Georgia Emergency Management and Homeland Security Agency is now accepting applications for the Fiscal Year 2026 Nonprofit Security Grant Program, a federal initiative designed to help nonprofit organizations strengthen security and better protect their members, staff, and facilities.

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Safety Day With The Summerville Fire Department Happening Today At Chattooga Library

Children and families will have an opportunity to learn about fire safety and meet local firefighters during a special event happening today at the Chattooga County Library in Summerville.

The Sara Hightower Regional Library System is hosting Safety Day with the Summerville Fire Department today at 11 a.m. at the Chattooga Library, located at 360 Farrar Drive.

The event is designed for children ages 0 to 11 and will feature local firefighters sharing important safety information in a fun and engaging environment. Young attendees will also have the opportunity to tour a fire truck, meet firefighters, and learn about the equipment they use to protect the community.

Organizers say the program is intended to help children become more familiar with fire safety practices while giving them a chance to interact with local first responders.

The event is free and open to the public. Families are encouraged to attend and take advantage of this educational opportunity while school is out for the summer.

Arrest Report – Tuesday – April 28, 2026

Here is the latest arrest report from the Chattooga County Sheriff’s Office for Tuesday, April 28, 2026:

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Arrest Report – Monday – April 27, 2026

Here is the latest arrest report from the Chattooga County Sheriff’s Office for Monday, April 27, 2026:

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