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May 27, 2026

Georgia Troopers Report Deadly 2026 Memorial Day Holiday Weekend

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The Georgia Department of Public Safety says 12 people were killed on Georgia roads during the 2026 Memorial Day holiday travel period.

The 78-hour reporting period ran from 6 PM Friday, May 22, through midnight Monday, May 25. During that time, officials reported 298 traffic crashes statewide, with more than 150 injuries.

Law enforcement officers also made 329 DUI arrests and issued 708 distracted driving citations, along with 911 seatbelt citations. Officials say 31 crashes involved impaired drivers.

The 2026 fatality count was double the number reported during the same holiday period in 2025, when six people were killed on Georgia roads.

One of the fatal crashes was reported Sunday morning in Northwest Georgia’s Troop A region and claimed the life of a 24-year-old.

Public safety officials continue urging drivers to slow down, buckle up, avoid distractions, and never drive under the influence.

May 25, 2026

by Jimmy Holbrook

Summerville Man Arrested On DUI Charge In Rome

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A Summerville man was arrested by the Georgia State Patrol over the weekend on a charge of driving under the influence.

According to Floyd County Jail records, 34-year-old Kevante Lamar Baldwin of Turner Street in Summerville was taken into custody Saturday following a traffic stop in the area of North Second Avenue and West Third Street in Rome.

Arrest reports indicate Baldwin was charged with DUI after authorities determined he was over the legal limit for alcohol.

Baldwin was later released from custody after posting bond.

May 20, 2026

by Jimmy Holbrook

Georgia DPS Urges Safe Driving For Memorial Day Weekend

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As Georgia travelers prepare for the Memorial Day holiday weekend, the Georgia Department of Public Safety is urging drivers to make safety a top priority.

May 19, 2026

by Jimmy Holbrook

Georgia State Patrol Warns Drivers About Text Message Scam

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The Georgia State Patrol is warning drivers about a scam involving fake text messages claiming to be from law enforcement.

According to GSP, scammers are sending messages saying recipients have outstanding violations or fines connected to their vehicle. The messages may threaten enforcement action or arrest and urge people to click a link to make a payment.

State officials say GSP troopers will not send text messages demanding money, threatening arrest, or asking drivers to click a link to resolve official violations.

Anyone who receives one of these messages should not click the link, reply, provide personal information, or send payment.

Drivers who are concerned about a possible citation or fine should contact the Georgia Department of Public Safety or their local court directly using verified contact information.

Officials say these scams are designed to create fear and urgency, and drivers should slow down, verify first, and contact the proper agency directly if they have questions.

May 17, 2026

by Jimmy Holbrook

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

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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.

April 18, 2026

by Jimmy Holbrook

Four Georgia State Troopers Fired Following Misconduct Investigation

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Four Georgia State Troopers have been terminated following an internal investigation into misconduct involving personal injury claims, according to the Georgia Department of Public Safety.

In a statement released by the agency, officials said the investigation began after information surfaced in January 2026 indicating that several troopers were filing personal injury claims tied to incidents stemming from vehicle pursuits.

The Department’s Office of Professional Standards conducted a review and found that the troopers had submitted numerous crash and incident reports to an attorney. That attorney then sought monetary settlements on their behalf from individuals involved in pursuits that had been initiated by the troopers.

Officials determined that the manner in which the claims were made violated department policy and ethical standards. As a result, all four troopers involved were dismissed.

The Georgia Department of Public Safety emphasized that the actions of those individuals do not reflect the agency as a whole, noting its commitment to professionalism, accountability, and maintaining public trust.

The investigation has concluded, and no additional details about the individuals involved have been released.

January 27, 2026

by Jimmy Holbrook

Dodge Ram Hits Summerville City Backhoe on Highway 27 Near Chattooga River Bridge; Driver Suffers Medical Emergency

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Georgia State Troopers responded to a two-vehicle crash Monday night involving a City of Summerville backhoe and a Dodge Ram truck on Highway 27 (Georgia 1) just north of the Chattooga River bridge.

January 26, 2026

by Jimmy Holbrook

Sheriff: Deputy Saw No Impairment After First Crash, Second Collision Minutes Later Led to DUI Arrest

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Chattooga County Sheriff Mark Schrader released a statement to local media explaining the circumstances surrounding the arrest of Billy Joe Dooley following a crash Friday evening that resulted in DUI charges.

January 25, 2026

by WZQZ NEWS

Summerville Man Arrested After Injury Crash; Jail Records List DUI-Drugs Charge

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A Summerville man was arrested Friday, January 23, 2026, following a traffic crash that resulted in serious injuries, according to booking and incident records from the Chattooga County Sheriff’s Office. Records show Billy Joe Dooley, 59, was booked into the Chattooga County Jail at approximately 10:09 p.m. after being arrested earlier that evening by the Georgia State Patrol.

Jail records list the following charges: DUI / Drugs / Less Safe, failure to stop at a stop sign, reckless driving, and serious injury by vehicle. The incident report narrative states the arrest followed a traffic stop connected to a crash investigation, and the case remains under the criminal justice process.

Dooley has been arrested multiple times on charges of open container and DUI, dating back to 2016.

Dooley’s booking record reflects no bond listed at the time of booking.

January 7, 2026

by WZQZ NEWS

Georgia Reports Seven Traffic Deaths Over New Year’s Holiday

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The Georgia Department of Public Safety reports that seven people died in automobile crashes statewide during the 102-hour New Year’s holiday travel period, as troopers and officers worked high-visibility patrols across Georgia, including routes serving Northwest Georgia.