With school letting out and summer getting underway, safety officials are reminding families across Northwest Georgia to use caution when riding ATVs and other off-road vehicles.
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.
Here is the latest arrest report from the Chattooga County Sheriff’s Office for Monday, May 18, 2026:
Here is the latest arrest report from the Chattooga County Sheriff’s Office for Sunday, May 17, 2026.
Here is the latest arrest report from the Chattooga County Sheriff’s Office for Friday, May 15, 2026
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.
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.
A possible burglary is under investigation after being reported last Friday on Old Mill Road in Summerville, according to the Summerville Police Department.
Officers responded on May 8 to a residence in the 400 block of Old Mill Road. Upon arrival, they made contact with the homeowner, who reported that a back door to the residence appeared to have been kicked in.
According to the report, the door frame showed signs of damage, indicating forced entry. However, the homeowner told officers that after checking the residence, nothing appeared to be missing.
The homeowner also indicated that a possible suspect could be an ex-girlfriend, though no arrests have been made at this time.
The case has been referred to a detective with the Summerville Police Department for further investigation.
A Summerville woman was injured following a dog attack earlier this month, according to a report from the Summerville Police Department.
Officers were dispatched on May 7 to 135 Steven Street in reference to an animal complaint. Upon arrival, an officer spoke with Doris Shepard, who reported that she had been walking in her neighborhood near 345 Hawkins Drive when a dog attacked her.
According to the report, Shepard attempted to fend off the dog, including trying to kick it away. During the incident, she fell and sustained a broken toe on one foot and a head injury. She later sought medical treatment at an urgent care facility next to Tractor Supply in Summerville.
Officers observed that Shepard’s wrist and hand were swollen, and she was having difficulty supporting herself. Police attempted to make contact with residents at the property where the dogs were located but were unable to reach anyone at the home.
Authorities noted that two dogs were observed on the property, and neither was on a leash at the time of the incident.
The case remains under investigation by the Summerville Police Department.
A Menlo man was arrested Friday night following a traffic stop on Highway 337, according to the Chattooga County Sheriff’s Office.