Here is the latest arrest report from the Chattooga County Sheriff’s Office for Sunday, May 17, 2026.
Forecasters say scattered showers and strong to severe thunderstorms could develop across north and central Georgia this afternoon and continue into the early evening hours.
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.