Three Cases of Entering Auto in Neighborhoods Off of Teaver Road - 12/21/11

A series of Entering Auto incidents were reported on Wednesday morning (12/21), within close proximity of one another. The incidents were reported in neighborhoods lying off of Teaver Road. Respectively, the incidents occurred inside the 100 blocks of Darden Road, Oak Drive & Maley Road.

TCSO Deputies responding to Darden Road were informed by the property owner, there, that an unknown person(s) had entered his two vehicles without his permission. Once inside the cars, the unknown subject had opened the dash consoles and rummaged through them for valuables. Contents were removed and placed on the passenger seats. Nothing appeared to be missing at the time.

After arriving at the Oak Drive location, a resident told TCSO Deputies that an unknown person(s) had entered his three vehicles, without his permission, during the previous overnight hours. Again, dash consoles had been opened and rummaged through for valuables. Contents from the consoles were lying on the passenger seats and floorboards. However, nothing was reported as missing at this time.

When speaking with the property owner at the Maley Road location, TCSO Deputies were informed that an unknown person(s) had entered her vehicle and removed her purse (containing currency, checks and various other personal items) without permission. Once again, the dash console had been rummaged through and left open. Nothing appeared to be missing, from that area, at this time. A short while afterwards, the property owner was able to locate her missing purse on a neighbor’s front lawn. All the contents had been emptied onto the ground, nearby. Missing were the property owner’s checkbook, an envelope containing an undisclosed amount of cash and a few other items.

Troup County Sheriff’s Office Investigators processed all of these scenes and vehicles for further evidence. Although, the cases may share some similarities, there has not been any connection made among them.

Now, Sheriff Turner is asking for your help in identifying those responsible for committing these alleged crimes. If you have any information to pass along to Investigators, please call the Troup County Crime Stoppers Hotline with your tip at (706)812-1000. Your identity will remain anonymous, and personal information will be kept strictly confidential. A tip leading to an arrest(s) in the cases of Entering Auto may result in a cash reward.    

NWS: Chance for Severe Weather for this afternoon

HAZARDOUS WEATHER OUTLOOK
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE PEACHTREE CITY GA
432 AM EST THU DEC 22 2011

TODAY AND TONIGHT...
A FEW SEVERE THUNDERSTORMS ARE POSSIBLE OVER PORTIONS OF NORTH
AND CENTRAL GEORGIA THIS AFTERNOON.

.SYNOPSIS...
A SURFACE FRONT HAD STALLED ACROSS NORTHWEST GEORGIA THIS MORNING.
STRONG LOW PRESSURE OVER TEXAS THIS MORNING WILL MOVE NORTHEAST
ACROSS GEORGIA TODAY.

.PRIMARY HAZARDS...
THE PRIMARY HAZARDS WILL BE CLOUD TO GROUND LIGHTNING...ALSO AN
ISOLATED TORNADO IS POSSIBLE. THE MOST FAVORABLE AREA FOR SEVERE
THUNDERSTORMS WILL BE NORTH AND WEST OF A COLUMBUS TO COMMERCE
LINE THIS AFTERNOON.

.DISCUSSION...
INSTABILITY WILL BE MARGINAL WITH THIS LOW PRESSURE SYSTEM.
HOWEVER...THE INSTABILITY COMBINED WITH STRONG WIND SHEAR AND
WARM TEMPERATURES COULD SUPPORT A FEW SEVERE THUNDERSTORMS WITH
AND ISOLATED TORNADO POSSIBLE.

The South Loop is now officially OPEN!

The new 6.1 mile stretch of Pegasus Parkway is now complete!

(Front row, L-R): Troup County Engineer - James Emery, Troup County  Commission Chairman - Ricky Wolfe, Commissioners - Richard English, Morris Jones and Buck Davis. (Back row, L-R): GDOT District Engineer - David Millen, Moreland Antobelli Associates Engineering Firm, CEO - Tom Moreland and Troup County Manager - Mike Dobbs. 

Chips Moman prepares to cut the ribbon, marking the official opening of  the Chips Moman Highway!

The ribbon was cut to the Chips Moman Highway, on 12/19/11, by the Highway Man himself!

The new South Loop is, now, officially OPEN!!! Sheriff Donny Turner encourages motorists to use caution while all motorists familiarize themselves with the new roadways. Leave in plenty of time to arrive at your destination, without the need for excessive speeding. Observe the speed limit signs, traffic signals and all other safety devices as you travel to and from home, work and Christmas Parties… And, as always, BUCKLE UP!

Operation Identification

Sheriff Donny Turner and everyone at the Troup County Sheriff's Office wish you and yours a very Merry Christmas!

After searching for hours to find that special gift for the one you love, ensure that your efforts won't be for naught (or, "the naughty").

Log your valuables into a FREE Operation Identification Inventory Booklet! Grab one for you, and the one you are gifting. Then, if an item is lost/stolen, TCSO has a great place to begin an investigation.

Pick up your free Inventory Booklet, today! The Troup County Sheriff's Office is located at 130 Sam Walker Drive in LaGrange... Or, call for more information on Operation Identification: (706)812-1000.

Burglary on South Thompson Road (near Pine Mountain) - 12/7/11

Stolen JVC compact VHS camcorder

Actual Ring stolen in this case of Burglary 

Sheriff Donny Turner and Investigators of the Troup County Sheriff's Office are asking for your help in resolving a case of Burglary, reported inside the 200 block of South Thompson Road (near Pine Mountain).

On 12/7/11, TCSO Deputies responded to a residence, at that location, in reference to an alleged Burglary which had already occurred. The resident told Deputies that he stopped by the residence after seeing a delivery truck leaving from his house.

Reportedly, after placing the package inside the home, he heard his weather radio's alarm sounding from a rear bedroom. Once inside the bedroom, he also noticed his wife's (brown) wooden jewelry box was missing.

Upon entering his living room, he observed the sliding glass door (at the rear of the residence) had been left open. A quick check of items inside the room revealed that his flat screen TV was also missing.

Investigators arrived to process the scene, interview witnesses and record a list of the missing items. Some of the items listed were: an Element 32" LCD Flat Screen HDTV (with remote), one JVC compact VHS camcorder, a jewelry box (brown in color - made of wood) and four drawers containing several miscellaneous pieces of jewelry, along with some collectible coins.

If you have any further information that would be helpful in finding the missing items, or in resolving this case of Burglary, please call the Troup County Crime Stoppers at (706)812-1000.

Stolen Vehicle on Highway 54 (West) - 12/10/11

1980 C10 Chevy Truck similar to stolen vehicle

On December 10, TCSO Deputies responded to a residence inside the 3500 block of Highway 54 (West), near Hogansville, in reference to a report of Theft By Taking.


Upon arrival, the property owner told Deputies that he had returned home to discover that his brown 1980 Chevrolet C10 Scottsdale pickup truck (similar to picture) was missing. He also noted that the GA tag is: BRN 1250. The truck, additionally, had duct tape on the passenger side window.

If you have seen this truck recently, or if you know of the truck's whereabouts, Sheriff Donny Turner asks that you notify the Troup County Crime Stoppers at (706)812-1000.

TCSO’s Undercover Drug Operation Nets an Ecstasy Arrest

Nikita Orlando Shells (Age 24, of LaGrange)

Sheriff Donny Turner announces an arrest resulting from a Troup County Sheriff’s Office undercover operation targeting the selling of Ecstasy, in Troup County.

During the course of their Investigation, Troup County Sheriff’s Office Drug Unit Agents were able to purchase an amount of suspected Ecstasy (MDMA) from Nikita Orlando Shells (age 24, of Royal Court in LaGrange).

Subsequently, the substances purchased were sent to the Georgia Crime Lab for testing and positive identification. As a result, warrants were obtained and an arrest was made. Shells is being charged with Selling Ecstasy (2 counts), along with additional charges of Selling a Schedule IV Controlled Substance, Selling Cocaine (2 counts) and Trafficking Cocaine by other Agencies. He is presently being held in the Troup County Jail without bond.

Entering Auto on Mount Zion Church Road

Sheriff Donny Turner reminds citizens that thieves are looking for free gifts from YOU this Holiday Season. If you leave your car unsecured, and your valuables unprotected, you might as well gift wrap them and say goodbye.

One such criminal opportunist, allegedly, entered a vehicle on Mount Zion Church Road late last night (12/12/11). Shortly after midnight, residents reportedly heard a noise (similar to someone attempting to gain entry) at the door to their residence.

A resident, checking into the suspicious noise, had turned the carport light on and had opened the blinds to the door. He told TCSO Deputies that he, then, observed a black male wearing a black t-shirt fleeing from the residence on foot.

The resident, further, noticed that the driver's side door to his vehicle was not closed all the way. A glance into the vehicle indicated that nothing was missing at that time. This case has since been turned over to Investigations.

If you have any further information that could help us solve this crime, please notify the Troup County Crime Stoppers at (706)812-1000!

National Drunk Driving & Drugged Driving Prevention Month

Going to a Christmas party this weekend? Sheriff Donny Turner points out that December is National Drunk Driving & Drugged Driving Prevention Month. We encourage citizens to recommit to preventing the loss of life by practicing safe driving practices and reminding others to be sober, drug free, and safe on the road.

The Troup County Sheriff's Office, along with MADD (Mother's Against Drunk Driving), offer these suggestions for your pre-party planning:

*Plan safely, designate your sober driver(s) before the party begins!
*NEVER serve alcohol to ANYONE UNDER 21!!!
*In the last hour of your gathering, allow everyone to begin "drying up". Serve non-alcoholic drinks.
*Don't let friends drive drunk! Be prepared for those who need to stay overnight.

The Holidays should be a time to enjoy with family and friends! Sheriff Turner adds to "Give the gift of SAFE & sober driving this year... And, ALWAYS buckle up! Every trip, every seat, every time."

Do you know what your Teenager watches when you aren't around?

What are the most dangerous TV shows your children are watching without you?

Do you know a teenager who finds no wrong in underage drinking/partying? Or, maybe one who displays vulgarity? One who finds harmful things "funny"? Some of these behaviors could be the result of their beliefs as to what is acceptable, or normally expected from their peers. But, do their peers base their opinions on popular TV shows? You may be surprised as to what teens are watching, when you're not watching them!

Entering Autos in adjacent neighborhoods off of Ramp Road

Sheriff Donny Turner reminds Troup County citizens to secure your vehicle(s) when leaving unattended for any length of time... Whether you park inside your driveway for the evening, leave your vehicle in the lot outside your business during the Christmas party or at the parking deck of the local movie theater - Keep in mind that the criminal opportunist is always on the prowl.

On December 5th & 6th, TCSO Deputies responded to two separate cases of entering auto in nearby neighborhoods off of Ramp Road. In both instances, the vehicles were left unattended overnight and unsecured at the victims' residences.

An unknown person(s) had taken a Compaq 17" laptop computer from one of the vehicles, and an XM Radio receiver from the other. At this time, the two cases have not been connected with each other.

However, Sheriff Turner asks that if you have information regarding the cases of Entering Auto (or on the missing property) please notify the Troup County Crime Stoppers Hotline at (706)812-1000. If your information leads to an arrest(s) in either of these cases, you may receive a cash reward.

NWS: Wind Advisory, from Noon - 8pm!

NWS: Wind Advisory from Noon - 8pm. With winds of 20 - 35 mph & saturated grounds, trees and limbs may be blown down. Drive with caution!

...WIND ADVISORY IN EFFECT FROM NOON TODAY TO 8 PM EST THIS EVENING...

THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE IN PEACHTREE CITY HAS ISSUED A WIND ADVISORY, WHICH IS IN EFFECT FROM NOON TODAY TO 8 PM EST THIS EVENING.

* LOCATIONS MOST OF NORTH AND CENTRAL GEORGIA SOUTH AND EAST OF DALTON TO ROME.

* WINDS...SUSTAINED WINDS INCREASING TO AROUND 20 MPH WITH GUSTS TO 35 MPH.

* TIMING...FROM AROUND NOON TO 8 PM THIS EVENING.

* IMPACTS...WINDS THIS STRONG CAN MAKE DRIVING DIFFICULT, ESPECIALLY FOR HIGH PROFILE VEHICLES. TREES OR TREE LIMBS COULD BE BLOWN DOWN. SECURE LOOSE OUTDOOR OBJECTS.

Rain on the roadway

Sheriff Turner reminds you to slow down today, on our roadways. With the rain we had this morning and the possibility of more yet to come, we could get some ponding on the streets and routes throughout the County. Other things to remember: Use headlights when your wipers are in use (GA State Law), allow the proper distance between yours and other cars ("3 second rule" - But, keep in mind, that it takes longer to slow down/stop on a wet road), be extra careful around any school bus, drive slowly through shallow puddles (don't traverse through puddles of uncertain depth) and... As ALWAYS, BUCKLE UP!

Updated "Events" on TCSO Website!

www.TroupCountySheriff.org

Stay on top of what's happening with the Troup County Sheriff's Office in your community! Visit our website at www.TroupCountySheriff.org. You will find the "Events" calendar page under the "About Us" tab...

TCSO Shoplifting Arrests - 12/4/11

Nicole Deshanon Brooks

Coltina Michelle Whitehead (aka "Tine Bates)

Over the weekend, two suspects were arrested for Shoplifting. The suspects had allegedly been spotted, by witnesses, while in the process of loading their vehicle with merchandise taken without payment from the Dollar General, near Pine Mountain.

Troup County Deputies responded to the location inside the 9000 block of Hamilton Road, around 3 pm, on Sunday afternoon. The store employees were able to show Deputies video surveillance footage of the suspects taking items from inside the store, and exit without paying for them. Deputies were also given a description of the suspects, and the vehicle they were last seen driving, by witnesses at the scene. A lookout was placed through Troup County E-911.

Shortly after the lookout was given, Patrolling Troup County Deputies located the suspects and their vehicle near the intersection of Highway 219 and Bartley Road (travelling North, toward LaGrange). When conducting a traffic stop on the vehicle, a passenger exited acting nervously and continuously talking on her cell phone.

Upon approach, several trash bags filled with T-shirts (still in original packaging) and a plastic bag containing a new comforter could been seen in plain view inside the vehicle’s back seat. A brief interview with the driver revealed that there were various other miscellaneous items stowed in the trunk of the vehicle. The driver opened the trunk to confirm this statement.

Based upon the video footage from the Dollar General, the description of the subjects and their vehicle along with its contents and interviews conducted during the traffic stop, Coltina Michelle Whitehead (aka “Tina Bates”, age 39 of Pine Mountain – Passenger) and Nicole Deshanon Brooks (age 42, of LaGrange – Driver) were placed under arrest and transported to the Troup County Jail. Both are being charged with Theft By Shoplifting. There may be other charges to follow from other Agencies, as this case continues under investigation.

Items recovered during the traffic stop included: A comforter, shoes, boots, T-shirts, jeans, socks, undergarments, soap, purses, soft drinks and miscellaneous hygiene items. Nothing further to report, at this time.

Be prepared for re-routing on your drive home this evening!

Sheriff Turner reminds citizens that travel through LaGrange, en route to their homes after work, to be prepared for re-routing around the parade (which begins at 6pm). According to our friends at LaGrange PD, Hunnicutt Avenue will close at 3 pm, then North Greenwood Street will close @ 5:45 pm. Finally, Police will reroute traffic from Vernon and South Greenwood streets over to Miller and Mulberry Streets to Whitesville Road in order to bypass the procession during the parade. Stay safe, be patient and... As always, BUCKLE UP!