Author: Jerry A. Hudson

One man was hospitalized Tuesday afternoon with non-life threatening injuries after he and at least one other individual fired multiple gunshots at each other on the property of one of the city’s housing projects. Police responded to Engle Wood Place, which is owned by the Douglas Housing Authority, at the corner of Pine St. and S. Gaskin Ave. around 12:45 p.m. after receiving reports of shots fired. City of Douglas Deputy Police Chief Brannen Pruette stated one male, who has not been identified, was taken to the hospital for injuries. That person is also believed to be one of the…

The investigation into whether or not the Jacksonville Police Department (JPD) has been operating illegal speed traps in efforts to raise revenue is apparently not a new issue. Douglas Now learned Monday that the department has faced at least one other similar investigation by the Georgia Dept. of Public Safety which, in 2014, determined the agency not only operated speed detection equipment illegally, but the former police chief blantantly lied about the matter when confronted. A February 27, 2014 letter to former JPD Chief Lee Bell from Public Safety Commissioner Mark W. McDonough, which was obtained by Douglas Now, states,…

The Satilla Regional Library System could be facing unprecedented cutbacks in the services they provide and some current employees could be laid off if the organization can’t find funding soon. The library system is funded through state grants, along with assistance from the city, county, and local school system. Satilla Library Director Mark Cole said Wednesday that decreasing state funds have caused severe setbacks for the library and local government entities have refused to provide any further help outside of their current budgeted contributions. “We have asked the school board and the county for an additional $9,800 each, but were…

One of our city’s most recognizable people is, oddly enough, a man whose name is known only by a few, and today is his birthday. Jason Bailey can be seen most days of the week in front of PC Virus Busters at 930 S. Peterson Ave., waving his advertising sign for the business and engaging commuters with his infectious smile, personality, and wit. He has worked for the company since owner Jarvis White brought him on board four years ago. Jason turns 41 today. Make sure to wish him your best when you see him and let’s make this birthday…

Douglas police responded to two gunshot incidents that occurred within hours of each other last night. One suspect is behind bars this morning in regards to one of the incidents, while a second remains unnamed. Around 7 p.m. Sunday, authorities responded to Roundtree Park, 801 S. Gaskin Ave., in reference to a male subject receiving a gunshot wound. The victim, identified as 29-year-old Kentorri Lamar Strozier, was transported to Coffee Regional Medical Center by EMS. The specifics of his injuries have not been released as of yet and Douglas police could not provide a suspect’s name when questioned early Monday…

A Douglas man who boasts a lengthy criminal record with multiple felony convictions and incarcerations was arrested twice last week on back-to-back days after Douglas police responded to the same location in regards to domestic disputes. On April 27, officers were dispatched to 905 Brooks Ave., where the complainant stated she and her ex-boyfriend, identified as 35-year-old Kareem Jabbar Ates, had been in an altercation. Following an investigation into the matter, police arrested Ates, charging him with disorderly conduct and resisting officers. Ates was apparently released from jail shortly thereafter and returned to the same location the following day. Douglas…

A jail inmate who walked off from a work detail last year was located in North Dakota and brought back to Coffee County this week, Sheriff Doyle Wooten said today. Gabriel Benjamin Carelock was assigned to a work a detail remodeling the Coffee County Child Advocacy Center last August when he disappeared. At the time, he was being held on a contempt order for child support and traffic violations. Sheriff Wooten stated Carelock has since paid his child support obligations, but now faces one charge of escape in relation to the 2014 incident. Wooten added that Carelock was granted bond…

The body of a male victim was found floating in a pond off Mahogany Road in the Oak Park community Monday morning. Officials with the Coffee County Sheriff’s Office responded and secured the scene around the area. Sheriff’s investigators were questioning witness around noon, and stated the Georgia Bureau of Investigation has been contacted to assist with the case. Authorities could not confirm at this time whether or not the body was that of missing Douglas man Jose Mendez Diaz, who disappeared from the Oak Park area last month. However, clothing on the body matched the clothing Diaz was wearing…

Georgia Bureau of Investigation Special Agent in Charge Russell Mansfield confirmed Wednesday afternoon that a Coffee County jail officer was arrested this week following an investigation into inappropriate sexual conduct with an inmate. Coffee County Detention Officer James Avery Dixon, 53-years-old of Douglas, was arrested and charged by the GBI with three counts of sexual assault by a person with supervisory or disciplinary authority and one count of violation of oath by a public officer. In a press released issued by the GBI on Wednesday, officials stated the arrest occurred after Coffee County Sheriff Doyle Wooten contacted the GBI’s Douglas…

Investigators with the Coffee County Sheriff’s Office reported late Monday afternoon they still have no leads in the case of missing Douglas man Jose Mendez Diaz. Authorities have been in the Oak Park area since last Tuesday. Diaz was reported missing by friends late Monday evening, March 23, after he failed to return home from a friend’s house in an area off Gum Street. According to what was reported by friends, several people were at the residence on Gum Street Sunday night drinking and watching a soccer game on television. Diaz reportedly left the residence around 11 p.m. A roommate…