Author: Kristen Kitchens

On this day twenty-three years ago, two local law enforcement officers lost their lives when a 55-year-old man ambushed and fatally shot them while on duty. On January 3, 2000, Broxton patrol officer James Bryant, 35, was dispatched to assist a property owner in removing a trailer from his property on the north side of Broxton. Willie Mitchell, known as a “recluse and hermit,” was living in the mobile home at the time. Mitchell hid a high-powered rifle in the woods behind the trailer before Bryant, and other officers arrived, according to the evidence presented during…

On this day twenty-three years ago, two local law enforcement officers lost their lives when a 55-year-old man ambushed and fatally shot them while on duty. On January 3, 2000, Broxton patrol officer James Bryant, 35, was dispatched to assist a property owner in removing a trailer from his property on the north side of Broxton. Willie Mitchell, known as a “recluse and hermit,” was living in the mobile home at the time. Mitchell hid a high-powered rifle in the woods behind the trailer before Bryant, and other officers arrived, according to the evidence presented during…

The year 2022 has come to an end, leaving us with many memorable headlines and breaking news. As we begin a new year, DouglasNow is looking back at our top 5 stories of 2022, along with other memorable reports that, at times, left us all with more questions than answers. While our top story was one that ended up being covered by almost every national news outlet, it was also one that affected not only members of our community but people from all over the world. The year’s biggest story was by far the tragic death of 23-year-old…

The year 2022 has come to an end, leaving us with many memorable headlines and breaking news. As we begin a new year, DouglasNow is looking back at our top 5 stories of 2022, along with other memorable reports that, at times, left us all with more questions than answers. While our top story was one that ended up being covered by almost every national news outlet, it was also one that affected not only members of our community but people from all over the world. The year’s biggest story was by far the tragic death of 23-year-old…

Tuesday, December 27, 2022, the Coffee County Sheriff’s Office and the Georgia State Patrol apprehended Dejon Fussell, 22, who was wanted in connection to a September shooting incident in Baymeadows. According to officials with the Coffee County Sheriff’s Office, detectives responded to an address in the subdivision on September 3 around 1:30 a.m. in reference to reports of gunshots being fired. In the CCSO release, officials stated that Parker Lee Hines arrived at the location in a vehicle occupied by three others then got into a fight with Devon James Mack. Mack hit Hines in the head with…

Tuesday, December 27, 2022, the Coffee County Sheriff’s Office and the Georgia State Patrol apprehended Dejon Fussell, 22, who was wanted in connection to a September shooting incident in Baymeadows. According to officials with the Coffee County Sheriff’s Office, detectives responded to an address in the subdivision on September 3 around 1:30 a.m. in reference to reports of gunshots being fired. In the CCSO release, officials stated that Parker Lee Hines arrived at the location in a vehicle occupied by three others then got into a fight with Devon James Mack. Mack hit Hines in the head with…

The Coffee County Drug Unit recently arrested a convicted felon after investigators discovered over 20 grams of methamphetamine and a handgun inside his vehicle during a traffic stop this week. According to an investigator with the unit, on December 27, a vehicle was pulled over for a taillight requirement on Spring Oak Street around 2:14 p.m. A search of the vehicle revealed over 20 grams of suspected methamphetamine, as well as a .22 handgun. While being questioned by the investigator, the suspect stated that his name was Martin Merrill. However, following an investigation, the man was…

The Coffee County Drug Unit recently arrested a convicted felon after investigators discovered over 20 grams of methamphetamine and a handgun inside his vehicle during a traffic stop this week. According to an investigator with the unit, on December 27, a vehicle was pulled over for a taillight requirement on Spring Oak Street around 2:14 p.m. A search of the vehicle revealed over 20 grams of suspected methamphetamine, as well as a .22 handgun. While being questioned by the investigator, the suspect stated that his name was Martin Merrill. However, following an investigation, the man was…

A man who previously spent time in prison for multiple convictions on cocaine charges has returned to the Coffee County Jail for the same offense. On Christmas Day, a Douglas police officer reportedly turned off Bowens Mill Road Southeast when she noticed a male sitting at a traffic light without a seatbelt and on his cellular device. The officer stated that she made a U-turn at the entrance of Pineland Bank and got behind the vehicle. Although the traffic light had already turned green, the driver, identified as 44-year-old Shedrick King, was still sitting at the…

A man who previously spent time in prison for multiple convictions on cocaine charges has returned to the Coffee County Jail for the same offense. On Christmas Day, a Douglas police officer reportedly turned off Bowens Mill Road Southeast when she noticed a male sitting at a traffic light without a seatbelt and on his cellular device. The officer stated that she made a U-turn at the entrance of Pineland Bank and got behind the vehicle. Although the traffic light had already turned green, the driver, identified as 44-year-old Shedrick King, was still sitting at the…