Author: Staff Reports

A 20-year-old Douglas man was arrested and charged last week on multiple counts of drug distribution and possession after he attempted to flee from officers who were executing a search warrant. Officials with the Douglas – Coffee Drug Unit (DCDU) stated they served a search warrant last Wednesday, Sept. 16, at 6289 Hwy. 221 N. between Douglas and West Green. As detectives arrived on scene, the target of the investigation, identified as Skylar Ray Merson, fled the property on foot into a nearby wooded area, but was was apprehended after a brief foot chase. Detectives discovered 25 grams of ‘Molly’…

A Coffee County man is dead and two others injured following a boating accident that occurred Thursday afternoon in Wayne County. Officials state that 75-year-old Clarence H. Knight of Broxton was killed when two boats collided and Knight was thrown into the water. An autopsy will be performed on Knight at the GBI crime lab to determine the exact cause of death. Also injured during the accident were 76-year-old Jack Brantley and 76-year-old Jesse Brantley, both of Coffee County. They were transported from the scene to Wayne Memorial Hospital in Jesup, but the extent of their injuries is not known…

A 28-year-old former Douglas resident was tragically shot and killed early earlier this week in Orlando, Fl., and local police are searching for answers. Casey Leah King was found shot several times just after 12:30 a.m. at a residence in Orlando’s Parramore neighborhood. Emergency responders treated King at the scene, and she was transported to Orlando Regional Medical Center, where she succumbed to her injuries. Authorities believe Casey was not the intended victim of the crime and are still searching for suspects. They are asking anyone with information regarding her death to contact the local crimeline at 1 (800) 423-TIPS…

Over 100 thousand gallons of wastewater was spilled through the City of Douglas’ collection system earlier this week, making the incident the third time this year the municipality has experienced such an occurrence. City officials stated the system incurred a major spill of 102 thousand gallons directly south of 300 Richey Ln. in Douglas on Sept. 14. They added the spill was reported to the proper authorities at around nine o’clock that morning, and repairs were completed by 12:30 a.m., Sept. 15. In a press release issued Thursday, officials stated the spill was caused by a split 8-inch force main…

A Waycross couple was murdered inside their home early Thursday morning following a report of a robbery. Waycross police responded to a residence in the 900 block of Glenmore Ave. around 1:30 a.m., where they discovered the man and woman had been shot. Two children, each reportedly under the age of 14, were present at the home during the shooting, but were not harmed. They are believed to be the children of the deceased female, who shared the residence with her live-in boyfriend. The children were placed in the care of family. Waycross police have not yet released the names…

Five people were killed Wednesday in a plane crash that occurred during the early morning hours just east of Alma. Authorities stated the small engine aircraft took off around 2:30 a.m. Wednesday and its wreckage was found around 4:30 p.m. in the Johnson Lake area of Bacon County. The Bacon County Sheriff’s Office, Georgia Bureau of Investigation, and the National Transportation Safety Board are investigating the incident. UPDATE: The five victims have been identified as Waylon Dan Boatright (38), Angela Brooke Wade (20), Drayden Ashley Sears (24), Logan Tomberlin (23), and Ethan Tyree Hampton (23).

Three American Red Cross workers were among six people injured Tuesday afternoon in a vehicle accident on U.S. 441 S. in Douglas. According to officials, the Red Cross van was traveling north on the highway in the area of Pinecrst Dr. when a red pickup that was traveling south turned in front of them. Both vehicles overturned during the accident, which caused another collision with a third vehicle. Six people were injured in the crash and taken to Coffee Regional Medical Center with non-life threatening injuries. Georgia State Patrol officials stated the Red Cross workers were traveling to Hazlehurst to…

A 49-year-old Douglas woman was arrested and jailed earlier this week on domestic violence charges after two witnesses claimed she hurled a bag of rice at the victim, striking her in the face. Douglas police responded to a residence on N. Madison Ave. last Sunday around 9:30 a.m. in reference to a disorderly person. A report filed by the responding officer says,”Upon my arrival, I spoke to the complainant who stated his wife was acting crazy and hit another female who lives at the residence in the face with a bag of rice.” The officer added the alleged victim in…

Qualifying for the upcoming Douglas city elections ended Friday and local residents can start expecting to see some familiar faces as campaigns get underway. Former Douglas Mayor Tony Paulk is looking to regain his former position and will be the sole opposition to current mayor, James Dennis. Johnnie Lee Roper, another familiar face among municpal voters, will be looking to fill a seat on the city commission in Ward 1. Roper, along with Cheryl Denise Cunningham, has qualified to run against incumbent Richard Lee Hutchinson. In Ward 2, sitting commissioner Mary Swain will face opposition from Kentaiwon Durham. Current Ward…

Michael Merritt was diagnosed with end-stage liver disease and renal failure. He has been to many doctor appointments and endured several hospitalizations during the past six months. Michael’s health began deteriorating rapidly over the last month. On Tuesday, August 25, Michael had bloodwork in Tifton, and he had a follow-up appointment on August 27, where the doctor sent him immediately to Emory due to the results and the build-up of fluid in his body. Once arriving at Emory, Michael had various tests performed and learned that afternoon that he had been added to the list as a candidate for a…