Author: Staff Reports

The good news is Douglas is not listed as one of the state’s ten most dangerous cities to live in a study published this week. The bad news is we’re the 15th. National research firm ValuePenguin published its findings this week, naming Georgia’s safest and most not-so-safe cities. Describing the methodology used in forming its report, ValuePenguin stated, “We sourced our data from 2013 FBI crime statistics by city, which provides the most recent data available. The raw data report included violent crimes (murder/manslaughter, forcible rape, robbery, and aggravated assault) and property crimes (burglary, larceny-theft, motor vehicle theft, and arson)…

For the second time in just over a month, city officials are reporting a wastewater spill from the Douglas water treatment facility. This latest accident occurred Tuesday, March 17 and, according to officials, an estimated 6,750 gallons of wastewater was spilled into an unnamed tributary leading to the Seventeen Mile River. “This is not considered a major spill and no testing is required,” officials said. ” However, due to the water reaching a creek, we must report it to the local media. The root cause was a complete power failure at one of our 18 lift stations.” City wastewater facility…

Sandra Robinson was found murdered inside the Cellular Superstore in Douglas five years ago on St. Patrick’s Day and police say new evidence in the case is currently being tested. Sgt. Robert Sprinkle of the Douglas Police Department told WALB-TV News on Wednesday that the police department continues to work with the Georgia Bureau of Investigation’s crime lab, and they are awaitng further test results. The details of the new evidence was not given. Anyone with information in the case is asked to call Sgt. Sprinkle at the Douglas Police Department at (912) 384-2222.

The Douglas Police Department is seeking the public’s assistance in their attempts to locate a golf cart that was possibly stolen last week. The vehicle is described as a 2005 EZ-GO golf cart, red in color, with silver rims and two stickers on the rear. It was reported missing from the area of Otto Circle on March 12. Anyone with information that could be helpful is encouraged to call the Douglas Police Department at (912) 384-2222 or the Tips Line at (912) 260-3600.

When it comes to phone scams, the City of Douglas Utility Department seems to be a good target for criminals. Officials announced today another ongoing occurrence of scammers going after city commercial customers under the guise of collecting payments. According to City of Douglas representatives, the caller asks for an immediate payment through a 1-800 number to falsely solicit payment that is not owed to the City of Douglas. Although the City of Douglas does use an automated phone system to contact customers with delinquent payment, the message does not ask for payment over the phone. The City of Douglas…

At the end of each quarter, the employees of the Douglas Police Department are asked to nominate who they believe should receive the Chief’s Commendation for employee of the quarter. Along with the nomination, the employee also has to explain why they are nominating that employee. Once these nominations are received, they are reviewed by the command staff of the department. The Douglas Police Department would like to congratulate and recognize Officer Kyle Spivey as being the recipient of the Chief’s Commendation for the 4th Quarter 2014. Spivey has been an officer with the Douglas Police Department for three years,…

It has been said that hell hath no fury like a woman scorned. That being the case, a Douglas woman was apparently beyond infuriated last week when she was arrested for allegedly running over her husband with an automobile. Authorities responded to the area of Bridge Water Dr. after receiving a call that a male subject had been struck by a vehicle. The victim told police officers his wife had run him over and fled the scene. After a brief investigation, officers made contact with the wife, identified as 30-year-old Layle Lakeva Lockhart, who admitted to the offense. Layle Lockhart…

A gofundme page has been created to help a Douglas grandmother who lost her home this weekend as the result of a devastating fire. Around 4:30 p.m. Saturday, officials responded to a residential fire on Taylor Circle. When authorities arrived, the home was fully engulfed, with flames shooting upwards through the roof. The grandmother, identified as Helen Simpson, lived at the residence with her grandchildren, though noone was home at the time of the fire. To contribute to the campaign to assist Helen and her family, click here.

A 60-year-old Fitzgerald woman lost her life Wednesday as the result of a residential kitchen fire. Authorities responded to a mobile home fire at 105 Cato St. in Fitzgerald around 1:00 a.m. Wednesday. The blaze, which is believed to have been started as the result of an unattended stove, claimed the life of Shirley Ann Ford. The fire has been ruled accidental by officials.