Man charged with attempted murder

News, Police & Government

Blue Ridge, Ga. – Timothy Charles Stiles is being charged with attempted murder after Fannin County Sheriff’s Office (FCSO) responded to a call of a stabbing in Mineral Bluff.

Fannin County, Georgia, Blue Ridge, Sheriff’s Office, Stabbing, Attempted Murder, Mineral Bluff, Timothy Stiles, Kenneth Arnold

Timothy Stiles has been charged with 3 felonies after stabbing incident in Mineral Bluff, Ga.

The incident occurred on the evening of Sept. 28. FCSO was dispatched to a call in Mineral Bluff around 7:00 p.m. The caller indicated that a person had been stabbed and was in need of medical attention.

Upon arriving at the scene, it became apparent that the victim, Kenneth Arnold, was in need of immediate emergency medical attention. Arnold was life-flighted to Gainesville for treatment. 

Warrants for Stiles arrest describe the wounds as “seriously disfiguring” to Arnold’s upper torso and abdomen. 

Stiles had already fled the scene upon officer arrival but was apprehended a few hours later. When found Stiles was inflicting stabbing wounds on himself and was transported for medical attention.

Friends of Stiles say that he suffered from mental illness but did not specify which illness(es). They also did not speculate on whether Stiles’s mental health issues played a part in the incident.

Stiles is being charged with 1 count felony aggravated assault, 1 count felony aggravated battery and 1 count felony criminal attempt “to commit the offense of murder”.

Fannin County, Georgia, Blue Ridge, Sheriff’s Office, Stabbing, Attempted Murder, Mineral Bluff, Timothy Stiles, Kenneth Arnold

Fannin County, Georgia, Blue Ridge, Sheriff’s Office, Stabbing, Attempted Murder, Mineral Bluff, Timothy Stiles, Kenneth Arnold

Fannin County, Georgia, Blue Ridge, Sheriff’s Office, Stabbing, Attempted Murder, Mineral Bluff, Timothy Stiles, Kenneth Arnold

Click here to see Fannin County Sheriff’s Office Arrest Report for the Week of 9/20/20 – 9/27/20

Officers honored for life saving actions

Community, Fannin County EMA/EMS, News, Police & Government
Fannin County, Georgia, Sheriff’s Office, Emergency Management, EMA, EMS, First Responders, Fire Department, Paramedics, Narcan, Life Saving, Overdose, Corporal Dustin Carter, Investigator Gary Edwards

Blue Ridge, Ga. – Two officers with the Fannin County Sheriff’s Department were honored for their quick thinking that resulted in a life being saved.

A call came through dispatch of a single vehicle accident on Highway 2 near Flowers Baking Company. A silver Ford Focus driven by Michael Peppers of Blue Ridge had left the roadway and struck a tree.

Fannin County, Georgia, Sheriff’s Office, Emergency Management, EMA, EMS, First Responders, Fire Department, Paramedics, Narcan, Life Saving, Overdose, Corporal Dustin Carter, Investigator Gary Edwards

(L – R) Investigator Gary Edwards, Corporal Dustin Carter

Corporal Dustin Carter and Investigator Gary Edwards were first to respond to the scene and saw that the male driver was alone and trapped in the vehicle.

“The door panel was crushed from striking the tree,” Investigator Edwards spoke of the scene upon arrival. 

The door was unable to be opened and both officers saw the condition of Peppers deteriorating.

“He was slightly responsive. He was losing color and as we were speaking to him, his condition worsened and he just went out, non-responsive, lost all of his color,” Edwards recounted the quickness in which Peppers’ condition worsened.

Accident reports from that day detail how Peppers’ skin color began to become grayish in hue as his eyes rolled back and his breathing came to almost a complete stop.

“He was on the verge of completely not breathing. He was having agonal respirations,” Fannin County EMA Director Robert Graham spoke of Carter and Edwards’ actions and explained that agonal respirations is a gasping for air that is associated with body reflex and is seen in medical emergencies.

Investigator Edwards and Corporal Carter worked together to free Peppers from the vehicle, Edwards having to break out the back window to gain access. It was at this point that Carter recognized the signs of a possible overdose and Edwards retrieved his supply of Narcan.

Narcan is a nasal spray used for the treatment of an opioid emergency or a possible opioid overdose with signs of breathing problems.

Upon returning, Edwards reported that Carter was able to free Peppers from the vehicle and had him laying down on the ground. Edwards administered the nasal Narcan and Peppers began to breathe and move again.

When paramedics arrived, both officers helped to load Peppers onto the stretcher and observed that he was talking to paramedics as they left the scene.

“Seeing his reactions. From the time we got there, he was kind of responsive to unresponsive in just a few minutes,” Carter explained the decision to use Narcan. Carter says that training and experience are how he was able to quickly recognize the signs of a possible overdose.

The officers were given pins of recognition by Fannin County’s Emergency Management Team to acknowledge that their quick thinking and actions were directly responsible for saving a life.

Update : $700 reward offered in fire station burglary case

Community, News

Blue Ridge, Ga. – Two anonymous donors have stepped forward to up the reward being offered for information leading to the conviction of the person(s) involved in the burglary of Fannin County Fire Station No. 6.

According to Fannin County Fire Chief Larry Thomas these donors stepped up to help shortly after news was released of the theft. The total reward being offered is now $700.

“I’m very grateful for these donors,” Thomas said of the increase in reward money and added, “I’m also very thankful for the response from the community in helping to get the word out.”

If you have any information regarding the burglary please contact the Fannin County Sheriff’s Office at 706-632-2044 or email [email protected]

Original Story

The Fannin County Sheriff’s Office (FCSO) is asking for public assistance to locate the individual or individuals responsible for a burglary at Fannin County Fire Station No. 6.

FCSO published a post to Facebook offering a $500 reward for any information that leads to the conviction of the person(s) involved.

Original Post by FCSO :

A $500.00 reward is being offered for information leading to the identification, arrest and conviction of the person(s) responsible for a recent burglary at Fannin County Fire Station No. 6. The fire station is located at 4793 Highway 2, Epworth, GA.

This incident took place between May 19 – May 20, 2020. Items stolen include a Stihl chainsaw, Red EMS jump bag, Dewalt pressure washer, Rigid Sawzall, and 100 ft. extension cord.

Anyone with information is urged to call the Fannin County Sheriff’s Office at 706-632-2044. Tips may also be submitted to: [email protected]

Many of the items that were stolen had been purchased through donations to the Fannin County Volunteer Fire Department.

“It’s just really disappointing,” Fannin County Fire Chief Larry Thomas spoke of the theft adding, “Some the tools taken are tools that we depend on in emergency situations where every minute counts.”

If you have any information regarding the burglary please contact the Fannin County Sheriff’s Office at 706-632-2044 or email [email protected]

 

McCaysville man charged with aggravated assault with a firearm

News, Police & Government

McCaysville, Ga. – Darrell Allen Tritt, age 59, of McCaysville is facing charges of simple battery, reckless conduct causing harm or endangering bodily safety of another, aggravated assault with a gun and discharging a firearm while under the influence.

McCaysville Police responded to a 911 dispatch on the evening of Saturday, Feb. 8, 2020.

Officer Peter Kusek along with Officer Philip Newberry were working the nightshift when a call came in around 8:29 p.m. of a domestic in progress with shots fired.

McCaysville, Fannin County, Georgia, Police Department, Darrell Allen Tritt, Sheriff’s Office, Peter Kusek, Philip Newberry, Arrest, Battery, Firearm, Weapon

Darrell Allen Tritt, age 59, of McCaysville

Kusek was first to arrive at the scene and was met by David Hatcher in the front yard of the residence. Hatcher had been the one to call 911.

According to Hatcher, he had received a text message from his mother, Jacqueline Tritt, stating that his stepfather, Darrell Tritt, had hit her. He had come to their residence out of concern for his mother’s safety.

Hatcher admitted that he had broke the lock on the glass storm door trying to gain entry and had kicked the interior wooden door twice. It was then that Darrell Tritt had called out to Hatcher that he was a “stupid mother<explicit>” and demanded that he leave.

Shortly after Tritt demanding Hatcher leave, a shot came through the wooden door, narrowly missing Hatcher and shattering the glass storm door that Hatcher was holding open with his body. It was at this time that the 911 call was made and Hatcher stated in that call that “mom was trying to get the gun”.

During this discussion between Hatcher and Officer Kusek, suspect Darrell Tritt exited the house with empty hands in the air and yelled to the officer that he did not have a weapon.

Though visibly intoxicated, according to Kusek, Tritt was capable of understanding the situation and communicating, and allowed the officer to handcuff and search his person without incident.

Kusek described Tritt as “unsteady on his feet” with “glassy and bloodshot” eyes, and had an “odor of alcoholic beverage on his breath”.

Tritt told a different version of events claiming that he had never hit his wife Jacqueline. Tritt admitted to firing a gun but claimed it was self-defence. Tritt told Kusek that he was physically diabled and that Hatcher had come to the residence “to beat his ass”.

Hatcher was reportedly calm while his stepfather told this version of events and did not offer to interfere or attempt to argue with Tritt.

When Jacqueline was questioned about her husband’s actions that evening, she first stated that she had no idea how the glass door had been broken, and that she had been asleep during the entire event. When Kusek told Jacqueline that he heard it was from a gunshot, she replied, “I guess, I don’t know.”

Hatcher told officers a different version of his mother’s actions, claiming that after the shot had been fired, Jacqueline had exited the house and asked him not to call the police.

Eventually, Jacqueline broke down and began crying, making statements that her husband is never like this and she didn’t know what had happened.

With permission officers searched the residence and located the weapon that had been used. Officers also verified the initial text message sent from Jacqueline to her son. 

Darrell Tritt was then taken into custody.

Darrell Tritt waived his rights and spoke with officers before being charged and transferred to the Fannin County Detention Center.

Evidence Collected at Scene:

  • One Glock 23, .40 Caliber Pistol
  • One Glock 23, .40 Caliber 12-Round Magazine
  • Twelve .40 Caliber Bullets (9-Hollowpoint and 3 Flathead)
  • One Uncle Mike’s Black Nylon Pistol Holster

See Something, Say Something. SafeSchools Alert.

Community, News, Rebel's Corner

Blue Ridge, Ga. – School safety continues to be a top priority for the Fannin County School System. Assistant Superintendent and District Emergency Planning Coordinator Darren Danner wants to remind the citizens of Fannin County of a very important tool the district utilizes to keep the children in our area safe.

SafeSchools Alert is Fannin County School District’s tip reporting service. This online service can allow students, teachers, and parents to report incidents of bullying, intimidation, harassment, weapons, drugs or other threats, and remain anonymous.

“The best information we can get, is what we hear from the kids,” Danner spoke of SafeSchools Alert’s importance and the role the students themselves can play in keeping their schools safe for all. “They’re (students) are on the frontline, so to speak. They see what’s happening. They know what’s going on.”

SafeSchools Alert can be accessed on Fannin County School System’s website by scrolling to the bottom and clicking the SafeSchools Alert icon located at the bottom left of the page. SafeSchools Alert also offers an app that can be downloaded onto mobile devices, and it is this app that students generally choose to use.

According to Danner 95 to 98 percent of tips from the student body come from the use of the downloadable app. 

Once a tip has been submitted, SafeSchools Alert will send out numerous emails to faculty within the district. Danner acknowledged that not all tips are reliable, but that some have proven to be very accurate and that all tips are taken seriously and looked into.

“The district has used this going on two years now,” Danner continued. “We’ve had some things that have been put to rest very quickly because of this.” 

The Fannin County School System urges everyone that has information about a threat to report it.

 

Fannin County, Georgia, Board of Education, School System, High School, Middle School, East Fannin, West Fannin, Blue Ridge, Sheriff’s Office, School Resource Officer, Law Enforcement, Appreciation, Superintendent, Sheriff, Dr. Michael Gwatney, Dane Kirby, Darren Danner, Darvin Couch, Anthony Walden, Thomas Kay, Tracy Summers, Jim Burrell, Lewis Dewesse, Chad Galloway, Bobby Bearden, Mike Cole, Terry Bramlett, SafeSchools Alert

Fannin County School System’s main page where the SafeSchools Alert link can be found.

Fannin County, Georgia, Board of Education, School System, High School, Middle School, East Fannin, West Fannin, Blue Ridge, Sheriff’s Office, School Resource Officer, Law Enforcement, Appreciation, Superintendent, Sheriff, Dr. Michael Gwatney, Dane Kirby, Darren Danner, Darvin Couch, Anthony Walden, Thomas Kay, Tracy Summers, Jim Burrell, Lewis Dewesse, Chad Galloway, Bobby Bearden, Mike Cole, Terry Bramlett, SafeSchools Alert

You can find the link to report tips anonymously, by scrolling to the bottom of the main page and clicking the SafeSchools Alert icon at the bottom left.

Click here to read about Fannin County School System’s 2019 Award of Excellence in School Safety

School Resource Officers honored by Fannin County Board of Education

Community, News, Police & Government, Rebel's Corner

Blue Ridge, Ga. – The Fannin County Board of Education took time during their Jan. 9 regular monthly meeting to recognize a special group of personnel that work every day to keep the children of Fannin County safe.

“Our relationship with the Fannin County Sheriff’s Office is special,” Fannin County School Superintendent Dr. Michael Gwatney spoke of the importance of Fannin County’s School Resource Officers (SROs).

Jan. 9, 2020 marked National Law Enforcement Appreciation Day. This day is set aside for citizens to show their support for their local law enforcement.

Gwatney displayed a photo and recognized each individual SRO, as well as Assistant Superintendent Darren Danner whose duties, among others include District Emergency Planning and School Resource Officer Coordinator.

Currently the following officers are stationed at each of the five schools in the district:

  • Lt. Darvin Couch – Fannin County High School
  • Deputy Anthony Walden – Fannin County Middle School
  • Deputy Thomas Kay – East Fannin Elementary School
  • Deputy Tracy Summers – West Fannin Elementary
  • Deputy Jim Burrell – Blue Ridge Elementary School

 

Fannin County, Georgia, Board of Education, School System, High School, Middle School, East Fannin, West Fannin, Blue Ridge, Sheriff’s Office, School Resource Officer, Law Enforcement, Appreciation, Superintendent, Sheriff, Dr. Michael Gwatney, Dane Kirby, Darren Danner, Darvin Couch, Anthony Walden, Thomas Kay, Tracy Summers, Jim Burrell, Lewis Dewesse, Chad Galloway, Bobby Bearden, Mike Cole, Terry Bramlett

(L – R) Superintendent Dr. Michael Gwatney, SRO Anthony Walden, SRO Thomas Kay, Lt. Darvin Couch, SRO Tracy Summers, SRO Jim Burrell, and Assistant Superintendent Darren Danner

Before presenting a certificate to Fannin County Sheriff Dane Kirby, Gwatney concluded, “I am thankful for these individuals. I’m thankful for the relationship that we have with the Sheriff. We couldn’t do it without them.”

Upon accepting the certificate, Kirby acknowledged that Gwatney’s sentiment goes both ways: “We really do cherish this relationship.”

Click here to read about last year’s Award of Excellence in Safety to the Fannin County School System

Fannin County Sheriff’s Office Arrest Report 07/23 to 07/29

Arrest Reports

Arrest report provided by the Fannin County Sheriff’s Office.  The Georgia Open Records Act (O.C.G.A. 35-01-18) allows for www.fetchyournews.com to obtain and post the arrest records of any and all individuals arrested in Fannin County. Those arrests are posted on www.fetchyournews.com for viewing pleasure. Please remember that all individuals listed have been arrested and charged, however, they are presumed innocent until guilt has been proven in a court of law.

Polk County TN Sheriff’s Office Arrest Report 07/23 to 07/29

Arrest Reports

Arrest report provided by the Polk County TN Sheriff’s Office, pursuant to the state open records law, Tennessee Code Ann. section 10-7-503 to 10-7-512; 10-7-701 to 10-7-702; 10-8-101 to 10-8-103 Open Records Act allows for www.fetchyournews.com to obtain and post the arrest records of any and all individuals arrested in Polk County, Tennessee. Those arrests are posted on www.fetchyournews.com for your viewing pleasure. Please remember that all individuals listed have been arrested and charged, however, they are presumed innocent until guilt has been proven in a court of law.

Fannin County Sheriff’s Office Arrest Report 07/16 to 07/22

Arrest Reports

Arrest report provided by the Fannin County Sheriff’s Office.  The Georgia Open Records Act (O.C.G.A. 35-01-18) allows for www.fetchyournews.com to obtain and post the arrest records of any and all individuals arrested in Fannin County. Those arrests are posted on www.fetchyournews.com for viewing pleasure. Please remember that all individuals listed have been arrested and charged, however, they are presumed innocent until guilt has been proven in a court of law.

Polk County TN Sheriff’s Office Arrest Report 07/16 to 07/22

Arrest Reports

Arrest report provided by the Polk County TN Sheriff’s Office, pursuant to the state open records law, Tennessee Code Ann. section 10-7-503 to 10-7-512; 10-7-701 to 10-7-702; 10-8-101 to 10-8-103 Open Records Act allows for www.fetchyournews.com to obtain and post the arrest records of any and all individuals arrested in Polk County, Tennessee. Those arrests are posted on www.fetchyournews.com for your viewing pleasure. Please remember that all individuals listed have been arrested and charged, however, they are presumed innocent until guilt has been proven in a court of law.

Fannin County Sheriff’s Office Arrest Report 07/30 to 08/04

Arrest Reports

Arrest report provided by the Fannin County Sheriff’s Office.  The Georgia Open Records Act (O.C.G.A. 35-01-18) allows for www.fetchyournews.com to obtain and post the arrest records of any and all individuals arrested in Fannin County. Those arrests are posted on www.fetchyournews.com for viewing pleasure. Please remember that all individuals listed have been arrested and charged, however, they are presumed innocent until guilt has been proven in a court of law.

Fannin County Sheriff’s Office Arrest Report 06/17 to 06/24

Arrest Reports

Arrest report provided by the Fannin County Sheriff’s Office.  The Georgia Open Records Act (O.C.G.A. 35-01-18) allows for www.fetchyournews.com to obtain and post the arrest records of any and all individuals arrested in Fannin County. Those arrests are posted on www.fetchyournews.com for viewing pleasure. Please remember that all individuals listed have been arrested and charged, however, they are presumed innocent until guilt has been proven in a court of law.

Polk County TN Sheriff’s Office Arrest Report 06/25 to 07/01

Arrest Reports

Arrest report provided by the Polk County TN Sheriff’s Office, pursuant to the state open records law, Tennessee Code Ann. section 10-7-503 to 10-7-512; 10-7-701 to 10-7-702; 10-8-101 to 10-8-103 Open Records Act allows for www.fetchyournews.com to obtain and post the arrest records of any and all individuals arrested in Polk County, Tennessee. Those arrests are posted on www.fetchyournews.com for your viewing pleasure. Please remember that all individuals listed have been arrested and charged, however, they are presumed innocent until guilt has been proven in a court of law.

Polk County TN Sheriff’s Office Arrest Report 06/18 to 06/24

Arrest Reports

Arrest report provided by the Polk County TN Sheriff’s Office, pursuant to the state open records law, Tennessee Code Ann. section 10-7-503 to 10-7-512; 10-7-701 to 10-7-702; 10-8-101 to 10-8-103 Open Records Act allows for www.fetchyournews.com to obtain and post the arrest records of any and all individuals arrested in Polk County, Tennessee. Those arrests are posted on www.fetchyournews.com for your viewing pleasure. Please remember that all individuals listed have been arrested and charged, however, they are presumed innocent until guilt has been proven in a court of law.

Polk County TN Sheriff’s Office Arrest Report 04/30 – 05/06

Arrest Reports

Arrest report provided by the Polk County TN Sheriff’s Office, pursuant to the state open records law, Tennessee Code Ann. section 10-7-503 to 10-7-512; 10-7-701 to 10-7-702; 10-8-101 to 10-8-103 Open Records Act allows for www.fetchyournews.com to obtain and post the arrest records of any and all individuals arrested in Polk County, Tennessee. Those arrests are posted on www.fetchyournews.com for your viewing pleasure. Please remember that all individuals listed have been arrested and charged, however, they are presumed innocent until guilt has been proven in a court of law.

Fannin County Sheriff’s Office Arrest Report 05/25 to 06/03

Arrest Reports

Arrest report provided by the Fannin County Sheriff’s Office.  The Georgia Open Records Act (O.C.G.A. 35-01-18) allows for www.fetchyournews.com to obtain and post the arrest records of any and all individuals arrested in Fannin County. Those arrests are posted on www.fetchyournews.com for viewing pleasure. Please remember that all individuals listed have been arrested and charged, however, they are presumed innocent until guilt has been proven in a court of law.

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