The Georgia Sun

Iran War Hits Home: Georgia gas prices jump 44 cents in one week Georgia drivers are paying $3.22 a gallon for regular unleaded gas as of Sunday, up 44 cents from just one week ago, according to AAA. What's Happening: Prices have climbed sharply over the past month. Filling a standard 15-gallon tank now costs about $48.30. Compared to recent benchmarks, the state average is: 56 cents higher than last month 31 cents higher than this time last year…

Iran War Hits Home: Georgia gas prices jump 44 cents in one week

Woman found shot dead at Marietta home A 24-year-old Marietta woman was found dead from multiple gunshot wounds Friday morning at a home on Waldrep Circle. What's Happening: Cobb County Police officers arrived at the 1800 block of Waldrep Circle just before 8 a.m. on March 6 after someone reported a person had been shot. They found Favia Gricelda Naely Vicente Velasquez, 24, of Marietta, dead at the scene.

Woman found shot dead at Marietta home

Armed robbery suspect on the run near Roswell-Cobb County line Police are searching for an armed robbery suspect in Roswell after a vehicle chase ended in a crash and the suspect ran. What's Happening: The Roswell Police Department and multiple agencies are searching the area of Pine Grove Road and Shallowford Road. The suspect's vehicle crashed near the Cobb County line before he fled on foot. What We Know: The robbery originated in Brookhaven.

Armed robbery suspect on the run near Roswell-Cobb County line

Hall County teacher killed after senior prank turns fatal A Hall County teacher and coach is dead after a group of students showed up at his home late Friday night — and what started as a harmless tradition ended in tragedy. Why It Matters: Jason Hughes was more than a teacher to the people who knew him. His death has left a hole in a community and has been a lesson in how quickly a night of fun can go terribly wrong.

Hall County teacher killed after senior prank turns fatal

Floyd County man wanted on four felony probation violations The Floyd County Sheriff's Office is asking the public to help find Heith Swanson, who is wanted on four felony probation violations. What's Happening: Swanson's prior charges include aggravated stalking, obstruction of law enforcement, fleeing and attempting to elude law enforcement, DUI, possession of methamphetamine, terroristic threats, and multiple motor vehicle violations. What's Important: The sheriff's office says it is concerned for the safety of the community and people Swanson has previously victimized.

Floyd County man wanted on four felony probation violations

Woodstock man sentenced in death of tow truck driver on I-575 A Woodstock man was sentenced March 4 after pleading guilty to killing a tow truck driver on I-575 South in October 2023. What's Happening: David Albert Beaver Jr., 60, pleaded guilty to homicide by vehicle in the first degree and reckless driving in the death of Frank Ingram, owner of Ingram Towing. Chief Superior Court Judge David L. Cannon Jr. sentenced Beaver to 15 years, with the first year in confinement, suspended once he completes specific conditions set by the court.

Woodstock man sentenced in death of tow truck driver on I-575

A Woodstock man was sentenced March 4 after pleading guilty to killing a tow truck driver on I-575 South in October 2023. What's Happening: David Albert Beaver Jr., 60, pleaded guilty to homicide by vehicle in the first degree and…

Damn Good Dog: Athens police dog retires after 6 years on the job A K9 named Vilma has retired from the Athens-Clarke County Police Department after six years of service. What's Happening: Vilma was recognized last week during a retirement celebration held by the department. She served alongside her handler, Lt. Blair, for the entirety of her career. What's Important: Vilma was the first K9 to join the department under its current K9 program.

Damn Good Dog: Athens police dog retires after 6 years on the job

20-Year-Old man dies in Alpharetta crash involving electric dirt bike A 20-year-old man died after his electric dirt bike collided with a vehicle at Douglas Road and Clubhouse Drive in Alpharetta on March 5. What's Happening: Alpharetta officers responded to the crash and closed Douglas Road for several hours while they investigated and cleared the scene. The crash is still under investigation by the department's Traffic Enforcement Unit. What's Still Unknown:

20-Year-Old man dies in Alpharetta crash involving electric dirt bike

Pedestrian hit by vehicle near Tennille and flown to trauma center A pedestrian was struck by a vehicle on Phillips Road near Tennille just before 4 a.m. and flown to a trauma center for treatment, the Washington County Sheriff's Office said. What's Happening: Deputies and emergency responders arrived at the scene on Phillips Road outside of Tennille in the early morning hours. The Georgia State Patrol was called in to investigate.

Pedestrian hit by vehicle near Tennille and flown to trauma center

6 hurt in crash on Griffin Pond Road in Glascock County Six people were hurt late Tuesday night when a vehicle hit a tree on Griffin Pond Road in Glascock County. Several are in serious condition. What's Happening: The Glascock County Sheriff's Office said the crash happened around 9:30 p.m. in the 1200 block of Griffin Pond Road. A single vehicle with six occupants struck a large tree. What's Important: One person was flown out by AirEvac air ambulance.

6 hurt in crash on Griffin Pond Road in Glascock County

Jones County man arrested for DUI after crash on Gray Highway A Jones County man was arrested Wednesday after a deputy responding to a traffic accident determined he had been driving under the influence. What's Happening: Deputy Morgan responded to a report of a crash on Gray Highway on March 5. After speaking with everyone involved, Morgan determined William Addison had been driving while impaired. What's Important: Addison was charged with driving under the influence, driving too fast for conditions, and failure to maintain lane.

Jones County man arrested for DUI after crash on Gray Highway

A Jones County man was arrested Wednesday after a deputy responding to a traffic accident determined he had been driving under the influence. What's Happening: Deputy Morgan responded to a report of a crash on Gray Highway on March 5.…

11-year-old Augusta boy has been missing since Saturday night An 11-year-old boy left his Augusta home late Saturday night and has not been found. What's Happening: Noah Tuggle was last seen around 10 p.m. Saturday leaving his home on the 700 block of Eve Street. The Richmond County Sheriff's Office is asking the public for help locating him. What's Important: Noah is 5 feet 1 inch tall and weighs 100 pounds.

11-year-old Augusta boy has been missing since Saturday night

Here’s who is running in Georgia’s statewide elections Elections will be held for governor, lieutenant governor, U.S. Senate and four U.S. House seats vacated by resignations. Qualifying did not yield any major surprises, since most candidates announced their intentions long before paying the qualifying fee. Rick Jackson waited until the last day of qualifying to make his candidacy for governor official after entering an already crowded primary last month.

Here's who is running in Georgia's statewide elections

Sports betting rejected again by Georgia lawmakers If you want to put your money down on your favorite sports team, you’re going to have to break state law. Sports betting is illegal in Georgia, and it’s likely to stay that way after a bill to legalize the practice went down in flames Friday in the state House, falling short ahead of a key legislative deadline. The measure needed 120 votes to pass but only received 63.

Sports betting rejected again by Georgia lawmakers

1,700 Georgians lost their jobs in January The February jobs report from the U.S. Department of Labor just released, and the news isn't great. The report says the nation lost about 92,000 jobs in January. A key economic indicator in Georgia shows the state has seen its share of lost jobs, too. Georgia companies with at least 100 workers began the year by shedding over 1,700 jobs. That's according to the records Georgia keeps in compliance with the federal WARN Act.

1,700 Georgians lost their jobs in January

Sandy Springs woman charged with elder abuse of 87-year-old A Sandy Springs woman was arrested March 5 after police investigated elder abuse allegations on the 1900 block of Huntingdon Chase. What's Happening: Jeanine Pullins was booked into the Fulton County Jail following the investigation. She faces four counts of elder abuse and neglect and two counts of battery against a person over the age of 65. What's Important: The 87-year-old victim was treated for injuries.

Sandy Springs woman charged with elder abuse of 87-year-old

Roswell restaurant fails health inspection with a score of 69 A Roswell restaurant is under scrutiny this week after a routine health inspection left it with a failing grade. Chicago's Restaurant at 4401 Shallowford Road, scored a 69 out of 100 during a March 4 inspection — landing it in "Unsatisfactory" territory, according to Georgia Department of Public Health records. Health inspectors documented ten violations during the visit, several of them serious enough to require immediate corrective action.

Roswell restaurant fails health inspection with a score of 69

Strong storm moving through Gwinnett and Walton counties A strong thunderstorm was moving northeast through parts of Gwinnett and Walton counties Saturday afternoon, prompting a special weather statement from the National Weather Service. What's Happening: At 3:27 p.m., the storm was over Loganville, about 9 miles southeast of Lawrenceville, moving northeast at 5 mph. The storm is producing winds up to 40 mph, pea-sized hail, and frequent lightning.

Strong storm moving through Gwinnett and Walton counties

Man found hiding in fireplace after SWAT standoff in Augusta A man wanted on outstanding warrants barricaded himself inside a home on Horseshoe Road Friday evening before being found hiding inside a fireplace. What's Happening: Richmond County Sheriff's Office deputies and members of the U.S. Marshals Southeastern Fugitive Task Force went to the 900 block of Horseshoe Road around 6 p.m. to arrest 35-year-old Ricky Lee Manders on outstanding warrants. …

Man found hiding in fireplace after SWAT standoff in Augusta

Kemp orders investigation of Hall County Sheriff after DUI arrest Gov. Brian Kemp signed an executive order Friday directing a three-member committee to investigate Hall County Sheriff Gerald Couch, weeks after Couch was arrested on DUI charges in his own county. What's Happening: The order names Attorney General Christopher Carr, Greene County Sheriff Donnie Harrison, and Glascock County Sheriff Jeremy Kelley to the committee. The Georgia Sheriffs' Association formally requested the investigation in a letter to the governor dated March 3.

Kemp orders investigation of Hall County Sheriff after DUI arrest

Georgia Republicans want to expand ‘Stand Your Ground’ laws. Critics say it would shield people like Ahmaud Arbery’s killers The Georgia Senate approved a bill Friday that broadens “stand your ground” self-defense protections, a proposal that critics said would help protect defendants such as those who murdered Ahmaud Arbery. The 30-23 vote fell along party lines, with Republicans supporting the rights of Georgians to use force when needed during confrontations. The legislation, Senate Bill 572, would allow people to claim immunity from prosecution soon after they’re charged, and cases involving claims of self-defense would only continue if there’s clear and convincing evidence of a crime.

Georgia Republicans want to expand ‘Stand Your Ground’ laws. Critics say it would shield people like Ahmaud Arbery’s killers

4 people charged with stealing $53,000 from Georgia Driver Services Georgia Attorney General Chris Carr announced Wednesday that four people have been indicted for forging checks from the Georgia Department of Driver Services and depositing them into personal bank accounts. The bogus checks total $53,616.02. What's Happening: The Attorney General's White Collar and Cyber Crime Unit brought the cases in four separate counties. None of the four defendants had any employment or business relationship with the Department of Driver Services.

4 people charged with stealing $53,000 from Georgia Driver Services

Arrest made in 16-Year-Old Cold Case Death of Sandra Robinson in Coffee County A Wayne County man was arrested last week and charged with murder in the 2010 stabbing death of Sandra Robinson, a phone store worker in Douglas, Georgia, the Georgia Bureau of Investigation announced March 4. What's Happening: Willie James Jr., 58, of Wayne County, was taken into custody March 2 and booked into the Coffee County Jail. He faces charges of malice murder, felony murder, and aggravated assault.

Arrest made in 16-Year-Old Cold Case Death of Sandra Robinson in Coffee County

Douglas County man charged with using fake coupons at gas stations and dollar stores A Douglas County grand jury indicted a man on charges that he used counterfeit coupons to buy cigarettes at dozens of Georgia stores for less than $2 a pack. What's Happening: Attorney General Chris Carr announced March 6 that his office's Organized Retail Crime Unit obtained an indictment against Michael Justin Williams in Douglas County. The grand jury returned the indictment on Feb.

Douglas County man charged with using fake coupons at gas stations and dollar stores

Georgia hits $60 billion in exports Georgia exported more than $60.2 billion in goods in 2025, the state's fifth straight year of record exports. Gov. Brian Kemp and the Georgia Department of Economic Development made the announcement March 5. What's Happening: Georgia's exports grew 12.7% from 2024 to 2025, more than double the national growth rate of 5.6%. The state ranked No. 9 in the country for export value and No.

Georgia hits $60 billion in exports

16 arrested in North Georgia drug bust spanning 6 counties State and federal agents arrested 16 people Wednesday after a months-long investigation into a drug trafficking organization moving methamphetamine, fentanyl, and oxycodone across six North Georgia counties. What's Happening: The Georgia Bureau of Investigation's Appalachian Regional Drug Enforcement Office led Operation Silent Hand, executing nine search warrants and 16 arrest warrants on March 4. The operation targeted a drug trafficking organization active across Franklin, Gwinnett, Habersham, Hall, Stephens, and White counties.

16 arrested in North Georgia drug bust spanning 6 counties

Powder Springs man shot and killed by police during mental health call A 34-year-old Acworth man was shot and killed by Powder Springs police Tuesday night after he pulled out a handgun during a mental health call, according to the Georgia Bureau of Investigation. What's Happening: Powder Springs Police Department officers responded to a mental health-related call around 9 p.m. on March 3 in the 3000 block of New MacLand Road. When officers made contact with Gustavo Guimaraes, he pulled out a handgun.

Powder Springs man shot and killed by police during mental health call

Augusta man arrested in January murder An Augusta man is in custody, charged in connection with a killing that happened in January. What's Happening: MARTA Police arrested Isaiah Romont Santos Thomas in Atlanta on March 3. He is charged with murder and possession of a firearm during the commission of a crime in the death of Miguel Jean Karlos Rodriguez Cruz. What's Important: Cruz was fatally shot January 22 near Yates Drive and Susan Circle in Augusta.

Augusta man arrested in January murder

Fog blankets much of Georgia Friday morning Dense fog is affecting large parts of Georgia Friday morning, with some areas seeing visibility drop to a quarter mile or less. What's Happening: The National Weather Service has issued alerts covering dozens of Georgia counties, stretching from the coast to central parts of the state. The most serious alert, a Dense Fog Advisory, covers several southeast Georgia counties and is in effect until 9 a.m.

Fog blankets much of Georgia Friday morning

Teen flees deputies in stolen car, runs into I-520 traffic and is critically hurt A 17-year-old Augusta teen is in critical condition after fleeing Richmond County deputies in a stolen vehicle and running into traffic on I-520 Thursday morning. What's Happening: At about 8:19 a.m., Richmond County Sheriff's Office deputies went to the area of Barton Chapel Road and Old McDuffie Road after a report of a possible stolen orange Dodge Challenger. According to police, when deputies tried to approach, Christopher Maultsby Jr.

A 17-year-old Augusta teen is in critical condition after fleeing Richmond County deputies in a stolen vehicle and running into traffic on I-520.