Vehicle Archives - GilmerGilmer

Vehicle accident leads to first responders’ exposure to unknown substance

News May 20, 2022 , by Lonnie Adams

GILMER COUNTY, Ga. – Two Gilmer Sheriff’s Deputies and five EMT/Paramedics are being treated for a kind of exposure today after responding to a single vehicle accident last night, May 19, 2022, around 7 p.m.

After deputies responded, alongside a state trooper, to the single motor vehicle accident approximately nine miles out Boardtown Road, just north of the intersection at Boardtown Road and Whitepath Road, county authorities began showing symptoms of exposure to a substance. At this time, the Sheriff’s Office believes the substance may have been Fentanyl. However, they are awaiting testing results to be sure.

The vehicle, a pick-up truck, contained a driver and passenger, when it impacted a tree. Both the driver and passenger sustained injuries during the accident and have since been transported to a hospital. According to a statement from Gilmer County Public Safety Director Keith Kucera, those on scene began treating the two for trauma related injuries. The statement said, “While on scene, emergency crews were exposed to an unknown controlled substance that was in the vehicle. Two Gilmer Sheriff’s Deputies along with five Gilmer Emergency Medical Services crew members became symptomatic of exposure and were transported to local hospitals for treatment. All seven exposed members have been treated and released from the hospital.”

That investigation shut down the road as authorities called in Cherokee County Fire Department’s hazmat team to process the scene, collect several items for testing, and clear it for public travel again. At this time, the Sheriff’s Office stated it cannot be sure specifically what substances are or are not present. According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), First Responders typically use a NIOSH-certified Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear (CBRN) Self Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA) with a Level A protective suit when entering areas such as this with unknown or potential Fentanyl substances.

Kucera stated, “I would like to thank the brave men and women of the Gilmer County Fire Rescue and Gilmer Sheriff’s Office for their selfless efforts every day to keep the citizens of Gilmer County safe. I would also like to thank the partners who responded to support our agency while our crews were being medically treated from an extremely dangerous situation. The GA Office of EMS & Trauma, Region 1, coordinated regional mutual aid with ambulances from the following agencies: Pickens County, Fannin County, Gordon County, Murray County, Floyd Medical, and Redmon EMS. Additional support was provided by GA Department of Public Health, GEMA/HS, GSP, Cherokee County Fire/Rescue Hazardous Materials Team, and Fannin County EMA.”

The statement from the Sheriff’s Office did say that the deputies were in and out of consciousness but did not specifically state the extent of the symptoms that they or the paramedics showed. Reports indicate that while those exposed were initially take to Gilmer’s Emergency Room, the facility locked down while treating them to prevent further spread or contamination as they worked to find exactly what the substances was.

While the investigation continues into both the accident and the exposures, the Sheriff’s Office did state that those county authorities who were exposed have been released from the hospital this morning and are showing signs of improvement. However, no further details have been given about the accident, the possible substance, or the driver and passenger of the vehicle.

Suspect from Ellijay arrested in Hit and Run

News February 4, 2020 , by Lonnie Adams

WOODSTOCK, Ga. – Reports from the Woodstock Police Department have confirmed the arrest of an Ellijay man for alleged involvement in a hit and run in Cherokee County.

According to their public release yesterday, February 3, the “Woodstock Police, in partnership with the Cherokee County Multi-Agency Crash Investigation Unit, arrested Tracy Lee Wilson, 47, of Ellijay following an investigation into a pedestrian fatality accident this morning. Wilson is charged with Felony Hit and Run with additional charges possibly pending.”

Those additional possible charges could come as Police also reported that the Hit and Run Victim was pronounced dead later that day.

They stated the accident occurred at approximately 6:50 on the morning of February 3, officers were dispatched to a call of a person struck by a vehicle on Highway 92 at Sharon Way. “The pedestrian, identified as 18-year-old Sarahfina Okole, was transported to a local hospital where she was later pronounced deceased.”

Other reports indicate that Investigators followed up on leads, and Wilson was located through the investigation at a Woodstock business where he was taken into custody.

Wilson was taken into custody and held at the Cherokee County Adult Detention Center with an $8,450.00 bond. It is FYN’s understanding that Wilson has since been released on that bond, but has not confirmed this at this time.

The investigation is ongoing at this time.

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515 Northbound shut down at First Avenue

News December 18, 2019 , by Lonnie Adams

EAST ELLIJAY, Ga. – Authorities from Gilmer County Public Safety, East Ellijay Police, and Ellijay Fire are currently responding to what witnesses are calling a major accident at the intersection of First Avenue and Highwy 515 near Hardee’s.

Authorities have shut down the Northbound lane of Hwy 515 at this time as they assist with those involved and attempt to clear the road.

East Ellijay Police Chief Larry Callahan has confirmed one person is in critical condition. There are also at least two others classified as injured, but are well enough to be walking.5

Citizens should use Highway 52 to travel past the accident before returning to Highway 515 Northbound via Greenfield Road. FYN has reached out to authorities for comment on the clean-up and condition of the accident and is awaiting a response as they continue to respond to the incident.

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Accident shuts down Highway 515

News February 20, 2019 , by Lonnie Adams

ELLIJAY, Ga. – The Gilmer Sheriff’s Office has confirmed an accident on Highway 515 shutting down lanes on the road.

The accident only involved a single vehicle. The vehicle rolled during the accident. It occurred on Highway 515 near the Gilmer-Pickens County line.

Authorities are responding to the accident and citizens are cautioned in the area. With lane closures and authorities on the road, make plans to take extra time or an alternate path around this accident.

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382 Shutdown for accident

News February 2, 2019 , by Lonnie Adams

ELLIJAY, Ga. – Highway 382 will be shutdown for a period at Sunlight Rd today.

A two-car accident has occurred around noon at the location and emergency services are on scene. Authorities have confirmed one of the cars rolled over.

Gilmer Sheriff Stacy Nicholson told FYN the accident had no fatalities or life threatening injuries. As of this time, he expects the road clear within the hour.

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Gilmer County Sheriffs Office Arrest Report 12/17 to 12/25

Arrest Reports December 26, 2018 , by Content Specialist

FYN publishes the arrest reports provided by the GCSO. The Georgia Open Records Act (O.C.G.A. 50-18-70) allows for www.fetchyournews.com to obtain and post the arrest records of any and all individuals arrested in Gilmer 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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Financial expenses on focus in East Ellijay

News January 18, 2019 , by Lonnie Adams

EAST ELLIJAY, Ga. – The Council approved a new patrol car for the city police as they trade in two older cars. The 2019 Dodge has a base price of $28,900, but East Ellijay City Police Chief Larry Callihan said they are continuing to negotiate the trade in value of their two cars and is unsure yet how the exact amount of the trade in.

The council has already budgeted for the new car in the amount of $30,000 for the vehicle and $8,000 for equipment, a total of $38,000. With the trade-ins negotiations, Callihan is hopeful to make the final price closer to $32,000.

The council also approved a resolution to amend their payments for their citizen representatives on the Gilmer County Library Board, lowering the pay by $200 because they “misconstrued” the number of meetings the Library Board had in a year according to Mayor Mack West. The reduction goes from $600 to $400.

The Council also approved the expenditures for their yearly Christmas dinner program. Delivering a total of 34 hams and 5 turkeys, the expense for the city reached $648.60 at program end.

Also, two major additions could be coming to Highland Crossing near Walmart in East Ellijay. The Buffalo Luke’s in Jasper is looking to expand in Ellijay. City Manager Mack Wood also noted he had received site plans for a Moe’s Southwest Grill looking to build in the area between Longhorn and Mountain Cinemas.

The City Council is also seeking suggestions of roads in need of restriping. West said he will keep the item on the agenda in coming meetings and is asking for people to add to the list of needs.

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Fire and Rescue Weekly Status Report 11/25 – 12/01

News December 3, 2018 , by Content Specialist

Fire and Rescue Weekly Status Report

Structure Fires	Brush Fires	Fire Alarms	Emergency Med Calls (EMS)	MVC (Vehicle Accidents	Vehicle Fires	Haz. Conditions	Search/Tech. Rescue	Total Calls
2	1	1	82	10	1	7	1	105

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Gilmer County Sheriffs Office Arrest Report 11/19 to 11/25

Arrest Reports November 27, 2018 , by Content Specialist

Arrest car criminal east ellijay FYN GA Georgia gilmer Reports Sheriff Vehicle west

Clear Creek Vehicle Accident Claims One Fatality

News October 18, 2017 , by Lonnie Adams

ELLIJAY, GA – An accident on Clear Creek Road occurred Tuesday afternoon, October 17, that has claimed the life of one driver.

According to Public Safety Director Tony Pritchett, the accident was located around the area of Fendley Bridge. While Pritchett did confirm the death of one female, he tells FYN reports have not come back yet on the extent of injuries for others involved.

The one fatality was unable to be revived when emergency services arrived on scene. Specifics on her identity are currently being withheld for the family and an ongoing State Patrol Investigation.

However, FYN has confirmed one other vehicle was involved in the accident. We are also attempting to get more information at this time from the State Patrol Investigation.

Stay with us at FetchYourNews.com as new updates become available.

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