Burglary suspect faces new charges and other news from areas around Chattanooga

photo Christopher M. Stringer

Burglary suspect faces new charges

CLEVELAND, Tenn. - A suspect in a Cleveland car burglary is facing similar charges in a separate case investigated by the Bradley County Sheriff's Office, according to a news release.

Christopher M. Stringer, 21, was arrested Saturday after he crashed his vehicle while fleeing Cleveland police investigating a car burglary on Fulbright Road. He was charged with felony reckless endangerment, driving on a suspended license, stop sign violation, violation of the financial responsibility law, auto burglary and theft, police said at the time. Stolen property was recovered in the car, police said.

On Thursday, sheriff's office spokesman Bob Gault said Stringer also had property taken from a vehicle on Caperton Road in the unincorporated county.

Gault said Stringer faces county charges of auto burglary and theft.


Dietz Road closing Monday

FORT OGLETHORPE - Dietz Road in Fort Oglethorpe will be closed to through traffic Monday and will remain closed for three months for a road project, according to a news release from the Catoosa County Board of Commissioners.

Through traffic will be blocked between Daily Hill Road and Cloud Springs Road, the release stated.

Detours will be posted.


Bypass paving begins Monday

GATLINBURG, Tenn. - Repaving of the Gatlinburg Bypass in the Smoky Mountains will be done around tourism demands.

The National Park Service announced that a contractor will begin milling and repaving the road on Monday.

The bypass will be closed to all traffic from 8 p.m. to 7 a.m. each weekday, starting Sunday night and ending Friday morning. There also will be single-lane closures Monday through Thursday. The paving work is expected to be completed by Sept. 27.

However, from November through May, motorists should expect daytime single-lane closures while crews recondition roadway shoulders and replace damaged guardrails and bridge expansion joints.

No roadwork will be done on weekends, holiday periods or during October.


Officer wins case after firing

BURNS, Tenn. - The state Court of Appeals has ruled in favor of a former Burns police officer who was fired after reporting an illegal action by the chief.

According to court documents, Larry Williams ticketed the stepson of then-Chief Jerry Sumerour for speeding and reckless driving in March 2008. The chief later ordered Williams to change the citations to warnings.

Williams complained to the mayor and was fired several days later, ostensibly for insubordination.

The case was sent back to the trial court to determine damages.

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