'Police probe fatal accident' and more Chattanooga region news

Police probe fatal accident

CALHOUN, Ga. - Calhoun police are investigating a two-vehicle accident Saturday night that resulted in a man's death.

Dispatchers sent officers to Laurel Creek Drive at 8:19 p.m. Saturday in response to a report of an accident with injuries, a news release from police Chief Garry Moss states. The driver of a 2013 Dodge Charger traveling east had lost control and crossed into the westbound lane, striking a 2011 Jeep Wrangler, according to preliminary investigation reports.

A passenger in the Charger, identified as 19-year-old Kenny Owen Jr., was taken to Gordon Hospital where he was pronounced dead.

The Wrangler's driver was treated at Gordon Hospital for minor injuries and released.


Judge receives reprimand

POLK COUNTY, Tenn. - The Tennessee Board of Judicial Conduct has issued a public letter of reprimand to Polk County General Sessions and Juvenile Court Judge Billy Baliles for his April 2011 handling of a child custody case.

According to the reprimand, Baliles was presented with an alleged emergency situation involving the Department of Children's Services and he made or issued an "order" altering child custody without a petition or a hearing. He also engaged in impermissible telephone contact with the child's grandfather, the investigation found.

The board letter noted Baliles responded promptly and cooperated fully with the board in the case.


Sleepers charged with drug crimes

FYFFE, Ala. - Three people found asleep on the front porch of a church near Fyffe, Ala., face drug charges, a DeKalb County Sheriff's Office news release states.

Deputies answering a call about a domestic dispute found the suspects had left the scene but located them nearby.

Brandon Phillips, 25, is charged with unlawful possession of prescription drugs and traffic warrants, according to Sheriff Jimmy Harris. Tosha Samara Bell-Gilreath, 28, is charged with unlawful possession of a prohibited beverage, and Jennifer Renee Sanders, 27, is charged with unlawful possession of prescription drugs.


Offenders offered Freedom Week

CLEVELAND, Tenn. - Misdemeanor offenders who have not complied with court requirements in Bradley County can begin a do-over this week.

Court officials have declared Freedom Week to give a fresh start to people who have missed court dates, failed to attend DUI school, missed appointments, failed to complete community service or are late on paying fines, fees costs or restitution.

Offenders wanting to take advantage of the program need to call the misdemeanor probation office of the Bradley County court system this week, according to the Cleveland Daily Banner.

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