Two Alabama men arrested in robbery-kidnap - and more Chattanooga region news

Thursday, July 3, 2014

photo Bobby Lynn Dowdy Jr. and Bobby Lynn Dowdy Sr.

Two arrested in robbery-kidnap

FORT PAYNE, Ala. - Two DeKalb County, Ala., men have been charged with kidnapping and robbery, according to Sheriff Jimmy Harris.

In a news release, Harris said the victim told investigators that Bobby Lynn Dowdy Sr., 55, and Bobby Lynn Dowdy Jr., 35, took him at gunpoint and drove him around until he gave up his cash and valuables.

The victim told sheriff's investigators he thought he was going to be killed, and the assailants continued to threaten him after they released him, Harris said.

He said that after the victim came forward, the Dowdys were arrested without incident at a home on County Road 9 near Crossville, Ala. They are in the DeKalb County Detention Center on charges of first-degree robbery and second-degree kidnapping.

Harris said additional charges may result when the case is presented to the grand jury.


DeSoto State Park plans fun for the Fourth

DeSoto State Park is planning a weekend of old-fashioned fun for the July 4 holiday on Friday and Saturday.

Make a homemade flag, cool off at the Splish-Splash Pool Party, watch or participate in the Independence Day parade, and eat home-made ice cream at the Ice Cream Social.

All ages are welcome to participate in the flag contest. Materials and rules are available at the campground pavilion in DeSoto State Park's Improved Campground. Flags must be turned in no later than 9 a.m. CDT Saturday at the Nature Center. Parade starts at 3 p.m. CDT Saturday.

For more information, call 256-997-5025.


Career expo in Ringgold, GA

ATLANTA - More than 50 employers will be on hand for a career expo scheduled for July 23 at Ringgold High School, according to a news release.

Employers are looking to fill vacant positions for manufacturing, truck drivers, security guards, metal fabricators, CAD designer, maintenance technicians, welders, retail, outside sales, clerical, health care, and social services. Applicants should bring plenty of resumes, be prepared to fill out company applications, and interview on-site for available job openings, the release stated.

The event is set for 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the gym. Sponsors are the Georgia Department of Labor, the Catoosa County Chamber of Commerce and Ringgold's Downtown Development Authority.

For more information about the expo, contact swat@gdol.ga.gov. Employers who want to register should contact Cathy Toles at 404-274-8687 or e-mail Cathy.Toles@gdol.ga.gov.


Dog shot after charging woman

PELL CITY, Ala. - Police said a woman whose son died in a pit bull attack was visiting his grave when a pit bull approached her and was shot by a police officer.

Pell City police Capt. Joshua Herren told WBMA-TV that the dog approached Johna Harvard, whose 5-year-old son was killed in a dog attack in April.

Harvard said the dog charged at her twice and she ran to her car and called 911. The dog charged an officer who responded and was fatally shot.