Experts say law enforcement body camera use is illegal in some circumstances

SHEILA A. MATHEWS ::: Although no formal stance on the issue of law enforcement officers’ use of body cameras has been taken by the Prosecuting Attorneys’ Council of Georgia, the general consensus of its members and leadership is that current Georgia law is concerning. According to Executive Director Chuck Spahos, the specific code section, O.C.G.A. […]

Questions arise on GPD body camera use

SHEILA A. MATHEWS ::: Publisher’s note – As the city of Griffin prepares to equip its police officers with body cameras, The Grip learned that current state law raises questions regarding the legality of their use in some circumstances. A number of interviews with local and state officials were conducted and a series of articles […]

Prosecuting attorney concerned about potential impact of body cameras

SHEILA A. MATHEWS ::: Spalding County Senior Assistant District Attorney Kimberly Schwartz acknowledges she has concerns regarding the use of law enforcement body cameras and the manner in which they may impact criminal prosecutions. Schwartz cited the same section of the Georgia Code as Georgia Prosecuting Attorneys’ Council Executive Director Chuck Spahos – 16-11-62 – […]

Rape suspect apprehended

STAFF REPORT ::: The Griffin Police Department has apprehended a suspect being sought in connection to a Sunday afternoon rape on D.F. Fuller Drive. According to Lt. Mike Richardson, of the GPD Criminal Investigation Division, Octavious Russell, of Griffin, has been arrested and charged with rape, aggravated sodomy and burglary. Investigators were on Sunday called […]

Griffin PD investigating violent rape

SHEILA A. MATHEWS ::: The Griffin Police Department is investigating a Sunday afternoon rape that authorities say took place with a child present in the home. Lt. Mike Richardson, of the GPD Criminal Investigation Division, said the incident occurred between 3 and 4 p.m. on D.F. Fuller Drive. “An unknown black male entered her (the […]

Mama’s Country Showcase: Request for alcohol license renewal denied

SHEILA A. MATHEWS ::: The Spalding County Board of Commissioners on Monday voted unanimously to deny the application for renewal of a 2015 alcoholic beverage license submitted by Justin Wynne, the owner of Mama’s Country Showcase located at 2700 North Expressway. Wynne’s application request included the on-site service of beer, wine and liquor. During the […]

Mama’s Country Showcase: Owner denied alcohol license renewal

SHEILA A. MATHEWS ::: The Spalding County Board of Commissioners has voted unanimously to deny the application for renewal of a 2015 alcoholic beverage license submitted by Justin Wynne, the owner of Mama’s Country Showcase located at 2700 North Expressway. Wynne’s application request included the on-site service of beer, wine and liquor. The discussion was […]

One murder suspect remains at-large; two reported in custody

STAFF REPORTS ::: Two of three murder suspects wanted in connection to the Monday, Nov. 24, shooting death of 21-year-old Demarkis Willis are in police custody. According to Lt. Mike Richardson, of the GPD Criminal Investigation Division, Christopher Williams turned himself in without incident at the Spalding County Jail just after 5 p.m. Friday, Nov. […]

One Monday murder suspect in custody; two remain at-large

STAFF REPORT ::: The Griffin Police Department has reported that Yohance Hines, one of three suspects being sought in connection with Monday night’s murder of 21-year-old Demarkis Willis, is now in custody. Hines was arrested and taken into custody Wednesday, Nov. 26, at the GPD. Officials say Hines, who had an active arrest warrant for […]

Three suspects of Monday murder identified

SHEILA A. MATHEWS ::: The Griffin Police Department has released the identities of three suspects in the Monday evening murder of 21-year-old Demarkis Willis, of 409 15th St. Investigators said numerous witnesses provided information which resulted in arrest warrants being obtained for Amahjea Williams, age 17, Cornelius Henderson, age 23 and Yohance Hines, age 18. […]

Murder victim identified

SHEILA A. MATHEWS : : : The victim of a fatal Monday evening shooting has been identified as Demarkis Willis, also known by the street name of Woosey, of 409 S. 15th Street. Willis celebrated his 21st birthday last Wednesday. GPD investigators continue to pursue leads in the case and are seeking to apprehended three […]

Shooting victim succumbs to injuries

SHEILA A. MATHEWS ::: Sources have confirmed the as-of-yet unidentified man shot earlier this evening at Ma & Pa’s Grocery has died. According to Lt. Mike Richardson, of the Griffin Police Department, investigators continue to search for leads in this case. “We have three suspects identified, but no one is in custody,” he said. “What […]

Spalding Regional Hospital placed on lockdown

SHEILA A. MATHEWS ::: The Grip has confirmed that the Spalding Regional Hospital emergency room has been placed on lock down. At this time, no one is permitted to enter or leave that area of the hospital. The Grip will report additional information on this developing situation as it becomes available.

Man seriously injured in Monday shooting

SHEILA A. MATHEWS ::: The Grip is on scene at Ma & Pa’s Grocery on Meriwether Street, the location of an earlier shooting that left one man seriously wounded. Lt. Tony Thomason, of the Griffin Police Department’s Criminal Investigation Division, said the unidentified victim sustained a single gunshot wound to the upper body. “He was […]

Griffin PD to obtain officer body cameras

SHEILA A. MATHEWS ::: The city of Griffin tonight received a $10,000 donation from the Waffle House Corporation that will be utilized to fund a portion of the costs associated with equipping GPD officers with body cameras. The total purchase price will be $37,000, and the city Board of Commissioners on Tuesday unanimously approved the […]