What Camden County voters will see on the May primary ballot
While the race for president is getting much of the attention in the 2024 election cycle, Georgia voters will also be electing officials for local, state, and federal office this year. Some of those races will be on the ballot for the stateโs primary on May 21.
Would you use an app to talk to police after you get pulled over?
Traffic stops are the most common police interactions in the United States, but they can also be among the most dangerous, with risks for both law enforcement officers and civilians. A recent incident in Camden County, where a traffic stop escalated into a deadly shooting, has raised questions about the need for a safer approach to traffic stops. Civil rights activists are now pondering whether a different approach at the beginning of such stops could prevent such tragic outcomes.
A Kingsland police officer said someone was sending him threatening text messages. Police say he sent them to himself
A Kingsland Police Department officer who claimed he was receiving harassing text messages from an unknown person was arrested Tuesday after police said they found that he was actually sending the text messages to himself.
Mother found guilty of involuntary manslaughter, aggravated battery in 2019 death of 5-year-old
A woman was found guilty of involuntary manslaughter and aggravated battery in the 2019 death of her 5-year-old son, Keith Higgins, the district attorney for the Brunswick Judicial Circuit, announced Thursday.
Kingsland girl, 8, runs to championship at AAU National Championships
At the AAU National Championships and Junior Olympics, 8-year-old Josalyn Glover of Kingsland, Georgia, nearly broke the national age group record in the 400 meters as she won the title during the meet at North Carolina A&T in Greensboro, North Carolina.
Camden County deputies, Kingsland Police officer accused of racial profiling during โunlawfulโ arrest
The NAACP Camden County Branch is accusing the Camden County Sheriffโs Office and the Kingsland Police Department of racially profiling and unlawfully arresting a young black male during a traffic stop.
District attorney wonโt pursue prosecution in Aug. 2020 shooting involving Kingsland officer
A district attorney on Tuesday announced he would not be pursuing a criminal prosecution with regard to a case involving an officer with the Kingsland Police Department who fatally shot a man in August 2020.
Storms move offshore in GA but continue to push east across NE FL
The Weather Authority is keeping a close eye on a line of thunderstorms just to the west of the I-75 corridor where a severe thunderstorms warning has been issued for Hamilton, Suwannee, and Clinch County until 3:00 PM EDT. These storms have a history on strong winds and hail.
Georgia hospital offering Pfizer vaccines at Brunswick, Kingsland clinics
As the age range of people eligible to receive the COVID-19 vaccine expands in the state of Georgia, a hospital has announced it will be offering Pfizer vaccines at its Brunswick and Kingsland vaccine clinics. It said that starting Thursday, itโll begin offering the vaccine for adults age 16 and older. The locations for vaccines include the Linda S. Pinson Conference Center at 2415 Parkwood Drive in Brunswick. The other location is the Camden Community Recreation Center at 1050 Wildcat Drive in Kingsland, which will offer vaccines Monday and Friday from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. People receiving the vaccine must provide a form of identification and should wear a shirt that provides access to their upper arm.
Southeast Georgia Health System offering COVID-19 shots at Brunswick, Kingsland clinics
All rights reserved)Southeast Georgia Health System is offering COVID-19 vaccine appointments at its Brunswick and Kingsland vaccination clinics for residents meeting current eligibility criteria. Masks are required when in a Health System facility. People age 16 and older with certain medical conditions that increase their risk of severe illness from COVID-19. Note: Pfizer is the only COVID-19 vaccine currently approved for children age 16 and older. Conditions include: asthma, cancer, cerebrovascular disease, chronic kidney disease, COPD, cystic fibrosis, diabetes, hypertension, heart conditions, immunocompromised state, liver disease, neurologic conditions, overweight and obesity, pregnancy, pulmonary fibrosis, sickle cell disease, and thalassemia.
Kingsland man arrested at motel on list of drug charges
Joshua Demetrius Kinnitt was arrested Saturday at a Kingsland motel on a list of drug charges, according to police. KINGSLAND, Ga. โ What began with a 911 call to have guests removed from a Kingsland motel over the weekend led to the arrest of a man who faces a list of drug charges, according to court records. A woman who was detained with Kinnitt told police the drugs, money and gun they found inside the room belonged to Kinnitt. AdThe woman, who had visible injuries to her face and neck, told police she was only in the motel room because Kinnitt had told her to book the room under her name. Kinnitt was taken into custody and charged with methamphetamine possession, possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, trafficking in methamphetamine, possession with intent to distribute cocaine, fentanyl possession, and illegal possession of a firearm.
Southeast Georgia Health System to offer COVID-19 shots at clinics in Brunswick, Kingsland
Southeast Georgia Health System has available COVID-19 vaccine appointments for residents meeting current eligibility criteria at its Brunswick and Kingsland vaccination clinics. Those receiving the vaccine must be available for a second dose 21 days later for the Pfizer vaccine or 28 days later for the Moderna vaccine. AdThose receiving the vaccine must provide a form of identification and should wear a shirt that provides access to their upper arm. Masks are required when in a Health System facility. More vaccine information is available on the Health Systemโs website at sghs.org/covid-19.
Kingsland voters to fill open city council seat
Voters in Kingsland can head to the polls this week as early voting begins for an open city council seat. Councilman LaMar Stokes unexpectedly resigned late last year, prompting a March 16 special election for the Post 3 council seat. Three candidates are running to fill the remaining two years of Stokesโ term:Sanjay PatelBryant ShepardKristy Chance StarkeAdvance, in-person voting for the election begins Monday at the Camden County Annex on North Gross Road in Kingsland. Early voting continues through March 12. Voting at assigned precincts will take place on Election Day, March 16.
Some Publix stores in Georgia begin giving COVID-19 vaccines
Publix announced Thursday it will distribute COVID-19 vaccinations at its pharmacy in Kingsland and inside 107 other Publix pharmacies across the state of Georgia. โAt Publix, we know how important it is to be there, especially in times of need,โ Publix CEO Todd Jones said in a release. Customers with health insurance will need to bring their insurance card to their scheduled appointment. Customers without health insurance will need to provide their driverโs license or Social Security number. According to the Georgia Department of Public Health, 329,506 vaccinations have been given in the state as of Friday morning.
Steady turnout in Southeast Georgia for Senate runoffs
Democrats Jon Ossoff and Raphael Warnock, are challenging incumbent Republicansโ David Perdue and Kelly Loeffler in the race that will determine which party will control the Senate. No matter who wins these races, there will be a razor-thin majority in the Senate. In an AP VoteCast survey of voters, among those who voted for Perdue โ 57% approve of how Georgia Gov. Among those who voted for Ossoff, 44% approve of Kempโs handling on the election results, compared to 54% who disapprove. Even Jacksonville television was saturated with political advertising with the candidates doing everything they could to reach Georgia voters in the viewing area.
Traffic stop leads to arrest, $45K drug bust in Kingsland
KINGSLAND, Ga. โ A man pulled over on Saturday, November 28 for a tag that didnโt match the vehicle, ended up in the Camden County Jail. A spokesperson for the Kingsland Police Department said officers first found a hypodermic needle on the driver, Johnathan McGregor. Officers then searched the vehicle and found approximately 481 grams of methamphetamine, 30.5 grams of cocaine, 7 grams of heroin, 3 firearms, and $1,575 in cash. Camden County Sheriff's Office just released the mugshot of the driver who they said had 481 grams of methamphetamine, 30.5 grams of cocaine, 7 grams of heroin, 3 firearms, and $1,575 cash in his car. pic.twitter.com/9K1BykTv4s โ Emily Boyer (@Wjxt4EmilyBoyer) December 1, 2020McGregor was charged with concealing the identity of a vehicle, driving on a suspended license, possession of drug paraphernalia, possession of cocaine, possession of a firearm during the commission of a crime, possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, trafficking cocaine, and trafficking methamphetamine.
Woodbine teen charged with murder in Kingsland manโs killing
A Camden County teen was arrested Wednesday in the murder of a Kingsland man found shot inside his home earlier this month, the Georgia Bureau of Investigation announced Monday. Ashanti Hollerman, 17, of Woodbine, was taken into custody on charges of murder and aggravated assault in the Nov. 3 killing of Ernest Zachary Ruffell, marking the second arrest in the 34-year-old manโs death. Another suspect, 43-year-old Daniel Miller of Kingsland, is also charged with murder and aggravated assault. He was already in custody on firearms charges linked to the shooting at the time of his arrest. Ruffell was found shot inside his Forest Ridge Drive home about 12:20 a.m. Nov. 3, the Kingsland Police Department previously reported.
Georgia voters face final deadline to have ballot counted
The stateโs voters are facing two key deadlines: the cure ballot deadline and an absentee ballot deadline for military and citizens living overseas. Voters in the peach state can cure absentee and provisional ballots until the end of the day. Georgia law says voters with cure ballot issues can be contacted by email or phone call. Meanwhile, 8,899 absentee ballots from military and overseas voters have not yet been returned to election office as of yesterday morning. Gabriel Sterling, who oversees the stateโs electronic voting system, said itโs federal law that ballots which meet those requirements are counted.
Kingsland man, 34, dies after heโs shot at home
A 34-year-old Kingsland man died early Tuesday after he was shot inside his home. Officers answering a call about gunshots at a Forest Ridge Drive address about 12:20 a.m. found Ernest Zachary Ruffell suffering from a gunshot wound inside the home, according to the Kingsland Police Department. Ruffell received treatment at the scene and was taken to Southeast Georgia Health System in St. Marys, where he was pronounced dead, the police department said in a Tuesday news release. Authorities in Kingsland notified the Georgia Bureau of Investigations, which also is investigating the shooting. Anyone with information about this case is asked to contact Kingsland Police Det.
Georgiaโs early voting continues Saturday and next week
KINGSLAND, Ga. โ Records in Georgia were smashed in the first 10 days of early voting records, with the only Saturday of in-person voting coming up this weekend and one more week to go. โNotwithstanding the pandemic, voters in the Peach State can take advantage of no-excuse absentee ballot voting by mail or through a secure drop box; three weeks of early, in-person voting; or Election Day voting.โThere is at least one early voting location in each of the stateโs 159 counties. Early voting will also be available at least one Saturday before election day in every county. During early voting, people donโt go to their regular polling places for early voting. Instead, they can choose to go to their county registrarโs office or any other early voting location established by county election boards.
Record turnout for Georgiaโs early voting
There were problems in the stateโs largest early voting site -- 300 voting machines set up at State Farm Arena, where the Atlanta Hawks play -- but no problems were reported at early voting sites in Southeast Georgia. When Camden Countyโs early voting site in Kingsland opened at 8 a.m. Tuesday, a dozen people were already in line and the crowd remained steady through noon. There is at least one early voting location in each of the stateโs 159 counties. During early voting, people donโt go to their regular polling places for early voting. Instead, they can choose to go to their county registrarโs office or any other early voting location established by county election boards.
COVID-19 financial assistance available for residents of Woodbine, Kingsland
Financial assistance for mortgage payments, rental bills and utility expenses is available for residents of Woodbine and Kingsland who have suffered hardships from the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. To apply for the Kingsland and Woodbine COVID-19 CARES Relief Funding, citizens should visit Camden Connectionโs website at www.camdenconnection.org to complete an intake survey. Following application submissions, Camden Connectionโs COVID-19 Case Manager will contact individuals directly with information regarding next steps. There are no household income limits, but individuals must meet the following criteria to qualify:Must have a documented financial hardship attributed to COVID-19. Must have a verified address in the City of Kingsland or Woodbine, Georgia.
GBI: Kingsland officer fatally shoots man threatening woman with knife
KINGSLAND, Ga. โ A 47-year-old man who was believed to be threatening a woman with a knife was shot and killed by a Kingsland police officer late Sunday night, according to the Georgia Bureau of Investigation. According to the GBI, Kingsland officers responded to an apartment on Gross Road after receiving a 911 call from a woman screaming. Responding officers saw a man later identified as Gearil Leonard Williams through the window holding a knife, saying the woman appeared to be in distress. As officers entered into the apartment, the woman ran into a bedroom and Williams ran after her, barricading himself inside the room. News4Jax crime and safety expert Ken Jefferson said domestic violence calls are the most dangerous for responding officers and the officer did what he had to.
Camden County deputies: 19-year-old arrested in 11-year-olds disappearance
CAMDEN COUNTY, Ga. A 19-year-old man was arrested in connection with the disappearance of an 11-year-old girl, the Camden County Sheriffs Office said Tuesday. Matthew William Woods, of Jacksonville, is charged with interstate interference with custody, which is a felony. The Sheriffs Office asked for the publics help locating the missing girl after she was last seen around midnight Saturday at her home on Kerry Place in Kingsland. Woods was booked just after 1 p.m. Tuesday into the Camden County jail, according to online jail records. The Sheriffs Office said there could be additional suspects and charges as the investigation continues.
Deputies searching for missing 11-year-old girl in Kingsland
KINGSLAND, Ga. The Camden County Sheriffs Office has asked for the publics help locating a missing child last seen in Kingsland, Georgia. Leann Godwin, 11, was last seen around midnight Saturday at her home on Kerry Place. According to a release from the sheriffs office, Godwin is 4 feet 9 inches tall, weighs 110 pounds and has strawberry blonde hair. Investigators have asked anyone living in the area around Kerry Place to review home security and video systems. They are also asking anyone who has seen any vehicles or people who do not live in the area of Kerry Place within the last few days to contact the Camden County Sheriffs Office.
GBIโs Kingsland office responds to death investigation in Brantley County
WAYNESVILLE, Ga. โ The Georgia Bureau of Investigationโs Kingsland office has responded to a death investigation in Waynesville at the request of the Brantley County Sheriffโs Office, the GBI said Sunday afternoon. The GBI said it is actively investigating the case. No further details were released.
Police: Hillsborough County employee arrested in Southeast Georgia with brother
The two suspects were identified as David and Markesha Blakely, of Tampa, Florida, who are brother and sister, according to police. When the officer searched the car, he first located 15 grams of marijuana and a large stack of cash totaling $7,000, the affidavit said. When the officer searched the trunk, he found several shoe boxes. He told the officer his sister had nothing to do with his actions, according to the affidavit. According to the affidavit, she is a Hillsborough County employee.
Couple arrested after toddler hospitalized with skull fractures, other injuries
KINGSLAND, Ga. Two people were arrested over the weekend after a 2-year-old was brought to a hospital semiconscious, with numerous injuries, according to the Kingsland Police Department. The childs mother, Dakota Poturich, and Poturichs fiance, Christopher Miller, are each charged with cruelty to a child. About 4:50 a.m. Saturday, officers were called to a hospital in St. Marys, where police said they discovered the toddler had injuries that included visible bruises and lacerations all over the body. Due to these injuries, police said, the toddler was transported to Wolfson Childrens Hospital in Jacksonville, where staff found the child had two skull fractures and a lacerated liver. According to the arrest report, Poturich told police she was asleep when Miller woke her up, panicking with the child in his hands.
Victim: Kingsland man used racial slur while pulling gun on family
KINGSLAND, Ga. โ A family is shaken after police say a Kingsland man drew a gun on them in a grocery store parking lot. Dawson said Langdale used a racial slur directed at him while he pointed a gun at him in the parking lot of a Winn-Dixie in Kingsland. Dawson tried calming Langdale down, but instead, Dawson said Langdale raised his gun and at one point called him a racial slur. All I could see was the barrel of that gun," Dawson said. The police report said security cameras in the parking lot showed Langdale brandishing his gun towards Dawson, which led to his arrest.
Police: Sinkhole closes road in Kingsland
KINGSLAND, Ga. May Creek Street, just south of David L. Rainer Elementary School, has been temporarily closed in both directions due to a sinkhole, the Kingsland Police Department said Sunday. Police said signs have been placed and barricades have been put up to close off a portion of the roadway. It is unclear how long the roadway will be closed. Police asked people to drive with caution and use an alternate route.
Former Kingsland officer convicted of violating oath in deadly shooting out of prison
KINGSLAND, Ga. The former Kingsland police officer convicted of violating his oath as an officer in the shooting death of Tony Green is out of prison, according to the Georgia Department of Corrections. Zechariah Presley served seven months of his sentence. In October, he was sentenced to one year in prison and four years of probation. He told News4Jax, they were upset and hurt on Thursday when they learned Presley was released early. He was acquitted in 2019 of voluntary manslaughter and involuntary manslaughter charges.
Camden County motorcyclist injured after car cuts him off
I ended up on the other side of the road,โ Manuel said. Manuel told News4Jax it was one of the scariest moments of his life. A witness told police a blue car cut Manuel off, so he braked, skidded and the blue car did not stop. Manuel was close to his home when the incident happened, and he said his surveillance cameras caught the blue car driving off. Aaron Manuel was close to his home when the incident happened, and he said his surveillance cameras caught the blue car driving off.
Despite conviction, authorities reopen 1985 Woodbine murder case
Published: May 13, 2020, 9:56 pm Updated: May 14, 2020, 6:51 amKINGSLAND, Ga. โ The case of a couple shot to death at a Woodbine church has been reopened because of some possible new evidence, the Georgia Bureau of Investigation said Wednesday. In 2003, the case was closed after Dennis Perry was convicted of the murders. But the GBI will re-examine the investigation and evidence in the case to determine the significance of the possible new evidence, the Bureau said in a news release. The GBI and the Camden County Sheriffโs Office reopened the case Wednesday. Anyone with information pertinent to this investigation is asked to call authorities at 1-800-597-TIPS (8477).
Parade honors former Camden County school bus driver who died from COVID-19
KINGSLAND, Ga. โ A man who was a bus driver for Camden County Schools for 20 years has died from complications of COVID-19, friends told News4Jax. Lalonee Gibbs, 44, contracted COVID-19 several weeks ago and died in a hospital, friends said. Police, fire rescue personnel and dozens of cars, led by Camden County school buses and a Greyhound bus, drove past the home of Gibbsโ mother. A Camden County Schools spokesperson released the following statement regarding Gibbsโ death to News4Jax:โWe were deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Mr. Lalonee Gibbs. According to the Georgia Department of Public Health, the death was the first from COVID-19 in Camden County.
Ex-officer sentenced to 5 years, will only spend 1 in prison
But Zechariah Presley will only spend the first year of his sentence in prison. Presley was wearing a jail uniform Friday when he walked into the courtroom, which was filled with people wearing red for Green and others wearing blue for Presley. Witness impact statements were made by Green's family members. Green's family has moved forward with a civil suit. That left the jury to weigh Presleys court testimony recalling what had occurred with a sometimes conflicting account by prosecutors and investigators.
Autopsy report released in death of Tony Green
WOODBINE, Ga. - News4Jax has obtained the autopsy report performed on Tony Green, the man who was shot and killed by a former Kingsland police officer after a traffic stop. The report said one bullet was lodged in his spine, one was found in his heart, one was removed from his pelvis and another was removed from his back. According to the report, there were 18 abrasions found on Green's body, and there were several apparent gunshot wounds, including a graze wound. The medical examiner report did not say which gunshot wound proved fatal. Zachariah Presley, the officer who shot Green, was acquitted of voluntary manslaughter and involuntary manslaughter charges.
Family of man killed by officer to file civil lawsuit
The family of a man shot and killed by a Kingsland police officer plans to proceed with a civil lawsuit against the former officer. On Saturday, Tony Green's supporters and family were upset after a jury found former Kingsland police Officer Zechariah Presley not guilty of two counts of manslaughter, but guilty of violation of oath. Green's family obtained an attorney for a civil lawsuit, Reginald Greene, who said his team had to wait for the criminal case to end before the civil case could proceed. Local Florida attorney Randy Reep thinks because the family didn't win its case in state court, there could be a low probability in federal court. Presley's lead attorney, Adrienne Browning, said she plans to appeal the guilty verdict for violation of oath.
Serving on 2 juries, Kent Justice was once named foreman
On one of the trials, I was named foreman of the jury. On the trial where I served as foreman, the court began the proceedings on a Thursday. That's not typically when a big court case starts, but we were dealing with a couple of misdemeanor charges, and I think the court felt the case would move quickly. We returned to our jury room at about 12:30 p.m. During the next hour, we voted on a foreman (yours truly). By 5 p.m., there was a single holdout for the prosecution: the jury foreman.
Zechariah Presley's fate in jurors' hands after closing statements
WOODBINE, Ga. - A Camden County jury charged with deciding if a former Kingsland police officer committed a crime when he shot and killed an unarmed motorist after a traffic stop in June 2018 has now... Copyright 2019 by WJXT News4Jax - All rights reserved.
Coroner: Man running from traffic stop shot 'all over his body' by ex-Kingsland officer
Green was unarmed when he confronted Officer Zechariah Presley after a traffic stop on June 20, 2018. Presley claims he was defending himself when he shot and killed Green, who was unarmed at the time. The ruling came two days after the defense played Presley's dashcam and body camera footage from the 2018 shooting in court. Despite being dark outside, the video clearly showed Presley chasing Green on foot, and Presley could be heard warning Green that he was deploying a Taser. Exactly what happened when Presley caught up to Green is unclear based on the footage, but an apparent struggle ensued.
Ex-Kingsland officer shot man running from traffic stop 'all over his body'
Tony Green was shot multiple times in the chest and in the back, a pathologist testified Tuesday in the trial of a former Kingsland police officer charged with voluntary manslaughter and other... Copyright 2019 by WJXT News4Jax - All rights reserved.
Dashcam, bodycam videos played at ex-Kingsland officer's hearing
With his trial on a charge of voluntary manslaughter approaching, Zechariah Presley's attorneys filed a motion for immunity from prosecution. Presley claims he was defending himself when he shot and killed 33-year-old Tony Green after a traffic stop last summer. It was very overwhelming to watch Tony Green's life taken in such an instant," the family's pastor, Mack Knight, said. Presley is set to stand trial next week unless Judge Stephen Scarlett agrees with Green's motion of immunity. "Looking forward to Monday if he doesn't grant our motion," Presley's attorney, Alan Tucker, said.
Dashcam, body camera videos shown at ex-Kingsland officer's hearing
VIDEO: Dashcam and body camera videos were shown in court at a hearing on a motion that charges against a former Kingsland police officer for killing an unarmed man during a traffic stop last year be... Copyright 2019 by WJXT News4Jax - All rights reserved.
Donated funds will help bury boy who deputies say died of abuse
The woman who created a GoFundMe page for 5-year-old Matthew (Mateo) Ortega confirms hes the Kingsland boy who died Monday from abuse. The Camden County Sheriff's Office arrested the child's mother, Maria Miranda Alas, from El Salvador, on a charge of murder and her boyfriend for making false statements. The Sheriff's Office said Alas flagged down a deputy Monday and communicated through broken English that the boy in her lap was unconscious. The couple was escorted to Camden Medical Center. As the child's condition worsened, he was flown by air ambulance to Wolfson Children's Hospital in Jacksonville, where he died.
Crash of 2 semis backs up northbound I-95 in Camden County
WOODBINE, Ga. - A crash Thursday in the northbound lanes of Interstate 95 in Camden County appearing to involve two tractor-trailers backed up the highway for hours. The crash is north of the Woodbine exit, but traffic was backed up to Kingsland. Sky4 aerials showed one semi in two pieces being towed away. News4Jax is waiting for information from the Georgia State Patrol. Copyright 2019 by WJXT News4Jax - All rights reserved.
Family & friends remember man killed by Kingsland officer
KINGSLAND, Ga. โ Family and friends of a 33-year-old Georgia man who was shot and killed by a now former Kingsland, Georgia, police officer gathered Thursday night for a prayer vigil to remember Tony Green one year after his death. The Georgia Bureau of Investigation determined Zechariah Presley killed Green by shooting him multiple times from behind as Green ran from the officer during a traffic stop. After the shooting, Presley was fired from the department and indicted on a charge of manslaughter. "We believe the only way justice will be served is if Zechariah Presley receives the maximum sentence allowed for the charges he's been given." Benefield said even if Presley is convicted, Green's family and friends won't feel closure for a long time.
Georgia mother sentenced to 20 years in son's hot car death
KINGSLAND, Ga. โ The mother of a 7-month-old Georgia boy who died after he was left in a hot car outside a South Georgia hotel last year will spend 20 years in prison. Rhae Odum, 29, was sentenced Wednesday after she pleaded guilty in November to second-degree murder in the death of her son, Slade Edison Horne. Slade died of hyperthermia after he was left in a vehicle outside a Quality Inn on Robert L. Edenfield Drive in Kingsland. According to police, physical evidence, witness statements and Odum's own comments led to her arrest. Odum must serve 10 years on probation after completing her 20-year prison term and can have no unsupervised contact with minors after her release.
Police: Cocaine found in man's shoe after DUI arrest
KINGSLAND, Ga. โ A man charged with DUI after a traffic stop in Kingsland is also facing drug charges after a search turned up a baggie of cocaine in his shoe, police said. Police said the officer noticed a smell of alcohol during the traffic stop and Smith failed field sobriety tests. He was placed under arrest for driving under the influence and when he was searched during the booking process, a clear baggie containing a white powdery substance was found in his shoe, police said. The substance turned out to be 27.5 grams of cocaine, according to Kingsland PD. Smith was also charged with possession of cocaine, driving without a license and erratic lane change.
Activists group holds walk for a man who was killed by a police officer
KINGSLAND, Ga. โ The group Concerned Citizens of Camden County held a walk outside City Hall in Kingsland over the shooting death of Tony Green. Green was shot and killed by a Kingsland police officer in June after running during a traffic stop. Officer Zechariah Presley is facing voluntary manslaughter and violating his oath charges. We've been asking for the policies of hiring a police officer here in Kingsland and we have not gotten that yet," Knight said. It's not a black thing, it's not a white thing, it's a right and wrong thing and this was wrong.
Kingsland officer who shot, killed man identified
KINGSLAND, Ga. โ The Georgia Bureau of Investigation identified the officer it said fatally shot a man during a chase in Kingsland, announcing Friday he'd been placed on administrative leave. According to the GBI, the officer involved in the death of Anthony Green, 33, is Zechariah Presley. Green was killed Wednesday night when Green and an unidentified passenger stopped the vehicle they were in and ran, police said. "A brief altercation" ended with the officer firing multiple shots that killed Green. ORIGINAL STORY: Man, 33, shot, killed by Kingsland police, authorities sayThe GBI reviewed video from Presley's patrol car and video from his body camera.
Police: Kingsland man arrested in Family Dollar armed robbery
KINGSLAND, Ga. โ A man was arrested after an armed robbery was reported Saturday night at a Family Dollar store, the Kingsland Police Department said. Anthony White, 45, of Kingsland, is charged with armed robbery and kidnapping. Officers responded about 10:25 p.m. to a report of an armed robbery at the Family Dollar on South Lee Street. The Camden County Sheriff's Office Emergency Response Team was called and tried to make contact with the person inside the store. After several hours, police said, the Emergency Response Team decided to enter the store, and took the man into custody without incident.
21-year-old Kingsland woman found in Folkston
KINGSLAND, Ga. โ A 21-year-old woman who had been reported missing in Camden County was found Wednesday in Folkston, Georgia. Ashley Rauscher's family told News4Jax that after she disappeared Monday they went door-to-door searching for Rauscher and looking in the heavily wooded areas around the neighborhood where she lives. But Rauscher was found Wednesday at her friend's home in Folkston and told police she was "where she wanted to be" and had just been trying to get away from her boyfriend and his family. Rauscher's boyfriend, Timothy Vessels, who lives with her, told News4Jax that he woke up Monday and saw the front door open and there was no sign of Rauscher. He said she had been acting strangely for several days after meeting up with an old friend.
Man accused of falsely reporting his vehicle stolen
KINGSLAND, Ga. โ A man was arrested after he falsely reported his vehicle to be stolen, the Kingsland Police Department announced Monday. Billy Nash, 37, called to report his vehicle stolen on June 29, according to the Police Department. A vehicle was found damaged and submerged in a local pond on Aug. 2 and the Camden County Sheriff's Office dive team confirmed it was the same car that Nash reported stolen, investigators said. A warrant for false statements, insurance fraud and false report of a vehicle theft was obtained on Friday and Nash was arrested at his Kingsland residence Monday, police said. Detective Hugh Riley is the lead case detective and was assisted by the Camden County Sheriffโs Office Dive Team.