Howard Sills

Ismael Monzon-Turino

Ismael Monzon-Turino

Accused truck thief found in Florida

After eight months of searching, local authorities found an accused truck thief in Florida and brought him back to face charges in Putnam County.Around 5:30 a.m.
Eatonton Messenger/File Photo

Eatonton Messenger/File Photo

Driver distracted by cell phone at fault in crash

A high school student was reportedly ticketed for distracted driving after looking down at his cell phone, which subsequently caused a serious crash.Nicholas Sills, 18, of Eatonton, was driving home from Putnam County High School on March 6 in his 2011 Ford F-150.
Richard B. Barber

Richard B. Barber

Six-time felon arrested with guns and drugs

An unidentified man attempted to break into a house in which some teens were home alone, but the family’s dogs scared him off. A short time later, an arrest was made across the street on charges unrelated to the attempted break-in, according to Putnam County Sheriff Howard Sills.
Security camera reveals an armed prowler in the yard of a River Lake Drive residence.

Security camera reveals an armed prowler in the yard of a River Lake Drive residence.

Cameras help authorities solve crimes

Putnam County authorities are searching several counties for a wanted man, while in a separate case, they searched far and wide until locating and arresting two men believed to be involved in stealing from a local business.
Lajuan Evans

Lajuan Evans

Jury trial in progress for Shell Station murder

A murder trial is underway this week in Putnam County Superior Court with a panel of jurors hearing presentations by attorneys regarding the shooting death of 32-year-old Frederick Lamar Scott, Jr. of Eatonton.
“Jello” Williams

“Jello” Williams

Foot chase yields a ‘threefer’ for authorities

Jumping into shoulder-deep water on a winter day didn’t help a wanted man from escaping Putnam County Sheriff’s deputies, and neither did it help two other men who happened to be in the wrong place at the wrong time, Sheriff Howard Sills said.
Dennis James Talley

Dennis James Talley

Man jailed for stalking teen encountered at stop light

A 17-year-old Eatonton girl stopped at a red light on the Eatonton Bypass/U.S. Hwy. 441 last week, and it was there that a nightmare began for her. She noticed a man following her and, at some point, when it was obvious he was not going to stop, she became so scared that she called 911.
Ryan Winfield

Ryan Winfield

Local, state, federal authorities raid local businesses

The presence of a large number of various law enforcement agencies, their vehicles’ flashing blue lights, and the closings of numerous businesses last week caught the attention of Putnam County residents and piqued their curiosity, according to overheard conversations and social media comments.