Grovetown Police Department

We have received a number of messages and phone calls, beginning yesterday regarding the social media postings about the dog located at the residence on Taylor Circle here in Grovetown.

I wanted to take a moment and address the issue so that everyone understands what has taken place with regards to the involvement and actions taken by the Grovetown Police Department concerning this matter. I also want to be perfectly clear that this post is in no way intended to besmirch or slander the Columbia County Animal Control. They have always been extremely professional, helpful, and responsive to our requests for assistance. They have an extremely tough job and with a county the size of ours, I can only imagine the amount of calls and complaints that they handle.

On the morning of 5/31 this year, a City employee came to the Police Department to report that they had observed a dog that appeared to be in poor condition, located at a residence on Taylor Circle. At that time, our dispatcher notified Animal Control of the employee's concern and the address. The following day, 6/1, a call was received by our dispatch from a concerned citizen regarding the dog. A Sergeant responded to the residence and observed the dog in the back yard. At that time, the Sergeant contacted Animal Control and advised them of the call. The Sergeant was advised by Animal Control that they were familiar with the case from the previous call on 5/31 and that they had made contact with the owner, viewed Veterinarian paperwork, and were going to follow up with the owner on 6/3.

Prior to yesterday's date, we had not received any further calls to this residence regarding the dog. As with all calls, these are documented in our dispatch center with dates, times, and a synopsis of any radio communications from the Sergeant while he was on the scene.

Upon leaving work last evening, I traveled to the residence and met with the owner and observed the dog myself. The owner advised that the dog (Angel) began losing weight in October of last year. She stated that her feeding habits had not changed. I was allowed to view Veterinarian paperwork from a local clinic showing that Angel was examined in June of this year and that the examination was "unremarkable." There was no clear indication given as to why Angel could be losing weight and follow-up lab work was recommended.

I then observed Angel myself in the backyard of the residence. While there is no doubt she is extremely skinny and her appearance is shocking, she was very sociable and greeted both me and her owner with her tail wagging while gladly accepting head rubs. There was no signs of obvious outward physical abuse or trauma to her. She had food and water dishes, shelter, and was on an approximately 15-foot lead with an unobstructed area to move about. The owner advised me that she has another Veterinarian appointment on 8/9 to have lab work completed.

As an owner of multiple pets and an animal lover, I totally understand the emotional responses that the photo of the dog elicited. This was why I chose to go and view her firsthand. However, I am not a Veterinarian and possess zero knowledge or training as it relates to veterinary science. After viewing the paperwork the owner provided, I did not see any physical signs of abuse that would have met a criminal threshold.

This morning, I was contacted by Angel's owner who relayed to me that since yesterday evening she has received mulitple harassing messages as well as some veiled threats via social media. Several of these included people saying that they were going to come to her home. This is totally unacceptable and we will be revieiwing the messages and taking appropriate action if deemed necessary. Several neighbors have already reported vehicles traveling through the neighborhood and slowing in front of the residence. As such, we have increased our patrols and will maintain a visible presence throughout the neighborhood.

In closing, emotions cannot be allowed to override rational thought and they are certainly never an excuse for threats or intimidation. A court date has been set and a Judge will hear the case and ultimately render a decision. That is the process.

I want to reiterate my appreciation for the Columbia County Animal Control and the jobs they do and the challenges they face while doing them. I personally could not do it and they have my utmost respect.

**As I was typing this post, Angel was surrendered to Columbia County Animal Control.

Chief Jamey Kitchens

The Grovetown Police Department is getting ready for its annual National Night Out Back-to-School Bash, on Friday, August 2nd, from 6PM-9PM at the Liberty Park Community Center.

This year's event will feature free back to school supplies, children's activities, photo ops with your favorite princesses, and free food and refreshments! Partners like Jefferson Electric, SRP Federal Credit Union, Safe Homes of Augusta, and Columbia County Community Connections will also be on-site with additional services available for the public. We will also be hosting free child safety seat demonstrations, the Masonic Chips program for child identification, blood pressure checks, and our Fire Safety House, as well as an appearance by the Air-Care helicopter!

National Night Out encourages law enforcement and communities to strengthen neighborhoods by getting to know one another to keep communities safe and promote community partnerships. National Night Out is not only a fun night with your friends, the event also sends a message to criminals that you are standing up against them by forming an alliance with your neighbors and police. Grovetown neighborhoods are invited to join cities throughout Georgia on Friday, August 2nd, 2024, by attending this event and leaving on all outside porch lights.

If you have any questions, please contact Major Robert Eastman at 706-863-1212, and we hope to see you then!

Please see the attached media release regarding the arrest of Joe Hills for Trafficking of Persons for Sexual Servitude.

Please see the attached media release regarding the tragic drowning of a juvenile.

Please see the attached media release regarding the arrest of Peter Copeland for Neglect to a Disabled/Elderly Adult.

Please be on the lookout

Operation Southern Slowdown will begin tomorrow until Sunday. Drive the speed limit and buckle up every time you are behind the wheel.

This week our very own K9 Officer, Harris Jenkins was recognized by the Augusta GreenJackets as their “First Responder of the Game”.

We are grateful for Officer Jenkins and his hard work, and grateful to the GreenJackets for honoring him.

On July 1st, operating a "squatted" truck on Georgia roadways became illegal. OCGA 40-8-6 and 40-8-6.1 highlight that any vehicle weighing between 4000 lbs and not more than 7500 lbs is restricted from elevating or lowering the frame height more than four inches above or below the frame of the rear of the vehicle. It also establishes that a vehicle lift can be no more than six inches above or below the manufacturer's recommendation. This update covers most passenger cars and trucks that travel our roads.

Emma Caldwell continues to be classified as a runaway juvenile. She has been spotted in Harlem, and Augusta. She is believed to be actively evading authorities and family. Please call with any information.

UPDATE: Emma Caldwell has been located and is safe.

***Runaway Juvenile***

16 year old Emma Caldwell was last seen at her home on Lory Lane at approximately 1145pm on 07/04/24. She was wearing a gray shirt, black shorts and gray crocs. She is possibly traveling in a black Ford sedan with other juveniles. Please call the Grovetown Police Department with any information

The Grovetown Police Department would like to congratulate Investigator William Rodman for his Employee of the Month Award.

Investigator Rodman was recognized due to his outstanding recent work on child abuse cases. Additionally, Investigator Rodman has gone above and beyond when investigating s*xual assaults, this included arresting a serial s*x offender on a case that was starting to go “cold”.

UPDATE: Emma Caldwell has been located and is safe.

***Runaway Juvenile***

16 year old Emma Caldwell was last seen at her home on Lory Lane at approximately 1145pm on 07/04/24. She was wearing a gray shirt, black shorts and gray crocs. She is possibly traveling in a black Ford sedan with other juveniles. Please call the Grovetown Police Department with any information

Please see the attached media release regarding the results of an investigation into child s*xual abuse.

***UPDATE- Thalia has been located and is safe***

***Runaway Juvenile***

Please be on the lookout for Thalia Garcia, 15 years old. She was last seen wearing a grey sweatshirt and black shorts this afternoon on Country Glenn Drive.

Callers can remain anonymous

Our summer kids camp finished up their week-long kickball tournament. The winning team - “Loomer’s Lions” celebrated with some ice cream floats .

Luckily for “Rodman’s Rams” we saved some consolation ice cream for them too.

Please assist the Grovetown Police Department in identifying these individuals who are wanted for criminal trespass. They are also persons of interest in a burglary. This occurred at the swimming pool in the Caroleton subdivision.

Callers can remain anonymous.

What better way to cool off our Summer Camp attendees than with a helping hand from the Grovetown Fire Department?

***UPDATE***
The railroad crossing has been fixed and is back open.

🚨🚨🚨TRAFFIC ALERT 🚨🚨🚨

The railroad crossing at East and West Robinson Avenue is malfunctioning and stuck in the down position. Please avoid this route. The crossing at Katherine Street is functioning properly. Currently we have not been given an ETA for repair, but will update as soon as it’s completed.

According to NCADV, Children’s immediate reaction to experiencing domestic violence include generalized anxiety, sleeplessness, aggression, difficulty concentrating, nightmares, bed-wetting, and separation anxiety. If you or your children need help, please call our 24 hour hotline number. 706-736-2499

**UPDATE**
The crossing arms have been repaired and the roadway is back open.

🚨🚨TRAFFIC ALERT 🚨 🚨

The railroad crossing arms at East and West Robinson Avenue are malfunctioning and are stuck in the down position. CSX has been notified of the issue. Please avoid this crossing if possible and utilize Katherine Street crossing. We will provide an update once the repairs have been completed and the crossing is back open.

*** Update****

Thank you for the assistance of the public in identifying Kevin Roll, who stole over $500 worth of clothing from Peanuts Laundry on Sunday night.

After identification, Investigators have located and detained Mr. Roll. Subsequent charges are pending .

Positions are available for Road Patrol and Road Patrol Sergeant.

Feel free to reach out to Captain Powell to discuss how your new career or transition to our department will elevate your opportunities in law enforcement.

Please assist the Grovetown Police Department in identifying the individual pictured below, who is wanted for questioning in reference to a theft at the Grovetown Neighborhood Walmart.

If you are the individual in the photograph, you are encouraged to reach out to the Police Department.

**UPDATE**
The repair has been completed and the roadway is back open.

🚨🚨 TRAFFIC ALERT 🚨🚨

One lane of Old Berzelia road will be closed at Lakeside Drive to repair a water leak. The City will shut down one lane at approximately 9 am. We will have flaggers in place. Please slow down and use caution in this area.

Today, we honor the men and women who gave the ultimate sacrifice.

** UPDATE- Cara has been located and is safe**

**Runaway Juvenile**

Please be on the lookout for 15 year old Cara McKee. She’s F501 , 105lbs, with braces and a nose ring. She was last seen this evening on Calumet Court. Please call with any information.

A double rainbow over Grovetown to get Memorial Weekend started.

Stay safe and enjoy the holiday weekend!

🚨🚨Summer Camp is officially full 🚨🚨

The Grovetown Police Department’s Annual Summer Camp is now open for registration. Registration will be limited to the first 50 children. Summer Camp will be June 10-14th from 8AM-4PM, and will be held at Liberty Park Community Center.

We are aware of more of this “ding d**g ditch” going on in the Willowick area early this morning.

We are taking this opportunity to ask you to please speak with your kids, educate them. This seems to be a growing trend across the area and it will end badly for someone eventually.

***edited by Chief Kitchens***

Parents, please keep up with your children and speak regularly with them about consequences for their behaviors. And for those who may harken back to a time when this was considered “harmless” fun, I would like to add that even then, not everyone considered it harmless. It is certainly not seen or taken as such nowadays. Lurking around someone’s property in the wee hours of the night, regardless of intent, is a recipe for disaster.

It’s not the Police, nor Societies job to raise your kids.

Do better.