State Route 53 (Rome Road) is completely closed in both directions at the Scottsville Community following a major crash involving a tractor-trailer and downed power lines. Georgia State Patrol is on the scene, and drivers are strongly advised to seek alternate routes as heavy delays are expected.
An online merchandise transaction turned into a shootout last Thursday, July 30, at 113 Derby Lane in the Devonwood neighborhood of Calhoun. Gordon County 911 received calls around 6:11 p.m. from concerned neighbors who reported hearing multiple gunshots before seeing individuals toss an item into a truck and speed away in a gray Toyota Camry. According to police, Diego Escutia-Cruz pulled a pistol on a buyer during the meet-up and robbed him at gunpoint, triggering an exchange of gunfire before both men fled. No injuries were reported, though CPD officers later checked the nearby Goodwill location as part of the initial response. Col. Carson reported just before 9 p.m. that the 20-year-old suspect was taken into custody in Rome, Georgia, on active warrants for Armed Robbery, Aggravated Assault, and Reckless Conduct.
The location itself is now drawing intense scrutiny from surrounding residents. Though tax records list 113 Derby Lane as a single-family residence, the home was illegally remodeled into four separate apartments, with no records of permits issued or proper taxes paid in city files. Local online apartment finders have actively advertised the address as multi-family units, and reliable sources indicate city officials were alerted to the unauthorized complex prior to the shooting. Devonwood neighbors report that the property has long been a source of constant neighborhood disturbances and round-the-clock traffic.
At Tuesday’s Gordon County Board of Commissioners meeting, county staff presented a year-end financial update that highlighted rising local sales tax collections, though officials noted the increase was largely driven by inflation rather than a surge in local consumer purchasing. Because sales tax is calculated as a direct percentage of retail prices, ongoing price increases mean consumers paid more at the register for everyday items. As a result, year-end SPLOST revenues reached $15.82 million and LOST collections rose to $9.65 million, while June collections saw a ~4% bump that tracks closely with national inflation rates. On a brighter note for homeowners, the county has accumulated $7.81 million across six months of FLOST collections to help lower local property tax burdens. However, officials caution that FLOST tax relief does not apply to non-homesteaded properties, and residents are urged to verify their property valuations and exemptions at the Gordon County Tax Assessor’s office before the August 14th deadline.
In formal business, commissioners approved a $236,640 SPLOST purchase for five 2027 Ford Explorers for the Sheriff’s Office, awarded to Prater Ford after submitting the low bid. The Board also approved pre-event standby contracts with DebrisTech and CRS for emergency debris monitoring services, which carry no cost unless activated. In public works news, commissioners awarded $213,340 to EXP U.S. Services Inc. for engineering design on a proposed roundabout at Dews Pond Road and Lovers Lane—partnering with EXP for project continuity as the City of Calhoun plans upgrades at Curtis Parkway—along with $12,000 for guardrail engineering on Miller Ferry Road at Oothkalooga Creek.
Additional county updates noted that the Development Authority finalized the sale of the last tract in King Industrial Park on LX Drive, triggering a $565,332 debt reimbursement back to Gordon County. The Board also passed a resolution consenting to the de-annexation of 2.07 acres at 0 Doubletree Drive into unincorporated Gordon County under A-1 zoning, approved a manager change for the Mapco 3608 alcohol license on Rome Road, and recognized IT Director Tim Cochran for winning the employee drawing honoring his 21 years of service.
Gang-Related Arrests:
Aiden Rian Genovese, 17, Calhoun — CPD: Affray, Burglary 1st Degree, Gang Activities (3 counts), Theft by Taking
Adonijai Ramikio McConnell, 18, Calhoun — CPD: Affray, Gang Activities (2 counts)
Anson Jace Moseley, 17, Calhoun — CPD: Affray, Burglary 1st Degree, Gang Activities (3 counts), Theft by Taking
Victor Manuel Munoz Arcos, 17, Calhoun — CPD: Burglary 1st Degree, Gang Activities (3 counts), Theft by Taking
Ze’Bryion Jamar Porter, 18, Calhoun — GCSO: Affray, Gang Activities (2 counts)
Juan Manuel Rodriguez, 18, Calhoun — CPD: Affray, Gang Activities (3 counts)
Joshua Garrett Moreland, 17, Calhoun — CPD: Burglary 1st Degree, Gang Activities (3 counts), Theft by Taking
Other Local Arrests:
James Robert Baker, 55, Calhoun — CPD: Criminal Trespass
Thomas Mitchel Hollingsworth, 61, Calhoun — CPD: Failure to Register as Sex Offender
Sydney Nichole Palmer, 26, Calhoun — GCSO: Possession and Use of Drug-Related Objects, Possession of Methamphetamine
Judy Atkins Shepherd, 41, Sugar Valley — GCSO: Possession and Use of Drug-Related Objects, Possession of Methamphetamine Yesterday’s Recap (Wednesday, August 5) The Atlanta Braves extended their winning streak to a season-high seven games, topping the Miami Marlins 4-1 at Truist Park.
The Pitching: Bryce Elder delivered a masterclass on the mound, pitching one-hit ball over seven dominant innings to pick up his eighth win of the season. Didier Fuentes recorded the final four outs to earn his second career save.
The Offense & The Double: Yes, the Braves hit a double. Austin Riley smashed a ground-rule double in the second inning to drive in Atlanta’s first run of the game. Drake Baldwin followed up with a key two-out, two-run single to complete a three-run second frame. Mauricio Dubón added an RBI single in the third to notch his 600th career hit.
What’s Next The Braves (69-45) hold a firm 7.5-game lead over Philadelphia in the NL East. They look to keep the momentum going as they close out their home series against the Marlins at Truist Park before hitting the road.
