Winter storm makes way into Peachtree City
The National Weather Service has announced a winter storm watch for Peachtree City in effect from Jan. 10 7:00 AM EST until Jan. 11 7:00 AM EST. Winter Storm Cora is predicted to hit Tennessee and the southern Appalachian region Friday morning, however, as Jan. 9. at 1 p.m., Peachtree City has a 100% chance of precipitation and a 60% chance of snowing with a high of only 36 degrees yet, winds will likely make it feel more in the 20s. The snow is predicted to start before 1pm followed by the possibility of more snow and freezing rain that afternoon from 1pm to 4pm. On Friday night, the freezing rain has the potential to continue until 10pm.
Peachtree City Police capture suspects after manhunt in Santolina Park
On New Year’s Day, two people were arrested in Peachtree City after a routine traffic stop turned into a manhunt. The incident began around 6 p.m. when a police officer pulled over a car on Highway 74 for having a broken brake light and a suspicious dealership tag. The officer also smelled marijuana, which led him to search the vehicle.
As the officer was searching the car, the female passenger, Sharice Ingram, became nervous and uncooperative about her purse. This raised the officer’s suspicions. While the officer was trying to separate her from the purse, her friend, Tyrese Bullard, suddenly grabbed the purse and ran off, causing a chase. The officer chased Bullard, but during the run, Bullard dropped the purse, which contained a stolen gun, and continued fleeing into nearby woods.
Peachtree City Police quickly responded by setting up a large perimeter to track down Bullard. They brought in two K9 units and a drone equipped with infrared technology. The drone was able to track Bullard’s heat signature, helping officers locate him in the backyard of a home in the Santolina Park subdivision. Bullard tried to run again, but he was caught without force once police caught up to him.
Both suspects were arrested and taken to the Fayette County Jail. Bullard faces several charges, including fleeing from the police and possessing a stolen firearm. Ingram was charged with obstruction and possession of stolen property. The quick response from Peachtree City Police, with the help of technology and teamwork, led to a successful capture of the suspects and showed the effectiveness of the department’s resources.
Missing 80-Year-Old Albert Novotnak Found Dead
On Dec. 22, local resident Albert Novotnak, 80, had been reported missing in Peachtree City. According to 11Alive, Novotnak had been recently diagnosed with Lewy body dementia, the second most common form of dementia.
Peachtree City residents came together on social media sites to express concern and offer to help in searches.
Police reported that callers had reported seeing Novotnak around metro Atlanta, but none were confirmed. His body was later found about a mile from his home on Dec. 27. Novotnak’s death is still under investigation; “Lt. Chris Hyatt said the coroner’s office will determine the cause and time of death, although, Hyatt said it appeared Novotnak had succumbed to the elements,” according to Atlanta News First.
