TIFTON — A 53-year-old man was gunned down on South Park Avenue Thursday night and a reward is offered for information that leads to the arrest and conviction of the person or people responsible.
Det. Bryan Cavenaugh with the Tifton Police Dept. said officers arrived at the residence at 1116 S. Park Avenue at 9:29 p.m. to find Tony Jerome Thomas shot multiple times with a handgun. Thomas was transported by Tift County Emergency Medical Services to Tift Regional Medical Center where he died of his injuries.
Cavenaugh said Thomas’s body is being sent to the G.B.I. Crime Lab in Atlanta for an autopsy. He said Thomas was sitting on the lawn of the residence when he was shot and, according to witnesses, the offenders left the scene running south down an alley.
“At this point, we are looking into whether this incident is drug-related,” Cavenaugh said. “Drugs were found in the home but we are still not sure if that was the specific cause for the shooting.”
During the investigation, detectives with the TPD secured a search warrant for the residence and, during the subsequent search by the GBI crime scene technician, cocaine and hydrocodone were found. Johnny Swain, 21, the resident of 1116 S. Park Ave., was charged with violation of the Georgia Controlled Substances Act.
“We have conducted several interviews and we have worked the case throughout the night,” Det. Lee Dunston said Thursday afternoon. “We need the one person who knows first-hand what occurred and can break this case wide open for us.”
Anyone with information about the incident is urged to call the TPD Detective’s Division at 382-3132. A reward is offered for anyone that has information that leads to the arrest and conviction of the offender(s).
To contact senior reporter Angie Thompson, call 382-4321.
Local News
Man gunned down in South Tifton yard
- Local News
-
-
Chet Powell starts new wildlife group
Many South Georgians enjoy the beauty of bountiful wildlife. But chances are, few realize that there are those special people out there who work diligently and spend their own money rescuing and rehabbing injured and orphaned animals.
And perhaps not many know about the Georgia Wildlife Rescue Association that is newly formed with Colquitt Countian Chet Powell at its helm. -
BOE introduces behavioral specialists
Programs addressing student behavioral issues were among items discussed at a recent Tift County Board of Education work session.
At Tuesday’s night meeting, Joy West, special education director, introduced three behavioral specialists who have been placed in four local schools to address behavior: Debra Woods at Charles Spencer Elementary, Leigh Ann Haworth at G.O. Bailey Primary and at Len Lastinger Primary, and Jennifer Glenn at Matt Wilson Elementary School.
West said that grades kindergarten through fifth were looked at because a panel saw a great need to address discipline at an early age. -
Community helps with ‘Operation Valentine’
As Valentine’s Day approaches, Bowen-Donaldson Home for Funerals, with the help of some local churches, recently worked on a project, “Operation Valentine,” sending more than 100 personal valentines to military personnel. Local young students created the valentines, which were sent along with some goodies.
Suzanne Myers with Bowen-Donaldson said the funeral home is the Tift County Veterans and Family Memorial Care Provider. - Lee Grace Dougherty to appear in court today
-
Wood turning event Saturday at museum
-
Ga. House rejects charter schools amendment
House lawmakers rejected Wednesday a proposed amendment to the state constitution giving the General Assembly the power to create new charter schools.
- I-75 traffic grinds to halt due to deadly wreck in N. Ga.
-
Statewide tornado drill today
According to the National Weather Service, tornadoes are the No. 1 severe weather-related killer in Georgia. With tornado season fast approaching, Gov. Nathan Deal, the Georgia Emergency Management Agency/Homeland Security and NWS are urging all residents to prepare now for these violent storms. To help Georgians prepare for these dangerous storms, NWS will issue a statewide tornado drill today, and GEMA asks that all schools, households and businesses participate in the drill. GEMA also encourages residents to get ready for tornadoes by purchasing and programming a NOAA Weather Radio.
-
Truck drives off I-75
- City names new attorney
- More Local News Headlines
-
Denver's Largest-Ever Drug Bust Nets Dozens
Marines: No Punishment for Nazi-like Flag
Vets Look to Translate Military Skills Into Jobs
Expert: Removing LA School's Staff 'Appropriate'
Raw Video: School Bus Burst Into Flames
LA School Reopens Amid Sex Abuse Scandal
$25B Settlement Reached Over Foreclosure Abuses
Pentagon: Allow Women Closer to Front Lines
Obama Gives Education Waivers to 10 States
Giffords Aide to Run for Her Seat
LA School in Sex Abuse Scandal Reopens
Winter Slamming North Asia, Parts of Europe
Syrian Forces Renew Bombardment of Homs
States, Banks Reach Foreclosure-abuse Settlement
Raw Video: Italy's Mount Etna Bursts Into Life
Greeks March; Angry Despite Debt Deal
Raw Video: U.S. Pullout Celebration
Raw Video: Annual Empire State Building Run-Up
Man Killed in Courthouse Shootout
Air Force Airlines: Leaders Get Polished Service
