Bike rider hit by car but OK

Published 8:21 pm Wednesday, August 6, 2014

The victim of a hit and run accident Sunday night has been cited for not having a functioning headlight on his bicycle – and  reports indicate alcohol was a factor.

According to an incident report filed at the Tift County Sheriff’s Office, a man reported that he was riding his bicycle north on Southern Avenue between Doc Melton Sr. Drive and Hughes Lane when a gray car struck his bicycle. He reported that after his bike was struck, the vehicle backed up and a black male driver asked if he was OK. He said the subject then drove off, heading north on Southern Avenue. He believed the vehicle pulled out of Eagles Wings Worship Center.

The complainant said he then got up and took his bicycle home where he notified 911. Deputy Chris Spires reported that he saw a blue Schwinn bicycle with a bent front rim and tire. The bike didn’t have a headlight, which is required by Georgia Law. Spires said the complainant was also under the influence of alcohol.

The complainant said he drank two beers before going out on his bike, and when he got home, he drank two more awaiting Emergency Medical Services and law enforcement’s arrival. He refused treatment and was cited for not having a functioning headlight visible for at least 300 feet. He complained of a swollen wrist.

In another matter, another scam incident from someone claiming to be with Publisher’s Clearing House was reported to police. According to an incident report filed at the Tifton Police Department, Sgt. Terry Allen reported Monday afternoon that he was sent to the 1700 block of Valley Drive in reference to a scam. Upon arrival, he made contact with the complainant, a 61-year-old man, who said he received a call from a subject who claimed he was in Cordele from Publisher’s Clearing House and that he had won a Mercedes plus $350,000.

The subject told the complainant that he needed to Western Union $186 for the taxes on the prizes. The complainant said when he told him he didn’t have the money, the subject became pushy and asked if he had someone he could borrow the money from. He said when he told the subject no, he then asked if he had $60 to $70 that he could scrap up around the house. He told him no and the subject said he would talk to his supervisor.

The complainant said he thought the call was fraudulent because during the conversation, the subject called him Michael. When he asked what names the prizes were in, the subject asked him for his first name. He said the subject never asked his last name to verify who he was talking to.

Allen said as he was talking to the complainant, his phone rang. The complainant noted that the caller was the subject claiming to be with Publisher’s Clearing House. He answered the phone, placing it on speaker. The subject said he talked to his supervisor and that he could send the $70.

The complainant told the subject that he didn’t agree to send $70 and that he didn’t have any money. The subject told him that he would put his prizes on hold until he could get the money.

Allen took the phone and asked who he was speaking to. The subject acted like he couldn’t hear him as Allen asked twice more for him to identify himself. He told Allen that it sounded like he had “(expletive) corn” in his mouth. Allen said he knew at that time that he was not dealing with a professional from Publisher’s Clearing House. He identified himself to the subject and asked who he was speaking to.

The subject identified himself as Michael Anderson. Allen said Anderson told him that this was not his business and to give the phone back to the complainant. After speaking to the subject further, Allen then told him the complainant had requested for him to not call his phone. Anderson responded that he would call his phone as much as he wanted. After Allen told him once again to not call the phone anymore, he ended the call.

Allen said as he was recalling the number that Anderson was calling from, the phone rang again with the number 867-461-6820. He answered and Anderson said, “Don’t give the phone to that (expletive) again.” Allen replied that it was him and not to call again, ending the conversation.

He told the complainant that the call seemed like a scam and that generally Publisher’s Clearing House doesn’t ask for people to send money. Also, he advised professionals don’t use profane language or go out of their way to conceal their identities.

In other unrelated cases:

• An anonymous caller reported seeing two black males attempting to enter into LK’s Audio on East Ninth Street early Friday morning. Officer Anthony Hughes reported that upon arrival to the area, he was told by dispatch that the subjects had walked to the area of a nearby restaurant. However, he was unable to locate the two males. When checking the door and windows at LK’s Audio, Hughes said he found that the glass window next to the front door had been broken out. A lieutenant and investigator were called to the scene. The owner of the business was also contacted. He said the only known items at the time that were taken were two different types of car audio amps.

• A man reported Saturday that damage was found on his work vehicle, which was left at the south side of Matt Wilson Elementary School and unattended since Friday. The front windshield was hit several times with five to six bricks that were still on the hood of the vehicle. The passenger side window was broken completely out and a large piece of concrete was located inside the vehicle. Also, the vehicle’s glove box was found open and in disarray. The vehicle was not locked. The complainant’s employee noted a silver air pressure gauge was missing from the glove box.

To contact reporter Latasha Ford, call 382-4321.