A Walker County woman is facing animal cruelty charges following an investigation into unsanitary living conditions for animals. 58-year-old Renva Sue Gravitt has been arrested on 22 counts of animal cruelty and 10 counts of failing to control rabies after authorities found 12 dogs and 10 chickens living in filth at her property on Gentry Road in Chickamauga. Animal control officers discovered feces, garbage, and inadequate water, with some dogs housed in poorly ventilated sheds. Gravitt could face up to 22 years in prison and $22,000 in fines if convicted. She has surrendered some animals to the shelter, while others remain in legal custody.
There were 9 felony arrests in Walker County on Tuesday. Among those arrested, 49-year-old Allen Eugene Womble. He was charged with false imprisonment, trespassing and violation of family violence order. 55-year-old Michael Anthony Fossett faces charges of possession of meth with the intent to distribute. 38-year-old Natasha Marie Dunn was booked on trafficking fentanyl, possession of a scheduled II with the intent to distribute. Also, possession of meth with the intent to distribute. 43-year-old Kristi Nicole Patterson and 37-year-old Tyler Nicholas Jones. They both were charged with DUI-drugs and other vehicle violations.
Chattooga County Sole Commissioner Andy Allen has been arrested and booked into the county jail on a simple battery charge stemming from an incident in March. Allen was released on bond after being booked. The case was heard at the annex courthouse with Chief Magistrate Judge Chad Griffin presiding to avoid a conflict of interest. A formal charge means there’s enough evidence to proceed with the legal process, but it doesn’t imply guilt. The case will go to trial in State Court. Simple battery, a misdemeanor under Georgia law, carries potential penalties of up to one year in jail and a fine of up to $1,000.
A Catoosa County jury has convicted gang member Joshua Aaron Basham for the shooting of a man during a road rage incident on October 10th, 2021. The victim, shot in the abdomen, was part of a group that had exchanged gestures with Basham after a near-collision. Basham, a convicted felon, illegally carried a firearm, which he used to shoot the unarmed victim after a brief confrontation. Basham was sentenced to 20 years in prison, with 15 years to be served. District Attorney Clayton Fuller praised the verdict, stressing a strong message against violent crime.
Urgent message from the Walker County Animal Shelter: the shelter is at critical capacity and urgently needs help to prevent the inevitable need for euthanasia. Despite their tireless efforts, including spay/neuter programs, free vaccinations, and adoption events, the shelter has taken in 76 new animals while only 40 have found homes in the past week. With overcrowding, they cannot provide proper care for all animals, and many are suffering. The shelter is calling for adoptions, rescues, and spreading the word to save lives. Visit the shelter today from 10 AM to 4 PM or check their website to view available animals.
Walker County Fire was one of several crews that were in Dade County last night. Walker County fire was there to help with a large structure fire. The blaze happened on Pope Creek Road in Wildwood it completely engulfed the historic Frye Mansion owned by Paul Cummings. Walker County Fire, Chattanooga’s Ladder Truck were on the one the seen along with crews from Jackson and Dekalb County in Alabama and other agencies. The extent of the damage and the cause of the fire have not been released.