A two-year-old child from Rock Spring was in critical condition over the weekend after being shot in the head Christmas morning. Deputies were called to a home on Tarvin Road around 9:50 a.m. Christmas Day, where first responders found the toddler suffering from a gunshot wound. The child was rushed to T.C. Thompson Children’s Hospital in Chattanooga. At last report the child was still listed in critical condition. Walker County Sheriff Steve Wilson said the handgun used in the shooting had been left on the nightstand the night before. No charges have been filed. The Georgia Bureau of Investigation and the Department of Family and Children’s Services are assisting with the case.
A first-grade teacher at Lookout Mountain Elementary School has been charged with child abuse following an incident involving her own children at Ruby Falls. Police say Heather Pecht was arrested December 26th and charged with two counts of child abuse. Investigators allege Pecht scratched, pinched, and bit her children during an altercation in a vehicle parked at Ruby Falls earlier this month. Officers responding to the scene reported visible injuries on the children, including scratches and deep fingernail marks. The children told police the abuse had been ongoing for years. Emergency custody of the children has been granted to their father. The case remains under investigation.
The Georgia Department of Public Safety has released its Christmas holiday traffic enforcement report. According to Georgia State Patrol data, troopers made 48 DUI arrests, cited 25 distracted drivers, and issued 35 seatbelt violations during the holiday period. Troopers investigated 57 crashes statewide, resulting in two deaths and 15 injuries. Seven of those crashes involved impaired drivers. When all law enforcement agencies are included, six traffic-related fatalities were reported across Georgia. Officials say the numbers reflect enforcement efforts, not convictions, and are part of ongoing efforts to improve holiday travel safety.
Walker County officials are rolling out a new phone number for Animal Control to improve access and streamline communication. Starting January second, all Animal Control–related calls should be directed to 706-924-0053. The number will be used to report animal cruelty or neglect, animals at large, aggressive animals or bites, and sick or injured animals. The Walker County Animal Shelter’s main number remains 706-375-2100, with updated extensions for adoptions, surrenders, and the voucher program.
Another career milestone for LaFayette singer-songwriter Channing Wilson. Fresh off a second place finish on the nationally televised “The Road”, Wilson spent two nights performing at the Grand Ole Opry this weekend. We’ve got a video of Channing and fellow songwriter Davey Smith performing the song “Blues Comin’ On” on our Facebook page. You can find pictures on our website at DiscoverWalker.com.