Across the area

Man died from wreck trauma

An autopsy Saturday found that a Vidalia, Ga., man killed in a automobile accident last week died of blunt force trauma to the head, chest and abdomen, according to Emanuel County Deputy Coroner Tommy Wilkerson.

Bryan Johnson, 35, was killed Thursday night after a pickup struck the side of a van in which he was a passenger, Mr. Wilkerson said. The autopsy was performed in Augusta.

The accident took place at Georgia Highway 221 and Lawson Road, he said.

Mr. Johnson was not wearing a seat belt and was thrown partially through the passenger-side window, Mr. Wilkerson said.

Investigators are awaiting blood-test results to determine whether any charges will be made, said Georgia State Patrol Senior Trooper Earl Anderson. He said the tests could take weeks to be completed.

SUV flips in accident, sending 2 to hospital

A sport utility vehicle flipped after being struck by an oncoming car in the 3100 block of Washington Road on Saturday, according to Richmond County sheriff's Deputy Quinn Bennett.

At 11:49 a.m., the Jeep Grand Cherokee, driven by Lena Blocker, was turning left into the West Village shopping center when a Lincoln Continental hit its passenger side, he said.

The SUV's two passengers had to be extracted, and both were treated at University Hospital for what the deputy said appeared to be superficial wounds.

Ms. Blocker was charged with failure to yield while making a left turn, Deputy Bennett said.

Deputy shoots man in undercover operation

A Hephzibah man shot by a Columbia County sheriff's deputy Friday during an undercover drug operation remained in the hospital Saturday.

Michael Garrett, 19, of the 2800 block of Butler Manor, was airlifted to Medical College of Georgia Hospital with a gunshot wound to the lower neck. Authorities say he tried to run down an undercover deputy with his car in the parking lot of the Food Lion at 608 Lewiston Road.

Sheriff's Capt. Steve Morris said Sgt. Tripp Penn, a 10-year veteran and undercover narcotics deputy, had tried to arrest Mr. Garrett on drug charges.

Sgt. Penn is on administrative leave pending the outcome of an Internal Affairs investigation.

Two Augusta residents who were passengers in Mr. Garrett's vehicle - Anderson Levon Kyler, 22, and a 15-year-old female - were arrested at the scene.

Man reports home invasion, assault

An Augusta man said three people accosted him in his home and assaulted his 60-year-old wife Friday, a Richmond County sheriff's report states.

The man said the people followed him inside his home in the 200 block of Thompson Road at 12:56 a.m. and demanded $10, according to the report.

After the man told them he didn't have $10, they left but returned to his home shortly afterward and broke in.

Police said one of the men then demanded, "If you don't have $10, then give me $5 for crack."

When the man's wife went to call the police, one of the men poured beer on her and then struck her in the forehead and right hand with a 22-oz. beer bottle, injuring her on the right hand, police said.

Barbecue will feature governor, candidates

Gov. Sonny Perdue and 12th District congressional candidate Max Burns lead a list of candidates scheduled to participate Tuesday in an election-themed barbecue in Tennille, Ga.

Barbecue will be served at 5:30 p.m., and the rally starts at 6:35 p.m. at the Ag Center off Grady Mertz Road.

If bad weather arrives, the event will move to Sandersville Technical College off Georgia Highway 88.

Other invited candidates include Gary Black for agriculture commissioner, Brent Brown for labor commissioner, George DeLoach for Senate District 23 and Napoleon Jenkins for House District 142.

For information, call Denise Ray at (478) 522-1738.

Part of Walton Way will close Monday

Eastbound lanes of Walton Way from Belmont Avenue to Highland Avenue will be closed from 9 a.m. to noon Monday while workers remove a large tree near the street.

According to the Augusta Engineering Department, drivers can use Wrightsboro Road, Wheeler Road, Monte Sano Avenue, Henry Street, Fleming Avenue and Central Avenue.

Fort Gordon briefing coming Wednesday

Fort Gordon will hold its monthly community information briefing Wednesday, the post said in a news release.

It will be held at 11:30 a.m. at the Gordon Club on 19th Street. The briefing provides information on the community events and projects.

It will be open to questions and comments.

The next briefing will be held Oct. 18.

Job fair to have more than 65 companies

Fort Gordon's 2006 Job Fair will be held on the installation from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Oct. 3.

It will be held at the U.S. Army Reserve Center on 15th Street and Lane Avenue. More than 65 national and local companies will be recruiting during the fair, which is open to the public.

The Job Fair is sponsored by the Army Career and Alumni Program and Army Community Service.

For more information, call (706) 791-7333.

Katrina recovery chief is invited to fort

The New Orleans-based financial head for federal Hurricane Katrina relief and recovery will be the featured speaker at Fort Gordon's observance of Hispanic Heritage Month at 1:30 p.m. Oct. 10.

Joseph Garcia will speak at the program at Alexander Hall.