Around the Region: Security Guard Arrested, Police Seek Witnesses and R.E.M. Calls It Quits

Security Guard Arrested After Woman Accuses Him of Assault

A security guard turned himself in to Wednesday morning after warrants were issued for his arrest following an alleged assault on Sept. 15.

Winder resident Leroy Huff, a security guard with Paragon Security Services, was charged with battery following a confrontation that occurred at the Social Security Office in Winder.

Huff was on duty when Winder resident Melissa McMann and her husband, Chris McMann, brought a guide dog for the blind into the office.

According to the responding officer, the dog was clearly identified as a guide dog. The police report states that Huff approached the McManns and asked for paperwork that proved the animal was a certified guide dog.

When Ms. McMann couldn’t produce any paperwork, the security guard allegedly demanded she leave and grabbed her by her right arm and forcefully removed her from the property.

After seeking emergency medical care, Ms. McMann reported bruising on her right arm and an emergency room doctor determined she may have a dislocated shoulder. Winder police documented the bruising and an arrest warrant was obtained for Huff, who surrendered to authorities on Wednesday.

.

Gwinnett Police Call For Witnesses In Fatal Accident

Gwinnett County accident investigators are asking that anyone in Lenora Park on Saturday, Sept. 17, who witnessed the accident that resulted in the death of a 1-year-old girl contact police investigators.

Gwinnett County Police Department investigators learned new information regarding the incident after additional witnesses came forward.

The investigation is ongoing and anyone who witnessed the accident and has not yet spoken with investigators is encouraged to call the Accident Investigation Unit at 770-338-5675.

.

'Don't Ask, Don't Tell' Repeal Takes Effect

The military's "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" (DADT) policy, which for almost 18 years has prohibited gays and lesbians from serving openly in the military, has ended.

The policy, enacted in December of 1993, prohibited harassment of closeted gay soldiers or soldiers suspected to be gay. DADT faced harsh criticism -- and several legal challenges -- over the years for prohibiting gay, lesbian or bisexual soldiers, under threat of discharge, from being open about their sexuality. More than 13,000 service members from across the Department of Defense were discharged under DADT.

.

It's the End of the Band as We Know It

A simple, straightforward announcement on R.E.M.'s website told their fans and friends that, after 31 years together, the band is breaking up.

"As R.E.M., and as lifelong friends and co-conspirators, we have decided to call it a day as a band," the note said.

R.E.M. began in 1980, playing in clubs and venues around Athens. They have sold about 85 million albums worldwide. In 2007, R.E.M. was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.

.

North Georgia State Fair Opens Thursday

The 79th annual North Georgia State Fair will open Thursday and continue every day through Oct. 2 at Jim R. Miller Park in Marietta, including several new attractions this year.

This largest fair in metro Atlanta draws nearly 300,000 people every year from north Georgia and neighboring states.

The fair features live music, free attractions and shows, farm animals, flower shows, blue-ribbon competitions, local entertainment, and delicious fair foods.

.