Waynesboro, GA Police Department

Happy Juneteenth!!!

Feel free to share this. Many of you know may recognize this young man walking around town and up and down GA Hwy 56 North. His name is Tracy McGee. Tracy has been walking to and from work (a 4 hour one way trip) for nearly 5 years. The goal is to provide transportation by way of a transit for this young man during the summer months. If you can spare a donation he would very much appreciate it. Thank you for your consideration.

The armed robbery suspect, Raheem Whitfield, from the earlier post is now in custody. Thank you

Update: (4:00 pm) Rakeem C. Whitfield turned himself in to authorities. He is now being charged and booked at the Burke County Detention Center. Old Post: The Waynesboro Police Department is asking the public’s assistance in locating WHITFIELD, RAKEEM CHRISTOPHER, 20 years of age, B/M (Photo attached). Early Friday morning on June 11, 2021 between 0300 hours and 0400 hours Whitfield entered the Sunoco Gas Station (Located at 740 East 7th Street), produced an unknown make and ...model semi-automatic handgun and demanded money from the clerk. After refusing to comply with Whitfield’s demands, the clerk hid in the office of the Sunoco Gas Station. Whitfield fled on foot from the Sunoco Gas Station. Whitfield is wanted for the following charges: Criminal Attempt Armed Robbery, Possession of a Firearm during Commission of a Crime, Kidnapping- Adult, and Interference with 911 Calls. Anyone with information leading to the whereabouts of Whitfield is asked to notify the Waynesboro Police Department at 706-554-8029. Callers may remain anonymous. See more

Informational item: The use of fireworks is legal in GA until 1 am in the morning for New Years. If you call our communications center and request an officer, because you can’t sleep, the pets are scared or it sounds like gunfire, this will result in pulling an officer away from more serious calls for service. We are here to serve and we certainly do not mind responding, but please understand that no action will be taken as long as the fireworks are discharged before 1 am. Thank you and Happy New Year! Major Gary E. Jones

Following too closely is often a contributing factor in crashes. A rule of thumb to go by is follow a minimum of 1 car length per every 10 mph you are traveling. The average length of a vehicle is 15 feet. The ordinary reaction time for humans regarding visual stimuli is between 3/4 of second to 1 second. In other words, by the time a driver observes/perceives an incident that requires a response, considering the average reactionary times, if traveling 55 mph, your vehicle has traveled 121 feet. After traveling the 121 feet and reactionary mode kicks in, you will then travel another 144 feet to bring the vehicle to a stop....if the surface is wet, add another 40 feet or so to that. Please remember that following too closely is dangerous. Have a great weekend and a Happy New Year!

The WPD would like the community’s assistance in welcoming two new officers to our Road Patrol Division. Say hello to Officer Emerald Hambrick and Officer Ronald Bartlett. These two officers offer years of experience to the community and the department.

Today many of us return back to work as Christmas 2020 has come and gone. My how time flies. In just a few days, we will be celebrating the New Year. Please remember to have a designated driver. Don’t drink and drive. An impaired driver often thinks they are fine to drive, risking their lives and the lives of others as they try to make it home or to the next party. Life is too valuable and too short, when all you have to do is plan ahead. Law enforcement will be out in force looking for driver impairment clues, conducting road checks and arresting drunk drivers. Don’t be one of those to get caught! Highways or Dieways, the choice is yours!

On behalf of Chief Willie James Burley and the WPD, we would like to wish everyone a very Merry Christmas. Please be safe and remember social distancing while enjoying your family and friends. And as always our dedicated police officers and dispatchers are out there if you need them. #WPDwecare