A multi-agency manhunt concluded on Sunday, November 16, with the arrest of Charles Timothy Battles, 46, a fugitive wanted on multiple felony charges, including Attempted Murder and Arson.
Battles was apprehended without incident by deputy sheriffs inside a private residence near the Scottsville community, bringing an end to an intensive, round-the-clock search that began Saturday morning.
The search for Battles was initiated following a devastating residential structure fire on Johnson Drive around 6:00 a.m. Saturday. Gordon County Fire Rescue and deputy sheriffs responded to the scene, where a woman and a small child had narrowly escaped the blaze, which completely destroyed the home.
Investigating detectives from the Gordon County Sheriff’s Office quickly linked Battles to the crime, filing initial charges of Aggravated Stalking, which were later upgraded to include two counts of Attempted Murder and Arson. Detectives stated they recovered “an abundance of evidence: physical, electronic, and testimonial” connecting Battles to the attack.
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The State Fire Marshal’s Office actively assisted in the investigation.
Sheriff Ralston confirmed that Battles had a history with the department, having previously been arrested for Aggravated Stalking. He had pleaded guilty in Superior Court in October and was currently on probation at the time of these latest events.
The Sheriff’s Office credited the assistance of local citizens for the successful and rapid conclusion of the search.
“It was important that this matter be resolved quickly, given the nature and severity of these crimes,” said Sheriff Ralston. “Everyone involved worked around the clock to bring this defendant in, and now he will be held accountable in our courts.”
Sheriff Ralston publicly thanked his staff, the Calhoun Police, the State Fire Marshal’s Office, and particularly the private citizens who provided critical information leading to the arrest.
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