HOME
Get the latest weather forecast!

Search

Contact Information

OFFICE: (912) 537-9203
FAX: (912) 537-4477
WVOP: (912) 537-9202
WTCQ: (912) 538-9898
WYUM: (912) 538-1017

A single vehicle accident in Vidalia last March resulted in the death of one teenager and now has another faces serious criminal charges.

For the first time in several months, the Toombs County Grand Jury was able to convene last Tuesday, and Middle Judicial Circuit District Attorney Hayward Altman’s office presented 16 bills for indictments with Grand Jurors returning all as true bills.

Among those indicted was Josue Ramon Escalera on one count of homicide by vehicle, and one count of reckless driving.

On March 3, 2020, Escalera and his passenger Julio Almanza-Garcia were traveling in a late model black Mustang  on Airport Port Road in Vidalia when Escalera lost control of the vehicle near the intersection of Airport Road and Sweet Onion Drive. The vehicle impacted with a large pine true. Almanza-Garcia, who was the passenger, died at the scene.  Escalera was transported to the hospital for significant injuries..

The accident was investigated by the Georgia State Patrol Specialized Collision Reconstruction Team, and their investigation showed that the Mustang was traveling between 94 to 100 miles per hour in the 35 miles per hour posted zone.

Almanza-Garcia played football for the Toombs County Bulldogs as a kicker and on the offensive line. A small memorial of flowers still marks the spot near where the death of Almanza-Garcia occurred.

Other indictments returned last week included one aggravated sexual battery and two child molestation cases, three aggravated assaults, three aggravates stalking indictments, four burglaries, two armed robberies, two rape cases, one kidnapping case,  and indictments on drug-related charges, shoplifting, theft and criminal damage to property.

Meet The Staff

  • General Manager

    Listen to WVOP

    Jeff Raiford

    912-537-9202
  • Program Director

    Listen to WTCQ

    Bob Roberts, WTCQ

    912-538-9898
  • Program Director

    Listen to WYUM

    Jim Perry, WYUM

    912-538-1017
  • Traffic / News Director

    Kathy

    Kathy Hilt

    912-537-9202