Crime
Pickens VA Clinic Shooting Victim Identified as Nicholas “Nic” Crews
JASPER, Ga. — A North Georgia community is mourning following a tragic shooting at the Pickens VA Clinic in Jasper that claimed the lives of two individuals and remains under active investigation.
The Georgia Bureau of Investigation confirmed that agents were requested by the Jasper Police Department to investigate an officer-involved shooting that occurred on March 17 at the VA outpatient clinic on East Church Street.
According to officials, 34-year-old Nicholas “Nic” Crews of Marietta was working as a social work case manager when he was shot inside the facility by 51-year-old Lawrence Charles Michels of Jasper.
Investigators stated that Michels had arrived at the clinic seeking a walk-in mental health consultation.
The shooting occurred at approximately 1:30 p.m. Crews sustained critical injuries and was airlifted to a trauma center for emergency treatment.
Despite extensive medical efforts, he succumbed to his injuries the following day, March 18.
Authorities reported that after the shooting, Michels exited the building while still armed with a handgun. Outside, he encountered responding officers as well as an armed civilian.
An exchange of gunfire ensued between Michels, law enforcement, and the civilian. Michels was struck during the exchange and pronounced deceased at the scene. No law enforcement officers were injured.
Beyond the facts of the case, the loss of Nic Crews has deeply impacted both his family and the wider community.
He is remembered as a devoted husband and father who was eagerly anticipating the birth of his third child.
Having recently returned to school to pursue a career in social work, Crews was driven by a strong desire to help others and serve his community.
Those who knew him describe him as a man of faith who was actively involved in his church and committed to supporting those in need.
His sudden and tragic death has left his family facing not only profound emotional grief but also unexpected financial challenges as they prepare to welcome a new child.
The investigation remains ongoing, and authorities have indicated that additional information will be released as it becomes available.
Crime
14-Year-Old Middleton High School Student Carson Chrapkowski Dies After Bicycle Crash, Driver Alyssa Anderson Arrested
MIDDLETON, Idaho — A 14-year-old Middleton High School student has died after being struck by a vehicle while riding his bicycle near the high school Friday night, according to the Middleton Police Department.
The teenager was transported by Life Flight to St. Luke’s Boise following the crash but died from his injuries early Saturday morning.
Middleton police said the crash involved a vehicle and a bicyclist near Middleton High School. The 14-year-old suffered critical injuries and was flown to a Boise hospital for emergency medical treatment.
Police announced Saturday morning that the young bicyclist had succumbed to his injuries.
The teen was identified in the information provided for this report as Carson Chrapkowski, a Middleton High School student. However, the police department’s public statement did not release the teenager’s name.
Police arrested 41-year-old Alyssa Louise Anderson in connection with the crash. Anderson was booked into the Canyon County Jail.
According to police, Anderson is facing charges of vehicular manslaughter, aggravated DUI and leaving the scene of an injury accident.
Authorities have not released additional details about the circumstances leading up to the collision or the specific allegations supporting the DUI charge.
The crash remains under investigation by the Middleton Police Department and Idaho State Police. Investigators have not released further information about the sequence of events or whether additional charges could be filed.
Police said they are continuing to work to establish the circumstances surrounding the fatal crash.
The Middleton Police Department expressed condolences to the teenager’s parents, family, friends, classmates and others affected by his death as the community mourns the loss of a young student.