Local News
Former Braselton police chief Michael Steffman found dead inside Georgia home
BRASELTON, Ga. — Authorities are conducting an active death investigation after former Braselton Police Chief Michael Steffman was found deceased inside a residence on Friday, according to multiple sources familiar with the case.
A significant law enforcement presence was reported at a home in the 100 block of East Lake Drive, where officials responded to the scene.
The Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI) has taken the lead in determining the circumstances surrounding Steffman’s death.
Sources indicate that Steffman had been residing at the home, which is owned by two former Braselton city council members and was being rented at the time. Witnesses in the neighborhood reported seeing a coroner remove a body from the residence earlier in the day. Authorities later confirmed that the deceased individual was Steffman.
Officials have not yet released details regarding the cause or manner of death, and the investigation remains ongoing.
Steffman’s death comes months after a series of legal issues that led to his resignation. In November 2025, he was arrested shortly after announcing his retirement from the Braselton Police Department.
According to Jackson County Jail records, Steffman faced multiple charges, including:
- Violation of oath by a public officer
- Stalking
- Harassing phone calls
- Six counts related to the незакон use of law enforcement license plate data
The charges were under investigation by the GBI at the time. Steffman was released on a $13,000 bond shortly after being booked.
A Connecticut native, Steffman joined the Braselton Police Department in 2005 and served in various roles over nearly two decades. He was appointed interim police chief in 2024 and officially sworn in as chief in April 2025.
His abrupt retirement announcement cited “personal reasons,” though it came just hours before his arrest.
Following his departure, Braselton Town Manager Jennifer Scott appointed Zack Tiller as interim police chief.
Authorities have not indicated whether foul play is suspected in Steffman’s death. The GBI continues to investigate, and further details are expected to be released as the case develops.
Anyone with information related to the incident is encouraged to contact investigators.
Local News
Train Derails in Ferguson Involving Vehicles, Hazmat Team Called Over Ethyl Alcohol Rail Car
FERGUSON, Mo. — A train derailment involving vehicles prompted an emergency response in Ferguson on Ferguson Avenue, where authorities requested a hazardous materials team after determining that one of the train cars contained ethyl alcohol.
Emergency units were dispatched to 617 Ferguson Avenue after reports of the rail incident. Responders found a train that had derailed with vehicles involved.
Officials confirmed there was no reported entrapment. Crews were checking the scene for injuries and evaluating those involved in the incident.
A Hazmat response was requested because one rail car involved in the derailment was carrying ethyl alcohol. Emergency crews were assessing the rail car for any potential leak or hazardous condition and working to secure the area.
The presence of ethyl alcohol prompted additional safety precautions while responders examined the derailed train and surrounding vehicles.
At this time, authorities have not released details about possible injuries, the cause of the derailment or the extent of damage.
The investigation and emergency response remain ongoing in Ferguson, and officials are expected to provide additional information once the scene has been fully assessed.