By allowing ads to appear on this site, you support the local businesses who, in turn, support great journalism.
Porterdale police arrest suspect in car break-ins, arson
0625CR-Porterdale-arrest
Curtis Smith
Darryl Welch
Updated: Jun 24, 2017, 9:00 AM
Published: Jun 23, 2017, 11:26 PM

PORTERDALE, Ga. - The Porterdale Police Department (PPD) has arrested a Porterdale man suspected of damaging houses, breaking into a car and setting one car on fire earlier this month.

According to the PPD incident report, Curtis Smith, 22, was arrested June 22 by PPD investigator Corporal Charles Cook after an interview about multiple incidents. Smith was reportedly seen all over the city the night the homes and vehicles were damaged.

According to several PPD reports, the damage includes a broken off driver’s side door handle, multiple incidents of car windows being broken with rocks, bricks and a cinder block, radio antennas being broken, windows in homes being broken with rocks and arson.

Smith was transported to the Newton County Jail charged with 10 counts of misdemeanor criminal trespass, one felony count of entering auto, one felony count of arson and one felony count of criminal damage to property.

 

 

 
Sheriff’s Office seeks help identifying suspected arsonist
arson suspect ncso
The suspect is believed to be a young Black male who is pictured wearing a pastel t-shirt, dark pants and white shoes. - photo by Courtesy of the Newton County Sheriff's Office
Kate Verity
Published: Mar 13, 2025, 8:24 PM

NEWTON COUNTY — The Newton County Sheriff’s Office (NSCO) is seeking the community’s help in identifying and gaining information regarding an arson suspect. 

According to the NCSO, on Friday, March 7 at around 2:30 p.m., the pictured individual is believed to have deliberately started a fire at the Silos Clubhouse.

The NCSO is requesting that residents of the Ellington Community check their cameras during the Friday afternoon time frame. Videos can be emailed to alberto@newtonsheriffga.org.

If anyone has any information regarding the case, including recognizing the suspected arsonist, call Investigator Alberto at 678-625-1429.

There is no information currently available about the fire itself or any damage it may have caused. The Covington News has reached out to the NCSO and Newton County Fire Services for more information regarding the incident.