Train Hits, Kills 17-Year-Old in Barrow County

Authorities report a 17-year-old Statham resident was killed Saturday morning by a train in Barrow County.

According to police, Joshua Gene Whitten was walking on the tracks in the direction of Winder when he was struck and killed by a train going in the same direction.

Police report that the train's operator used his warning systems and was in the process of braking when the train hit Whitten, who reportedly never moved from the tracks before being hit.

There is a possibility that Whitten had a musical device with him and may not have heard the train coming, according to authorities.

Former Barrow County School Custodian Arrested

Police have arrested a former custodian at a Barrow County school, charging him with child molestation and cruelty to children.

According to authorities, Michael Lee Womack, 55, of Winder, was arrested for allegedly molesting a juvenile last June. Police say the alleged incident was not related to Womack's employment at Holsenbeck Elementary School in Winder.

Womack, who had worked for the school district for more than a decade, was let go on Tuesday.

Pastor Allegedly Set Fire to Church to Collect Money

In a new meaning of passing the collection plate, a former Barrow County pastor has been arrested, charged with allegedly setting fire to his own church to collect on an insurance payment.

According to authorities, Quincy Arnold, 49, of Lawrenceville was arrested Tuesday following a three-year investigation.

Arnold, the former pastor of the New Life Deliverance Church in Winder, was charged with arson, conspiracy to commit a crime, party to the crime of vandalism to a place of worship, and insurance fraud. A December 2005 fire at the house of worship sent the structure up in flames.

Arnold posted a $50,000 bail and was released today from jail.