Tennessee news briefs

Park considering air rescue for Smokies hiker
GATLINBURG (AP) — Rangers trying to rescue an Appalachian Trial hiker in trouble since Thursday are braving steep terrain, high winds and 4-to-5-foot snow drifts.
A Great Smoky Mountains National Park spokeswoman said the hiker used his cell phone to call 911 at about 3:30 p.m. He spoke to dispatchers again this morning, saying he is hunkering down at his location and he might not be able to hike out.
Two park rangers who set out on foot to find him Thursday hiked for nine hours before taking shelter. Late this morning, they were thought to be about four miles from him.
Because of poor phone reception, park officials have not been able to fully assess his condition. They are evaluating the possibility of an air rescue.
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Jailer arrested, fired after vandalism
KNOXVILLE (AP) — A Knox County jailer is accused of ripping the mirror off a city police car and then fighting with the officer who tried to detain him.
The Knoxville News Sentinel reports Joshua McGill was fired Thursday after his arrest on charges of public intoxication, assault, vandalism, resisting arrest and disorderly conduct.
The confrontation occurred early Thursday when Officer Sergio Marrero saw a visibly intoxicated McGill rip the driver side mirror off his cruiser.
When the officer tried to detain McGill, he tried to hit Marrero. McGill continued to struggle until a second officer helped subdue him.
McGill was hired in July. He has three days to appeal his termination.

Published in The Messenger 11.2.12

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