The brutal beating of a Paulding County woman on the Silver Comet Trail has fueled a lot of conversation about personal safety on the trail. But not all of the conversation about guns on the trail has been accurate, according to the Paulding County Sheriff’s Office.
The gun chatter stepped up after Tina Waddell was attacked while walking on the trail July 29, according to the sheriff's office in a news release Friday. There was a lot of misinformation being spread, which was causing confusion, authorities said.
Only people who have a valid Georgia carry license can legally carry guns on the trail, according to Sheriff Gary Gulledge. The sheriff said he felt the need to clarify that point after chatting with the county attorney.
The sheriff's office understands there is desire for more security on the trail, and this week announced a plan to install 47 real-time surveillance cameras along the 18 miles of trail that run through the county.
Plans to improve safety on the trail have been previously discussed, but the recent attack on Waddell has prompted immediate action, Cpl. Ashley Henson told The Atlanta Journal-Constitution earlier this week.
Gulledge said anyone with questions about the state’s gun laws should call his office at 770-443-3010. Calls about getting a carry license should be directed to the Paulding County Probate Court at 770-443-7541.
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