By allowing ads to appear on this site, you support the local businesses who, in turn, support great journalism.
Charges filed in Hwy. 204 fatality
Georgia State Patrol bigger

A report from the Bryan County Sheriff’s Office indicates that an Ellabell man was arrested Thursday on warrants stemming from an April crash on Highway 204 that left one woman dead.

Paul Michael Haney was arrested at about 11 a.m. without incident at his home on Rose Drive, according to the report. Warrants were issued for his arrest by the Georgia State Patrol. Charges include first-degree homicide by vehicle, serious injury by vehicle, driving under the influence of alcohol, reckless driving, failure to maintain lane, safety restrain violation and driving on a suspended license.

The charges stem from an April 22 accident on Highway 204 near Arden Loop Road. The three-vehicle crash occurred shortly before 3:30 p.m. Melissa Armstrong, 33, was pronounced dead at the scene, according to the Bryan County Coroner’s Office, after the head-on collision. Two people were taken to Memorial Hospital by helicopter and another person was taken there by ambulance. A fourth person declined medical treatment

According to the Georgia State Patrol, Armstrong’s Honda Accord was struck by a Dodge Durango driven by Haney. Witnesses told troopers that Haney was driving on the wrong side of the road, and that while Armstrong went into the other lane to avoid Haney, Haney swerved back into his lane and hit Armstrong.

Troopers said information collected at the scene indicated Armstrong was from Florida. It was originally believed that Haney was from Kennesaw. He is lodged in the Bryan County Detention Center.

Sign up for our E-Newsletters