'Teen charged in underwear theft' and more news from the Chattanooga region

Teen charged in underwear theft

CHURCH HILL, Tenn. - Police in East Tennessee have arrested a homeless teenager after his benefactor's underwear was found in his luggage.

According to the Kingsport Times-News, Kristen Fortin allowed 18-year-old Connor Greear to stay with her after he was kicked out of his friend's apartment in Church Hill. Fortin told police she was uneasy after Greear talked about knowing the combination to the safe at the apartment where he had been staying. She said she looked in her guest's luggage and found panties belonging to her and her 8-year-old daughter.

The woman at the apartment Greear was kicked out of said four of her rings were missing, but Greear denied knowing anything about them. He was charged with misdemeanor theft.

Police said Greear stated he has a fetish for women's underwear.


Free college courses studied

MONTGOMERY, Ala. - State officials are considering introducing a bill that would allow high school students to enroll in community college courses for free.

AL.com reported Community College System Chancellor Mark Heinrich said he is working with state lawmakers to draft a bill on the issue as early as the 2013 legislative session. Heinrich made the statement Tuesday at the Economic Development Association of Alabama's winter conference.

Heinrich said allowing dual enrollment in high school and college would prepare students better for post-secondary and technical education or to enter the workforce immediately,

State officials say they could maximize participation in community college courses by offering them for free, but acknowledge that funding such a program could be a hurdle.


Dozens hurt when school buses crash

COVINGTON, Ga. - Authorities say more than 40 elementary students and adults have been hospitalized after a crash involving two school buses in Newton County.

Georgia State Patrol officials said one bus rear-ended another Tuesday after it stopped to unload passengers.

Authorities say 34 students and a bus driver were taken to one hospital, and six students and another bus driver were taken to a second hospital.

Officials say none of the victims appear to have been seriously injured.


Crossbow fires in car, kills man

ORANGE BEACH, Ala. - Authorities say an Alabama man was killed when a crossbow in the backseat of his car discharged.

Investigators told WKRG-TV the accident that killed Cade Davis, 24, happened Saturday night.

Baldwin County Coroner Stan Vinson told WALA-TV that the arrow traveled through his back and pierced his chest.

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