News Nearby: Feds Search for Bath Salts; Beloved Gorilla Dies

Feds Search for Bath Salts in Acworth

The Acworth Smoke 911 shop was one of four in north metro where federal search warrants were executed related to "bath salts" and synthetic marijuana.

The shops in Roswell, Sandy Springs and Woodstock also were searched, as were the Marietta residences of Michael T. Madlem, owner of the stores.

In addition, federal seizure warrants were executed for bank accounts of Michael T. Madlem, Serena P. Burkard, and Mad Dog USA Enterprises LLC. 

Read more on Acworth Patch.

Police: Man Charged in Death of Powder Springs Vandal

The man accused of shooting and killing Daniel Exum, 26, of Powder Springs last weekend did so because Exum was allegedly part of a group seeking to vandalize his brother's business, according to news reports.

On Friday night, Marvin Copeland was at the business, All Star Automotive in southern Fulton County, when neighbors heard gunshots, police told My Fox Atlanta. The neighbors didn’t report the incident until Saturday morning, and police found Exum’s body after arrival about 8:30, the station says. 

Read more on West Cobb Patch. 

Missing Cherokee County Boy Found Safe

Elijah Cole, the missing 11-year-old boy from BridgeMill, has been located and is fine, the spokesman for the  said this morning.

His father and a family friend are currently being questioned by investigators, Lt. Jay Baker said.

No one had seen or heard from Cole, his father Jason Cole or family friend Will Copes since they stayed at a friend's Cherokee County home Friday night, Baker said Monday evening.

Read more on Canton-Sixes Patch. 

Zoo Atlanta Announces Death of Ivan, Western Lowland Gorilla

Ivan, a 50-year-old male western lowland gorilla, has died,  said Tuesday.

The death followed a recent decline in the geriatric ape’s health and behavior, the Grant Park-based zoo said.

The Animal Management and Veterinary Teams chose to perform a diagnostic assessment under general anesthesia on August 20, but Ivan never regained consciousness following the procedure.

“The Veterinary Team had been observing Ivan carefully in recent weeks following weight loss, apparent lack of appetite, and a respiratory illness. When it became obvious that our efforts to modify his diet and his existing medication regimen were not resulting in significant improvement, it was necessary to perform a diagnostic procedure to determine the underlying causes of Ivan’s condition,” Hayley Murphy, Zoo Atlanta's vetinary services director, said in a statement.

Read more on East Atlanta Patch. 

Suspicious Package in Mableton Not Dangerous

Cobb Fire Department responded to a 9:30 a.m. call about a suspicious package on Keith Avenue in Mableton on Monday.

A contractor working to repair a fence reported the package, which was marked "warning" and "radioactive," found in a carport of a nearby house.

The contractor said the box had a foul odor.

Cobb Fire Lt. Daniel Dupree said Cobb Fire responded and isolated the area before calling the company listed on the box. Dupree said he does have information about the company.

Read more on South Cobb Patch.