Atlanta, GA
Tyler Perry Studios President Dies In FL Plane Crash: Reports
CITRUS COUNTY, FL — Steve Mensch, the president of Atlanta-based Tyler Perry Studios, died when a small plane he was piloting Friday night crashed in Florida, according to multiple reports.
The 62-year-old studio executive’s plane crashed in Citrus County on West White Dogwood Drive near the intersection of U.S. 98 in the Homosassa area just after 8 p.m., the Florida Highway Patrol said in a news release.
The pilot, who FHP didn’t identify, was pronounced dead at the scene. Photos of the plane provided by the agency show that it landed upside down on the road.
The crash shut down a section of U.S. 19 for several hours during the Friday night investigation, the Citrus County Sheriff’s Office wrote in a Facebook post. The highway was closed in the area of Longfellow Street until about 2:30 a.m.
Tyler Perry Studios confirmed that Mensch, who also serves as general manager, was piloting the plane.
“We are incredibly saddened by the passing of our dear friend Steve Mensch,” the studio said in a statement provided to Pasco News. “Steve was a cherished member of our team for more than eight years and well-beloved in the community of Atlanta. It’s hard to imagine not seeing him smiling throughout the halls. We will miss him dearly. Our heart goes out to his family as we all send them our prayers.”
Mensch, the plane’s only passenger, was flying a single-engine Vans RV-12IS, which was registered to his Fayetteville home, which is in an Atlanta suburb, according to the Citrus County Chronicle.
He joined Tyler Perrio Studios in 2016, not long after the company bought the 330-acre former Fort McPherson Army Base in Atlanta, reports said. He oversaw the conversion of the property into a film and TV production lot. It’s one of the largest in the U.S.
He got his start in the entertainment business working for Feature Systems, which provides equipment to production companies, and was later hired by Atlanta-based Turner Broadcasting.
Before joining Perry’s studio, he served as president of another Georgia-based entertainment company, Third Rail Studios, the Los Angeles Times reported.
Mensch is also known for his work advocating for Georgia’s film tax credit, which brings in more than $1 billion a year and helped transform the state into one of the most active places for film and TV production in the country, reports said.
Gov. Brian Kemp mourned the studio executive’s death in a social media post.
“A good man and an instrumental part of a studio Georgia is proud to call its own, his achievements made our state better and brought more opportunities to its people,” he wrote in a statement posted to X, formerly Twitter. “His loved ones and the entire Tyler Perry Studios team will be in our thoughts and prayers as they mourn this loss.”
The Federal Aviation Administration and the National Transportation Safety Board are investigating the crash.
Atlanta, GA
Police increase presence across metro Atlanta amid teen takeover rumors
ATLANTA, Ga. (Atlanta News First) — Popular gathering spots across metro Atlanta saw heightened law enforcement presence Saturday night following rumors of potential “teen takeovers.”
Authorities say a similar event last weekend led to more than a dozen teenagers and adults being taken into custody. In response, agencies across the metro area are stepping up patrols in several high-traffic areas, including the Beltline and the Cumberland Mall and Battery districts.
PREVIOUS COVERAGE: 9 juveniles, 8 adults charged after weekend ‘takeover’ event at The Battery
Along the Atlanta Beltline, Atlanta police confirmed they increased staffing levels as a precaution. An APD officer on scene told Atlanta News First that officers are maintaining an enhanced presence due to the takeover rumors. An Atlanta News First crew observed multiple people put in handcuffs and an APD officer at the Beltline said four guns had been confiscated.
Multiple patrol units were visible along the Beltline, with officers monitoring foot traffic and briefly detaining several individuals. Police said the show of force is intended to deter large, disruptive gatherings before they begin.
Cumberland Mall to have teen curfew Saturday after ‘takeover’ at The Battery
In Cobb County, law enforcement agencies are coordinating efforts around Cumberland Mall and The Battery Atlanta. The Cobb County Sheriff’s Office deployed its mounted patrol unit, with four deputies on horseback circling the mall. Units from the Cobb County Police Department, Marietta Police Department, and the Georgia State Patrol were also seen monitoring traffic and pedestrian activity in the area.
Electronic message boards and posted signage between Cumberland and The Battery warned visitors of the increased law enforcement presence. Officers said the goal is to prevent a repeat of last weekend’s arrests and ensure public safety.
For now, officials say the evening remains calm, but they are prepared to respond quickly if large crowds begin to form.
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Atlanta, GA
Shooting causes lockdown at Mall of Stonecrest
STONECREST, Ga. – The DeKalb County Police Department is investigating a shooting that occurred at the Mall of Stonecrest on Saturday afternoon.
What we know:
The department was alerted to the shooting around 12:40 p.m. Officers responded to the mall and immediately began a search of the premises. In an early update, police stated the mall was on lockdown and that no victim had been found.
A few hours later, police confirmed a victim had been located and several people were detained after running away from the mall. The injured person was transported to a hospital and is expected to survive.
The mall remained on lockdown as of 3:45 p.m. as officers continued clearing the building. Police said the process could take several hours and requested that the public continue to avoid the area.
DeKalb police stated there is no further danger to the public.
What we don’t know:
At this time, it is unclear what led to the shooting or if any of the detained individuals have been charged.
The Source: Information in this article came from the DeKalb County Police Department via an email.
Atlanta, GA
The Pulse: Are pajamas really banned at the airport?
The show highlights a tongue-in-cheek social media “ban” on pajamas and Crocs at Tampa International Airport that sparked national debate over travel etiquette. The crew also covers the Atlanta Hawks’ bold “Magic City Monday” promotion featuring famous lemon pepper wings and halftime performances by T.I.. Additionally, the segment dives into Gen Z’s “loud breakup” trend on TikTok and ends with a nostalgic defense of the Burger King Whopper.
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