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Included in the sale with the Advance was the The Andalusia Star-News
The Demopolis Times and the Brewton Standard
the BNI family is proud the Schumachers will continue as the stewards of the community newspapers in Andalusia
Brewton and Demopolis with local ownership and management
“BNI CEO Steve Stewart and the Boone family see this as a good fit for Jeff and Michelle
for us and for those we have worked with in these places,” Hadaway said
“The acquisition places management of the newspapers in the communities served
We have enjoyed working with excellent people in these communities over the years and will miss those associations
Both Jeff and Michelle have been involved in the newspaper business for many years
Jeff has been a publisher for more than 30 years
and Michelle has been in sales for more than 15 years
“We are excited to be given the responsibility of publishing these fine newspapers and websites,” Jeff Schumacher said
“We certainly will work to continue creating a first-class experience for our readers and advertising clients
We are equally excited to integrate ourselves into these fine communities.”
BNI and the Boone family were represented by John Cribb of Cribb & Associates
C&A is a leading merger and acquisition firm in the newspaper industry
There are two games on the college basketball schedule on Monday that feature a ranked team
Today’s NHL slate features top teams in action
Among those contests is the Tampa Bay Lightning taking on…
The college basketball lineup on Monday should provide some fireworks
Our computer model has suggested picks against the…
Ranked teams are on the Monday college basketball schedule for two games
including the Wake Forest Demon Deacons…
There are seven games on today’s NBA schedule
among them the Houston Rockets against the Oklahoma City Thunder.…
An Atmore woman was arrested May 4 on possession of drugs and criminal trespassing charges
Atmore Police Department Public Information Officer Sgt
Darrell McMann said in a release that Nikki Presley
was arrested and charged with possession of a controlled substance
possession of drug paraphernalia and criminal trespassing III
APD officers responded to Walmart in reference to Presley coming into the store after being trespassed by the store’s loss prevention department
the officers discovered that Presley had several outstanding misdemeanor arrest warrants with APD,” McMann said
“The officers searched Presley’s bag
and discovered a small amount of a crystal-like substance that field tested positive for methamphetamine as well as a pipe with methamphetamine residue.”
Presley was then transported to the Escambia County Detention Center in Brewton
ATMORE, Ala. (WPMI) — A tense standoff in Atmore ended late Monday night with the arrest of a man accused of firing at police and holding his girlfriend hostage
Atmore Police said officers responded to a domestic violence complaint at 103 Brown Street around 5:45 p.m
emerged from the residence and fired eight to nine rounds at the first officer on the scene
The officer took cover and was not injured
barricading the door and holding his girlfriend against her will
The Atmore Police Department activated its special response team and sought assistance from neighboring agencies
hostage negotiators from the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA)
along with support from the Escambia County Sheriff's Office
Hostage negotiators successfully negotiated the release of the hostage at approximately 9:25 p.m
She was treated at the scene and was not seriously injured
Negotiations with Blount continued via cell phone
Blount exited the residence and was taken into custody after SWAT members deployed tear gas
possession of a firearm by a prohibited person
and third-degree domestic violence harassment
He was transported to the Escambia County Detention Center
The Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA) reiterates that Alabama citizens will still be able to obtain their STAR ID from an ALEA Exam Office after the May 7
May 7 is not the last day citizens can obtain a STAR ID from an ALEA Exam Office
Department of Homeland Security will begin enforcing REAL ID requirements
individuals who wish to board domestic flights or access certain federal facilities will need to present a REAL ID-compliant credential
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An Atmore man was arrested on possession of drug charges, and a Century, Fla. woman was arrested on fugitive from justice charges on May 3, according to officials.
Atmore Police Department Public Information Officer Sgt. Darrell McMann said in a release that Donal Edwards, 52, of Atmore, was arrested and charged with possession of a controlled substance, possession of drug paraphernalia and possession of marijuana II; and Joni Spates, 38, of Century, was arrested and charged with fugitive from justice.
McMann said on Saturday at approximately 5:10 a.m., APD officers responded to the Southland Motel in reference to a disturbance complaint.
“When the officers arrived on the scene they contacted Donal Edwards, age 52, of Atmore, as he was sitting in a vehicle,” McMann said. “During the officers’ interaction with Edwards, the officers noted that he appeared to be under the influence of narcotics.”
McMann said Edwards gave the officers consent to search the vehicle, and discovered a small amount of methamphetamine, marijuana and items used to ingest narcotics.
McMann said during the officers’ investigations they also made contact with Spates.
“Upon checking her identification, the officers discovered she had outstanding warrants for her arrest through the Escambia County, Fla. Sheriffs Office,” he said.
Both transported to the Escambia County, Ala. Detention Center. Spates is awaiting extradition back to Escambia County, Fla.
There are two games on the college basketball schedule on Monday that feature a ranked team. That includes…
Today’s NHL slate features top teams in action. Among those contests is the Tampa Bay Lightning taking on…
The college basketball lineup on Monday should provide some fireworks. Our computer model has suggested picks against the…
Ranked teams are on the Monday college basketball schedule for two games, including the Wake Forest Demon Deacons…
There are seven games on today’s NBA schedule, among them the Houston Rockets against the Oklahoma City Thunder.…
President Donald Trump makes a major sports announcement. The announcement comes amid reports Washington, D.C. will host the 2027 NFL Draft.
WATCHDA
Sheriff claim immunity in 'Atmore 4' federal lawsuitby Brad Gunther
(WPMI) — Attorneys for now retired Escambia County District Attorney Stephen Billy
Escambia County Sheriff Heath Jackson and four ECSO Deputies have filed motions to dismiss the case claim various immunities
The lawsuit, brought by Sherry Digmon
allege that they were each arrested as part of a retaliatory conspiracy that centered around the non-renewal of Michelle McClung’s contract as Escambia County School Superintendent
Stephen Billy is claiming Absolute Immunity as District Attorney for actions taken in his prosecutorial role
The filing argues that it is the “specific actions and whether they fall within the traditional prosecutorial function” and not any “ascribed wrongful motives” that are alleged
and Stephen Dereck Lowery are claiming Sovereign Immunity
Attorneys also argue that the complaint filed is a “shotgun pleading” and that “plaintiffs lump the defendants together and cobble their claims against the defendants together.”
United States District Court Judge Terry Moorer has given attorneys at the Institute for Justice
until March 13th to file an amended complaint that “specifically identifies the basis for the claim
against which defendant the count is asserted
and how the facts and law relate to the defendants.”
The following felony arrests were reported by officers of the Atmore Police Department (APD) during the period April 1-3:Miller McCaster
including assault on a police officer and felony pot possession
after an APD officer recognized him as the subject of a misdemeanor warrant and pulled his car over as it traveled along Crow Street.The officer spotted McCaster and conducted the traffic stop around 1:15 p.m
after confirming that he was still wanted for reckless endangerment.Reports show that McCaster refused to get out of his vehicle when asked several times to do so
When the city lawman reached through the open window to unlock it and take McCaster into custody
trapping the officer’s arm.The officer realized that he would be in serious jeopardy if McCaster decided to drive away and decided to break the window
The suspect was removed from the vehicle and after a brief struggle was placed under arrest.The officer suffered cuts to his arm from the window glass
He was treated at Atmore Community Hospital and released.A search of the vehicle turned up a misdemeanor amount of marijuana
but a criminal history check revealed that McCaster has two prior convictions for second-degree possession of marijuana
and the charge was upgraded to a felony.McCaster was processed into the Escambia County Detention Center (ECDC) on one count each of second-degree assault
He was no longer on the facility’s inmate roster on Monday
Darrell McMann said if McCaster had complied with the original order to exit his vehicle
he would have been taken to Atmore Municipal Jail
He would have been given a bond of less than $50 and a court date
The 46-year-old Mobile County woman was arrested April 1 on felony drug possession charges after a vehicle in which she was a passenger was pulled over when the driver failed to maintain his or her lane of travel.The traffic stop occurred around 7:10 a.m.
and the reporting officer noted “suspicious behavior” as he talked with Andrews
The officer was given consent to search the vehicle and discovered a small amount of a substance that field-tested positive for methamphetamine and an unspecified quantity of Suboxone (which is used to help treat opioid addiction)
as well as items that are used to ingest narcotics.Andrews
aware she was wanted by the Mobile County Sheriff’s Office for third-degree theft of property and third-degree possession of a forged instrument
provided police with a false name.She remained in the ECDC early Monday
held on two counts of possession of a controlled substance
and one count each of possession of drug paraphernalia and giving false identification to a law enforcement officer.Jarvarous Lett
was jailed April 3 after employees of Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen reported that he was passed out behind the wheel of his vehicle
which was in the restaurant’s drive-through lane.Police responded around 5:15 p.m.
and the first-arriving officer “observed the vehicle stopped in the road behind McDonald’s
next door to Popeyes.” The officer talked with the driver
and “noted that he appeared to be under the influence
and the odor of marijuana was coming from the vehicle.”The officer became further concerned when he realized that a five-month-old infant was also in the vehicle.Lett was administered standard field sobriety tests but did not show any signs of impairment
A probable cause search of the vehicle led to the discovery of “several dozen grams of marijuana
and items that are used to package narcotics.”Lett was arrested on one count each of possession of a controlled substance
first-degree possession of marijuana and possession of drug paraphernalia.An additional charge of chemical endangerment of a child is pending results of analysis by the state crime lab of “other unknown substances in the vehicle in close proximity to the child.” The infant was picked up by a family member
police reported.Lett was no longer on the ECDC inmate roster Monday morning
The 31-year-old Atmore man was arrested April 3
six days after a weapon was discovered in his vehicle during a March 28 traffic stop.The vehicle Crenshaw was driving was pulled over around 4 p.m
on Maxwell Street because it had no license plate
A K9 unit responded to the stop and alerted on the vehicle
and a probable cause search was conducted.No illegal substances were found in the vehicle
although there was “a lingering aroma of marijuana
indicating the previous use of marijuana in the vehicle.”Police did
When a criminal history check was conducted
officers discovered that Crenshaw had a prior arrest for domestic violence but were unable to access the disposition of the case against him.They seized the firearm and turned the case over to investigators
who determined that Crenshaw had been convicted of the charge and had been prohibited from owning or possessing a firearm.An arrest warrant was obtained charging him with being a certain person forbidden to possess a firearm
He was booked into the county jail April 3 and has since been released
(SBG) — A tense standoff in Atmore ended with the arrest of a 46-year-old man who allegedly fired multiple rounds at a police officer and held his girlfriend hostage on Monday
Atmore Police say they responded to a domestic violence complaint at 103 Brown Street around 5:45 p.m
stepped out of the residence and fired eight to nine shots at the responding officer
who managed to take cover and was unharmed
Blount then barricaded himself inside the home
including the Baldwin County SWAT team and hostage negotiators from the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA)
and Poarch Tribal Police Department helped secure the perimeter
Police say hostage negotiators successfully secured the release of the woman at approximately 9:25 p.m
She was treated at the scene by Medstar and was not seriously injured
possession of a firearm by a prohibited person and third-degree domestic violence harassment
The Atmore Police Department expressed gratitude for the assistance provided by the Baldwin County SWAT team
Watch the full interview with Darrell McMann
public information officer for Atmore Police:
Mother charged after toddler succumbs to Feb
the driver of a vehicle involved in a violent
head-on collision that happened shortly after 9 p.m
has been charged with reckless murder and first-degree assault
The crash probe by state troopers turned into a fatality investigation after a 2-year-old Atmore child
critically injured while riding in a Cadillac SRX that was driven by her mother
passed away on Saturday (March 1) at a Pensacola
was arrested when she was released from the hospital on Monday
According to Escambia County Detention Center records
she is charged with one count of reckless murder and two counts of first-degree assault
No details were released as to the reason the charges were brought
Janes is an employee of the Baldwin County Clerk of Court’s office and also works as a promotions and events specialist at Wind Creek Atmore
reckless murder occurs when a person (a) recklessly engages in conduct that creates a serious risk of death to another person
(b) acts with extreme indifference to human life
and (c) commits a felony that is dangerous to human life and causes death
a 4-year-old child was also injured and taken to an area hospital
The extent of the child’s injuries was not known
State trooper reports show the 2-year-old was critically injured when the Cadillac collided head-on with a 2017 Chrysler Pacifica driven by Brittany N
the juvenile was flown by air ambulance to one area trauma center
where doctors discovered his spine had been severed
The family member said the child remained on life support until doctors pronounced him dead on Saturday.
The Mobile woman driving the Chrysler was injured and was taken to USA Hospital in Mobile
6 and 9 — who were passengers in the vehicle also suffered injuries of varying degrees and were taken by air and ground ambulance to an area hospital.
her 12-year-old child and several bystanders reportedly worked to pull the other children out of the Pacifica
which caught fire after impact and was burning fiercely
“One of the vehicles was fully involved when we got there,” Atmore Fire Chief Ron Peebles said
Everybody had already been pulled from the car when we got there.”
Family members said Colley suffered a crushed heel; one of her children suffered a broken back
colon damage and leakage around her heart; and another child suffered a broken collarbone
He reportedly remained in an area hospital’s intensive care unit on Monday after having undergone at least two surgeries to repair damage to his intestines
The fourth child in the vehicle was not seriously injured
The Escambia County Commission announced Monday that Justin Jordan has been hired as the county’s new EMA director
Jordan comes to Escambia County from Monroe County
where he served as the deputy EMA director since 2019
Jordan has worked all phases of EMA duties
ATMORE, Ala. (WPMI) — Charges have been dropped against Vincent Bishop
a pastor and prison drug counselor accused of trafficking synthetic drugs and bringing them to Fountain Correctional Facility
The state alleged that Bishop was found with a "prison pack" containing drugs and cellphones taped under the rear bumper of his truck
"The lack of common sense that he would do all this fancy packaging and securing and put it in a hidden spot in the bumper of the car
he's got to get out under surveillance
get it and then or leave it there for someone to come and get it from him that's under video surveillance
It just doesn't make common sense," Carter said
The state declined to present its case at the preliminary hearing
the district attorney could still bring the case before a grand jury to seek an indictment
Three juveniles were briefly detained by police
but no charges were filed after several shots were fired early Saturday
on East School Street.Atmore Police Department (APD) Sgt
Darrell McMann said city patrol officers heard shots in an area east of South Main Street around 4:45 a.m
and headed in that direction.As officers looked for signs of the shooting
emergency dispatchers relayed several reports that gunfire was heard in the 300 block of East School Street.Four juveniles were spotted close to the area of the reported shooting
and police were able to detain three of them
then released to their parents after claiming to have no knowledge of the incident.The fourth subject had not been identified as of Monday morning
April 28.McMann said a residence and a vehicle were hit by bullets
Officers recovered several spent shell casings from the area
he added.Anyone with any knowledge of the incident is urged to call city police at 251-368-9141
A Frisco City man was arrested May 3 on possession of marijuana charges
Darrell McMann said in a release that Ian Chaves
was arrested and charged with possession of marijuana I
McMann said on Saturday at approximately 9:30 a.m.
an APD officer conducted a traffic stop on Jack Springs Road in reference to the officer observing the driver commit a moving violation
the officer noted a strong odor of marijuana coming from the vehicle,” McMann said
“The officer conducted a probable cause search of the vehicle
Chaves has a previous conviction for possession of marijuana II
and his driver’s license has been revoked.”
Chaves was then transported to the Escambia County Detention Center in Brewton
Twenty-nine competed in the Atmore Area Chamber of Commerce’s annual Miss Mayfest pageant May 2 at Escambia County High School
The rain let up just in time for the 2025 edition of Mayfest May 3 at Tom Byrne Park
many area residents turned out for the annual festival
attendees were entertained by musical artists
and many gathered for the annual Beautiful Baby Contest
The Beautiful Baby Contest winners included by age:
The Atmore Area Chamber of Commerce sponsors the annual event
The National Day of Prayer is an annual observance held on the first Thursday of May
inviting people of all faiths to pray for the nation
It was created in 1952 by a joint resolution of the United States Congress and signed into law by President Harry S
Truman.The theme for 2025 is “Pour Out to The God of Hope and Be Filled” Romans 15:13.The local community event will be on Thursday
Everyone will gather at the Escambia County High School Cornell Torrence Gymnasium
The whole community is invited to come together to pray for the nation
as well as state and local government officials
There will also be specific prayers for Churches
and musical specials.You are encouraged to bring their Bible
everyone who wishes to participate will read scripture verses
which will be passed out as people arrive.The Children’s Prayer Service is set for 5:30 to 6:45 p.m.
for kindergarten through sixth grade students
The children will meet with Miss Flippy Toe in the RPM Trailer
which will be nearby.The local observance is actually part of the National Day of Prayer Task Force
a privately funded organization whose purpose is to encourage participation on the National Day of Prayer
It exists to communicate with every individual the need for personal repentance and prayer
and to mobilize the Christian community to intercede for America’s leaders and its families
The Task Force represents a Judeo-Christian expression of the national observance
based on the understanding that this country was birthed in prayer and in reverence for the God of the Bible.The local National Day of Prayer Committee sincerely urges everyone to join them in praying fervently and exalting the Lord and Savior through prayer
He will bless those who pray and honor Him.“Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord
The people He has chosen as His own inheritance” Psalms 33:12 NKJV.For more information contact Linda Godwin
251-254-0833.Other committee members are Linda Albritton
(WPMI) — An Atmore pastor and prison drug counselor
who is accused of trafficking synthetic drugs and bringing them to Fountain Correctional Facility is adamantly denying the allegations
The state says Vincent Bishop was caught with what they're calling a "prison pack" containing drugs and cellphones taped under the rear bumper of his truck
"It kind of reminds me of the Bible story about Job
how in just one day his like went from completely normal to just chaotic," said Bishop
Bishop sat down with NBC 15 News to discuss the charges
He told us his life has been turned completely upside down since his arrest last week
Bishop helps lead the Destiny Worship Center congregation in Atmore and for the past 17 years has helped prisoners with drug addiction
he's accused of bringing drugs into Fountain Correctional
"I'm completely innocent of all charges," said Bishop
The state says K-9 dogs found a "prison pack" in the back bumper of his 1997 Chevy pickup truck
the state says there were 176 grams of a synthetic narcotic with the street name Flakka or bath salts
"At no point did Pastor Bishop bring any substance through a gate
make an attempt to bring any substance through a gate
or communicate with any prisoner as he made his way into his facility," said defense attorney Jerome Carter
Carter says Bishop worked in an annex away from the general prison population and his truck was parked outside a secured
gated area Bishop knew was under video surveillance
Carter says Bishop was pulled over leaving the prison
How dare them put this kind of charge on him
to tarnish his reputation and work against the 17 years that he served this community," said Carter
Carter says if Bishop wanted to bring drugs into the prison
he could've walked them in but didn't
Carter suspects the "prison pack" may have been planted in the pastor's bumper
"Knowing that he is a community leader
someone who has verbalized to a community that he plans to run again
that this package mysteriously ends up in the bed of his truck?" said Carter
Bishop's arraignment is not set until March 2025
Arraignments are typically set much sooner
This is the procedural hearing where you enter a not guilty or guilty plea
Attorneys tell us this hearing usually happens within days of an arrest
We reached out to the Escambia County District Attorney and asked about the scheduling date but did not hear back
-- Just two days before ringing in the new year
more than a dozen shots were fired into a vehicle in Atmore
two men were shot and killed while sitting in a car
These shootings -- which both happened E Ashley Street -- were only 23 days a part
next thing he knew there was someone firing shots into his car," said Sgt
"Apparently they came up from behind him and then then ran off.”
McMann did not release the victim’s identity
but said the victim had non-life threatening injuries and will need some time to recover
two men were gunned down in a vehicle on the same street -- 25-year-old Juwan McNeal and 27-year-old Joe Jones Jr
James McNeil's business is located on E Ashley Street
"Things are happening around us right now," he said
these are kids coming along and they weren't raised up like we were."
A resident of E Ashley Street since the 1990s said the recent violence affects the entire community
“It’s just getting too rough around here," he said
“People are scared to get out and people are worried about that same thing happening to them.”
McMann has a message to whoever is responsible for pulling the trigger
"They don’t realize that they’re gonna be held accountable," he said
McNeil says these shootings should open the door for another conversation with leadership
"I wish that we could come to a conclusion -- the city officials
the chief of police here in Atmore -- and see if we can come together to make a change here in Atmore," he said
Anyone with info about either incident is asked to call Atmore Police
(WPMI) — After 24 years of dedicated service to the City of Atmore
Mayor Jim Staff today announced his retirement
Staff served as a member of the Atmore City Council from 2000 to 2012 before being elected Mayor in August 2012
guiding Atmore through significant growth and development during his tenure
"It has been an honor and a privilege to serve the people of Atmore," said Staff
"This city holds a special place in my heart
and I am grateful for the support of our residents
the time has come for me to step down and spend more time with my family."
Mayor Staff has served the city in various capacities before becoming mayor
contributing to Atmore's economic development
"Mayor Staff's leadership has left a lasting impact on the city
and his retirement marks the end of an era for Atmore.," said Council Chair Pro Tem Shawn Lassiter
the Atmore City Council will appoint an interim mayor to serve the remainder of Mayor Staff's term
Members of the staff expressed their gratitude to Mayor Jim Staff for his years of service and commitment to the community
"Working alongside Mayor Staff and his dedicated staff for the past 12 years has been an honor,” said City Clerk Becca Smith
“Their commitment to serving our community has been inspiring
I appreciate his team's collaboration
and I wish Mayor Staff all the best in his future endeavors."
Plans for a public event honoring Mayor Staff and his contributions will be announced soon
a drive thru coffee shop on Lindberg Avenue
The coffee shop is located where the old First National Bank and Trust south branch was located
Koehn said the bank closed more than a year ago
the owners of Waves Car Wash bought the property
and asked if I would be interested in putting a coffee shop here,” Koehn said
we’ve been working to get it set up for the coffee shop.”
Koehn said the name of the shop was something they came up with
adding there’s not really a back story regarding the name
“It’s been a long time coming it feels like,” he said
Southern Brew Thru’s menu includes classic coffee drinks hot or iced; signature drinks; non coffee items; and teas
Koehn said they’re doing a soft opening today
Regular hours of operation will be from 5:30 a.m
but now we’re excited to get it going and see how it’s going to work
We’re interested in seeing if people are going to like the drinks we have.”
an individual initially charged with capital murder in the shooting death of an Atmore resident was allowed to swap a plea to much lesser charges for a time-served release from jail.The most recent occurrence came last week
when retired Baldwin County Circuit Judge Charles Partin
who was appointed to hear the capital case against Anthony Jerome English
approved a deal between the DA and the defendant that led to English’s release.The Atmore man has for the last five years been jailed for the September 24
shooting death of 23-year-old Roderick Lynn “Thumper” Watkins Jr.
who was shot several times in the yard of the Jimbos Road home he shared with his mother
by a person who had apparently been waiting in ambush for more than two hours.The case was set for trial on March 10
but Debra Brooks said she was stunned to receive a phone call on the eve of the court action from District Attorney Steve Billy
who told her he had arranged a plea deal with English and his attorney.Under the arrangement
English entered a guilty plea to manslaughter
then ordered released from the Escambia County Detention Center on a 5-year probation.“Something woke me up
and I had a text message from Steve Billy,” Ms
and he told me the sheriff’s department didn’t deliver the subpoenas to the witnesses on time and the judge was going to throw the case out.”The shooting victim’s mother said she didn’t buy the explanation
since there was at least one key witness who was able
ready and willing to testify.“As far as witnesses
recalling the fatal shooting that happened around 2:30 a.m
I heard a commotion — all the dogs in the neighborhood started barking — and I got up and looked outside
who works with the Baldwin County Sheriff’s Office Corrections Center
said she went outside and not only found her mortally wounded son on the ground by his bullet-riddled automobile but also locked eyes with his killer.“He was in the bushes when I went out the door,” she said
who is a distant relative she has known for many years
then started back running.”As if that weren’t enough
she said Atmore police had collected ample evidence to convict English at trial
including text messages between the suspect and his friends and family members in which he admitted to shooting Watkins
along with messages advising him to wash his hands in bleach and get rid of his phone and the clothes he was wearing at the time of the shooting.She said there was also a Facebook video post on English’s computer during which he confessed to killing Watkins
The hard drive was seized by police during their investigation
she added.“I kept asking Steve Billy if we had enough evidence
and he told me the case was solid and we were going to trial,” she recounted
there’s no way he wouldn’t have been convicted
(Sheriff) Heath (Jackson) tried to offer some words of comfort on the (witness) stand
He said (of English) the streets are going to kill him
that he won’t last long.”The sheriff’s words provided
only cold comfort.“That was no real comfort to me at all,” she said
“You mean to tell me a man can come in my yard and kill my son in my yard
I would have felt better than I do the way this happened.”She added that she has no problem with the way city police handled the investigation but has a hard time swallowing the actions of the DA and the apparent lack of interest sheriff’s deputies who act as process servers have in their job.“I still believe in God
but I feel like Steve Billy and the sheriff’s office let me down and let the whole community down.” she said
I wish there was a way Atmore Police Department was not tied to Escambia County.”Atmore Police Chief Chuck Brooks (no relation) would neither confirm nor deny Ms
Brooks’ description of the evidence collected during the Watkins homicide investigation
except to say that APD detectives work hard to build cases that will stand up to prosecution.“All my investigators thoroughly investigate these cases and collect as much probable cause as possible
so we can help the DA successfully prosecute these cases,” the city’s top cop said
but we have no say-so in how the case is handled.”Darrell Brown
During research into English’s plea bargain
Atmore News learned that another Atmore man
held since 2017 on two counts of capital murder
was quietly released last summer after accepting a deal that was even sweeter than the one English got.According to court documents
including an indictment handed up in November 2017
Darrell Octavius Brown was already in jail
when he was arrested for the murder of Robert Kennedy and the wounding of Kennedy’s female companion
Joi McClammy.Russell was shot to death in April 2017
inside his car in the yard of Brown’s residence
Kennedy and McClammy had reportedly won a significant sum of money at Wind Creek Casino and had flashed the cash at a public event.They were shot as they lay in bed when Brown
Deion Lamar Booth and a juvenile broke into Kennedy’s Broad Street home around 3:16 a.m
Kennedy later died in a Mobile hospital.Brown’s indictment included one count each of capital murder during commission of a first-degree burglary
capital murder during the commission of a first-degree robbery
first-degree burglary and first-degree robbery.According to a Felony Sentencing Order filed July 17
Brown entered a guilty plea to one count of conspiracy to commit first-degree burglary
he was handed a 20-year prison sentence that was suspended
although he didn’t get away clean.The order included that the charge against Brown
who has been convicted of three prior felony offenses as an adult
qualified for “enhancement” under the Habitual Offender Act
He was ordered to pay a $2,500 fine and $5,000 for his court-appointed attorney
He was also ordered to pay $343 in court costs and a $250 Alabama Crime Victims Compensation Assessment
Those amounts are to be paid back in monthly installments of $50.Brown was actually connected to three 2017 murders here
Ladarious Jamaal Crenshaw of Atmore was charged with simple murder in the shooting death of Shawn O’Neil Quarles
who was gunned down as he rode his bicycle along Ann Street
Authorities determined that Crenshaw shot Quarles because he believed the bike-rider was Brown
The first of the three capital murder plea deals came in January 2024
who was charged as Brown’s accomplice in the Donta Russell shooting
was allowed to plead guilty to one count of obstruction of justice in exchange for his release after six years behind bars awaiting trial.The DA admitted after the deal that he had little or no evidence that tied Rostchild to the murder.Rostchild was freed from jail
and less than four months later was arrested again
this time for firing an AR-15 semi-automatic weapon into a crowd in an exchange of gunfire that took place during a “rap battle” at a Freemanville venue
although one person was hit by four bullets and was critically wounded
Authorities recovered “more than 85” shell casings from the scene.The former capital murder defendant’s brief fling with freedom ended in May of last year
He was arrested on one count each of reckless endangerment
possession of a firearm by a felon and discharging a firearm into an occupied dwelling
who is considered a “problem child” by local lawmen
has been transferred to the Mobile Metro Jail
where the facility’s website shows he is being held for “safekeeping” at the request of Escambia County authorities.Debra Brooks said the series of deals that led to the release from jail of English
Brown and Rostchild sends a strong message to violent criminals.“It’s just wrong
what they did,” she said of the plea deals
“It lets people know they can kill anybody in Atmore
The National Day of Prayer event was held May 1 at Escambia County High School’s Cornell Torrence Gymnasium
prayer for different groups and the blowing of the shofar
charged with driving under the influence of an unspecified substance in causing the death of her 2-year-old son and injuries to herself and six other people in a February crash near Atmore Country Club
was released from jail last Thursday.According to an employee of Circuit Clerk John Robert Fountain’s office
31-year-old Sarah Emily Janes was released after a $500,000 bond
Bond was originally denied during a March 5 hearing due to a request by the District Attorney’s office for an Aniah’s Law hearing.Court records show that the bond has two conditions
that Janes can’t drive a motor vehicle and cannot have any contact with the victims who were in the car she hit.Janes
was arrested by Florida Highway Patrol officers on February 28
when doctors released her from the facility
She was booked into the Escambia County Jail in Pensacola on one count of reckless murder due to the child’s death in a Pensacola
She was also charged with two counts of first-degree assault-DUI
She was transferred to the Escambia County Detention Center on March 3.The 2-year-old was reportedly in a car seat that was taken from the wrecked vehicle and placed in a roadside ditch
and the critically injured child was rushed by a city police officer and a city firefighter to Atmore Community Hospital.From there he was flown by air ambulance to an area trauma center
where he reportedly went into cardia arrest
He was then flown to another trauma center
where he remained on life support for three days before succumbing to his injuries.According to Alabama State Trooper reports
with the 2-year-old and a 4-year-old as passengers
The Cadillac reportedly slammed head-on into a 2017 Chrysler Pacifica driven by Brittany N
of Mobile.Colley (not “Collins” as previously reported) was injured
9 and 6 years — who were passengers in her vehicle were further imperiled when the Chrysler caught fire and became “fully involved” with flames
the injured 12-year-old and several unidentified bystanders pulled the other young victims from the burning mini-van.Alabama Law Enforcement Agency officials had not replied by Tuesday’s press deadline to an email request sent last Friday
seeking identification of the intoxicant Janes was allegedly under the influence of when the crash occurred
and what prompted the first-degree assault charges.It will apparently be almost two months from the date of the accident before any further details are divulged
Judge Coale set a preliminary hearing for 9 a.m
The delay in the proceedings was blamed on a backlog of cases pending before the court
ATMORE, Ala. -- A 46-year-old Atmore man is in jail Tuesday after a stand-off with law enforcement Monday night.
Atmore Police say the initial call was for a domestic violence complaint at a home on Blount Street before Francis Blount shot multiple rounds at officers
which escalated into a nearly six hour stand-off
Court records show Blount was convicted twice before on domestic violence charges and he plead guilty to charges of assault
Blount stepped onto his porch and fired at least eight rounds at an officer before barricading himself inside
He was allegedly holding his girlfriend against her will
That's when Atmore Police called in reinforcements
"Once you basically get everything settled down
you have all the time in the world as long as he’s not trying to harm anybody," said Sgt Darrell McMann with Atmore Police
"He basically has mental health issues and he was probably using narcotics
as he was up one minute and down the other.”
a drone and hostage negotiators were all brought in to help resolve the situation
law enforcement says Blount stepped out of his home and was arrested
then changes his mind and that’s when they pumped some tear gas into the trailer," McMann said
Court records reveal Blount has served time in prison
he was charged with first-degree assault for shooting a man
He plead guilty and was sentenced to both time in prison and probation
he was arrested on domestic violence charges
Records show he pulled a woman's braided hair from her head
He plead guilty in this case as well and was sentenced to probation
The women involved in these domestic violence cases are two different women
The following felony arrests were reported by officers of the Atmore Police Department (APD) during the period March 14-23:Mar’Kavion DixonEric Reed
an Atmore police officer was dispatched to Spudd’s at 1771 Highway 21 in reference to a traffic accident.The reporting party informed the dispatcher the vehicle that struck his vehicle left the scene and was last seen heading east on East Sunset Drive
The vehicle was described as a red Ford Mustang and a description was provided as to where the vehicle was damaged.The responding officer observed the vehicle southbound on Martin Luther King Drive
The officer conducted a traffic stop on Medical Park Drive and Church Street.The vehicle fled when the officer began walking to the vehicle
accelerating to a high rate of speed as the driver
reached speeds of over 80 mph on Church Street.The on-duty shift sergeant instructed the officer not to pursue the vehicle due to the time of day and the danger posed to the public.A short time later a citizen reported that a residence at the corner of Church Street and Carney Street had been struck by a red vehicle and observed people running from the vehicle
An officer observed two people running in the area and set a perimeter; one of them was carrying a black bag.Officers were eventually able to locate the suspects who called a third subject to pick them up
of Atmore was stopped by officers as it was leaving the area of the perimeter.During a search of both vehicles and the black bag that Reed had in his possession
the officers discovered a stolen firearm from Meridian
several hundred grams of marijuana in multiple locations
and items used to package narcotics.Reed was charged with attempting to elude a police officer
and possession of drug paraphernalia.Dixon was charged with second-degree receiving stolen property and second-degree hindering prosecution
A third subject in the vehicle was a juvenile who will be charged through juvenile court.Dennis Mathis
an Atmore Police Officer conducted a traffic stop on Cowpen Creek Road in reference to a vehicle failing to maintain its lane of travel.The officer contacted the driver
who was later identified as Dennis Mathis age 27
During the interaction with Mathis the officer noted signs of impairment and requested he perform field sobriety tests.Mathis was unable to perform the tests and was placed under arrest for DUI.During a search of the vehicle
officers discovered a small amount of marijuana and items used to ingest narcotics.Mathis was additionally charged with possession of a controlled substance
and violation of open container statutes.Rebel HowardOn March 18
an APD officer conducted a traffic stop on South Presley Street in reference to the vehicle displaying a license plate that was registered to a different vehicle which also was registered to the driver who was later identified as Rebel Howard
Fla.A K9 Officer arrived on the scene and deployed the K9 which alerted on the vehicle
During a search of the vehicle the officers discovered prescription medication that was not prescribed to Howard [Xanax]
and items used to package narcotics.Howard was arrested and charged with possession of a controlled substance
and illegal possession of prescription drugs.No mugshot was available.Travis Snow
an APD officer conducted a traffic stop on Highway 21 in reference to the driver failing to use the turn signal and improper equipment.The officer contacted the driver
who was later identified as Travis Snow age 34
During the officer’s interaction with Snow
he noted suspicious behavior and an open bottle of alcohol.The officer was granted consent to search the vehicle
During the search of the vehicle the officer discovered a small amount of a crystal-like substance that field tested positive for methamphetamine and items used to ingest narcotics.Snow was arrested and charged with possession of a controlled substance
and violation of open container statutes.Kyle Coleman
officers responded to Walmart in reference to a shoplifting complaint
The suspect was detained by Walmart Loss Prevention officers and was transported to the Atmore Municipal Jail.While processing the suspect
the officer discovered he was in possession of a THC vape pen
and he was charged with possession of a controlled substance and fourth-degree theft of property.While the subject was being processed at the detention center
the corrections officer discovered that the subject — later identified as Kyle Coleman
after having initially provided a false name — was also charged with giving false identification to a law enforcement officer.Kristi Spears
The suspects had been detained by Walmart Loss Prevention officers.During the interaction with the suspects
the officers discovered the suspects had a vehicle waiting in the parking lot
The vehicle was located and consent to search was granted to the officers.During a search of the vehicle
the officers discovered a small amount of a crystal-like substance that field tested positive for methamphetamine
and items that are used to ingest narcotics.Kristi Spears
was arrested and charged with possession of a controlledsubstance
and fourth-degree theft of property.Sydni Weatherholtz
an officer conducted a traffic stop on Highway 31 in reference to an equipment violation.During the interaction with the driver and the passenger
A K9 officer arrived and alerted on the vehicle.During a search of the vehicle the officers discovered a small amount of a crystal-like substance that field-tested positive for methamphetamine and items used to ingest narcotics.The passenger
was arrested and charged with possession of a controlled substance and possession of a drug paraphernalia.Justin Vede
an officer conducted a traffic stop on Highway 21 in reference to the driver
for failing to wear his seat belt.While checking Knight’s driver license status
the officer discovered Vede did not have a license
the officer noted suspicious behavior and requested consent to search the vehicle.The search led to the discovery of several dozen grams of Kratom
and an open container of alcohol.Vede was charged with possession of a controlled substance
and violation of open container statutes.Melvin Knight
failing to use a turn signal.While checking Knight’s driver license status the officer discovered Knight’s license was revoked
When the officer began speaking with Knight about the revocation
in plain view.The residue in the pipe was field-tested and was positive for crack cocaine
Knight was charged with possession of a controlled substance and possession of drug paraphernalia.Kayla Powers
accompanied a friend to the Atmore Police Department in reference to a complaint when the officer became aware that Powers was wanted by the New Orleans Police Department in reference to an outstanding arrest warrant for felony domestic assault.Powers was arrested and charged as a fugitive from justice and is awaiting extradition to New Orleans
-- A 32-year-old Atmore woman is facing a murder charge for a crash in late February that claimed the life of a 2-year-old passenger of hers
Sarah Janes is being held in Escambia County
WEAR News previously reported the crash happened on Feb. 25 around 9 p.m. on Highway 31 near mile marker 38 in Escambia County
ALEA said a 2015 Cadillac SRX driven by Janes collided head-on with a 2017 Chrysler Pacifica
The 2-year-old -- a passenger in Janes' Cadillac -- initially suffered critical injuries in the crash before passing away last Saturday at the hospital
A 4-year-old passenger of Janes also suffered injuries and was hospitalized
The driver of the Chrysler -- a 38-year-old Mobile woman -- was hospitalized as well
Janes was initially transported to Sacred Heart Hospital in Pensacola for her injuries
Deputies then arrested her upon release from the hospital and booked her into the Escambia County
Jail records show she was extradited to Escambia County
Lightning strike triggers destructive blaze at First Presbyterian
State investigators have confirmed that a lightning strike was responsible for the Saturday
fire that effectively destroyed First Presbyterian Church of Atmore’s sanctuary and connected buildings.Alabama Fire Marshal’s Office investigators were on the scene early Sunday and announced Monday that lightning — spawned by a storm system that left at least three Alabama residents dead and caused damage in 52 of the state’s 67 counties — was responsible for the destructive blaze.The inferno was discovered through happenstance
who had stayed in Atmore due to the threat of severe weather
was headed to check on another incident around 10:45 p.m
when alarm bells started going off in his mind.“There was a tree down on Presley Street
and I was going down Presley to check on it,” Peebles said
By the time I got to the intersection of Owens and Presley (streets)
so I knew something was burning close by.”The fire chief followed the trail of smoke and came upon the fiercely burning church.“It was already getting it by the time I got there,” he said
the 911 dispatcher reported a structure fire
I got on the radio and told them to page anybody and everybody they could get to come and help us.”The call for reinforcements brought fire trucks and dozens of firefighters from at least seven area firefighting agencies — Poarch Creek Indians
Walnut Hill division of Escambia County (Fla.) Fire-Rescue
Atmore police and Escambia County Sheriff’s deputies reportedly assisted with traffic control.“I would say we had at least 40 to 45 firefighters turn out,” Peebles said
“We had help show up from just about everywhere
There were even two units on the way from Baldwin County — I think Bay Minette — but we turned them around when all the others started showing up
We’re really lucky to have such a good mutual aid system; a lot of places don’t have that.”The phalanx of firefighters battled the flames from outside as fire spread through the house of worship’s upper portions and claimed its steeple and roof
The building had undergone a complete renovation in 1997 after winds from a similar storm system toppled a giant tree that fell on the church’s education annex and its sanctuary in April 1995.“We tried to make an interior attack
but this was the kind of fire that gets firefighters killed,” the fire chief said
that’s what made it so hard to stop.”Atmore Fire Department’s ladder truck turned out to be the most effective tool in bringing the fire under control
a mission that wasn’t accomplished until around 3 a.m.“If it wasn’t for our ladder truck
we couldn’t have stopped it when we did,” he explained
“We pumped from it for four hours.”Fire trucks were hooked to three separate hydrants
and water was pumped continuously.“We pumped thousands and thousands of gallons of water,” Peebles said
“That ladder truck pumps about 1,500 gallons a minute
and it ran for four hours.”State investigators determined the fire most likely started near the junction of First Presbyterian’s old sanctuary and its fellowship hall and classrooms
The steeple and cross eventually collapsed as flames destroyed the roof around them
No injuries were reported.First Presbyterian’s congregation and board of elders plan to eventually rebuild the church building
but one quickly noted it was the building — not the church body — that was destroyed in the blaze.“The building was destroyed
but the church has not been destroyed,” said Larry Houck
First Presbyterian of Atmore — which was established in 1929 — held services Sunday in the church parking lot
just a few yards from the charred structural remains.“We had a good service Sunday in the parking lot
thanks to our neighbors at First Methodist,” Houck said
“They set up the chairs and joined us.”He added that church members would begin sifting through the ruins as soon as insurance investigators complete their tasks
They will be searching for any relics that might have survived the inferno and preparing plans for the construction of a new building.“We plan to rebuild as quickly as we can,” he said
“We’re not going to let what’s left of our beautiful church remain there in ruins for very long.”As far as the immediate future
Houck said First Presbyterian has been inundated with offers from other local and area churches to use their facilities and will make a decision by Thursday of this week on which offer to accept.“We’re blessed with choices,” Houck said
“We’ve had probably a half-dozen offers to use other churches for our offices
We plan to visit some of them on Wednesday and see which will be most conducive for us
we plan to have a place where our church secretary can go to work on Monday.”
Please select what you would like included for printing:
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formerly of Hershey’s Mill passed away November 15
he was the son of the late Charles Deane and Mary Jane (nee Dill) Atmore
Charles was very proud to be a veteran of the U.S
where he served as a pilot of fighter jets
Charles was a graduate of Haverford High School and Lehigh University
Charles worked for the Philadelphia Inquirer
retired from banking in 1997 and continued to work part-time until 2022
He was a member of Good Samaritan in Paoli and a previous member of Holy Comforter Church in Drexel Hill
Charles was a member of the Mozart Society
Life Member of the Reserve Officers Association
Men’s Bible Study and the Fourth Street Club of Philadelphia
Philadelphia Eagles season ticket holder since 1967 and enjoyed traveling
He was pleased to let all know that he visited all 50 states
Chuck was the beloved husband of 47 years of Barbara E
(nee Houston) Atmore; loving father of Allison Stewart (William)
Jim Rice (Kristi) and Jonathan Atmore; adoring Pop-Pop of William Stewart
and Jack Rice; and dear brother of Jane Brown
Relatives and friends are invited to his Visitation 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM
followed by his Memorial Service at 11:00 AM
contributions may be made to either the Church of the Good Samaritan Food Closet
Enter your phone number above to have directions sent via text
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-- Two men were arrested for allegedly stealing property used by the Atmore Police Department to assist citizens during hurricanes and other weather-related events
breaking and entering a vehicle (five counts)
Both face additional charges in Baldwin County
on Tuesday at an undisclosed area used by the Atmore Police Department
and additional items used by the police department
were stolen," police said in a release
officers were alerted that the suspects were back on the property
Officers detained a vehicle at the location occupied by two men
"One of the men was immediately arrested and the other fled on foot," police say
"The Alabama Department of Corrections Prison Dog Team assisted Atmore Police by tracking the wanted male on foot
Officers did not apprehend the male due to the dogs losing scent of the track."
The investigation led officers to Baldwin County where the stolen items were recovered
Hayles is in Escambia County Alabama Jail without bond
while Patterson is in Baldwin County Jail without bond
Most people in and around Atmore shared the sentiments expressed by Fire Chief Ronald Peebles in the wake of last week’s history-making winter storm.“This is the most snow I’ve ever seen,” Peebles said of the winter weather phenomenon that dumped a record amount of winter precipitation on the community and across Lower Alabama and the Florida Panhandle.Resident Erma Ruffin agreed the occasion was a rare one
admitting that “I haven’t seen this much snow in 30 years or more.”According to National Weather Service records
the official total — from a calibrated gauge — that accumulated in the Atmore area on Tuesday
It was just two months short of 31 years ago that Atmore’s previous record for snowfall in a 24-hour period was established.Data collected by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) shows the most accumulated snow to have been measured here on any one day before last week was 2.0 inches
These three instances mark the only times more than an inch of snow has ever built up in the city
according to NOAA.A state single-city record was established in the 1993 snowstorm
as 20 inches fell in and around Gadsden within 24 hours.Last week’s storm effectively turned the city into a ghost town
as only a single convenience store remained open throughout the period of winter precipitation
Traffic on city streets was extremely light
and all area schools were closed from Tuesday through Friday
as was Atmore City Hall.“All our businesses were closed
so that helped tremendously,” said Atmore Police Chief Chuck Brooks
and an 18-wheeler had to be helped up a hill after the car in front of it stopped and caused the truck to lose its momentum
we came through it pretty good.”He pointed out that motorists reacted well and helped alleviate his concerns that the unfamiliar accumulation would result in a flurry of wrecked vehicles
City streets were covered by a blanket of snow
and ice built up beneath it as temperatures dropped into the low 20-degree range and blustery conditions produced single-digit wind chills.“For the most part everybody did well; most people stayed home,” Brooks said
“People around here aren’t used to driving in icy
They were traveling at safe speeds as the snow melted
I was proud to see that.”Some snow remained in shady areas and deep ditches as this week began
and several snowmen (along with a snowwoman and a snowcat) still stood erect as late as Sunday afternoon (January 26)
stately reminders of the once-in-a-generation weather event.Unofficial totals from around the county showed accumulation of as much as 9 inches in Flomaton
Unofficial area readings included 13 inches in McDavid
breaking a record that had stood since 1895.While youngsters of all ages
formed snow angels and otherwise gamboled in whitened yards and fields
some came away with the same feeling as that expressed by the fire chief.“I wanted to see some snow,” Peebles admitted
“But I can promise you that I have now seen all the snow I need to.”
Slow-moving storm system dumps nearly a foot of water on Atmore area
Although most of the 10-12 inches of rain that fell on the area Sunday night (April 6) and into Monday had drained by Tuesday
Atmore remained for the most part a soggy city.Atmore Fire Chief Ron Peebles said he can’t remember the last time the city got such a soaking.“It flooded everywhere
“There were stalled vehicles all over town
and a (Medstar) ambulance stalled out on Craig Street on its way back to their building from Atmore Community Hospital (just a few blocks away)
I’m curious to see how many inches we had.”While several residents reported that their rain gauges overflowed at the 6-inch or 8-inch mark
the latest National Weather Service estimates are that 6-10 inches fell on the city and its surrounding area.Police Chief Chuck Brooks agrees with those estimates
and with the fire chief.“It was a very active night; we responded to a lot of different situations,” Brooks said of the deluge
I would guess we had around 10 inches of rain
We had a bunch of cars stalled out in the water that covered the streets
but because of the speed at which people drove through the water.”The rain
produced by a slow-moving storm system that lingered for hours and saturated most of Lower Alabama
county roads and state highways across the Atmore area but caused no injuries and little or no significant property damage.The yards of several businesses and residences across Atmore were still covered by water and rain-washed debris early Tuesday
and reports are that rainwater breached the banks of most area rivers
creeks and ponds and spread into surrounding woodlands.Lester Brown
whose home sits on high ground at the intersection of East Horner Street and 7th Avenue
The situation would probably have been worse
had he not taken it upon himself to clean out the storm drains in the immediate area of his home.“We had water in the edge of our carport and up to our steps,” Brown said
I have to clean those drains every time we get a hard rain
or all the yards around here would be covered with water.”The residual rain still filled most roadside ditches early Tuesday
but had mysteriously drained away faster than it usually does when heavy rains fall on the city
Yellow cautionary tape hung limply from stop signs and other attachments at several intersections
reminders that the areas were at one time impassable.Although no injuries or major damage occurred during the deluge
lightning struck the air conditioner of a home in the Robinsonville community
creating an apprehensive situation for the homeowner and for city firefighters
who were called to assist Little Rock Volunteer Fire Department.“Lightning hit the air conditioning unit at a house near the end of Green Acres Road,” the fire chief explained
and we couldn’t get a firetruck to the house
the lightning strike only blew out a receptacle
and the breakers prevented a fire from forming.“There was the smell you usually get when there’s an electrical short,” Peebles said
We cut all the breakers off and told the homeowners to leave them off until an electrician looked at them
It could have been a bad situation if there had been an actual fire.”Calvin Grace
director of the city’s Streets & Sanitation Department
said he was surprised that the flood water receded so quickly.“We had so much rainfall that it sort of surprised me that it drained so good,” said Grace
whose crews have been able to spend more time on keeping ditches clean since solid waste collection was privatized
except we cleaned most of the drains all over town and we’ve been keeping most of the big ditches clean.”
The following felony arrests were reported by officers of the Atmore Police Department (APD) during the period March 2-8:Jordan Lassiter
The 29-year-old Atmore man was jailed March 8 after police investigated a report of an unconscious man who was behind the wheel of a moving vehicle.According to police reports
to the intersection of Church Street and Third Avenue
where Lassiter was reportedly slumped over the steering wheel of a vehicle that was moving forward.The first officer to arrive was flagged down by a citizen and informed the vehicle had just left at a high rate of speed
driven by a man who “appeared to be impaired.” The officer spotted the suspect vehicle a short distance away and activated his emergency blue lights and siren in an attempt to make a traffic stop.Instead
Lassitter accelerated at a high rate of speed — well over the posted 25-mph limit
Due to Lassitter’s “total disregard for the safety of pedestrians and other vehicles,” the officer terminated the pursuit
although he was able to determine which street Lassitter turned on
A second officer saw Lassitter pull into a driveway
and he was taken into custody without further incident.Lassitter was booked into the Escambia County Detention Center
charged with one count each of felony attempting to elude a police officer
failure to stop at signal and exceeding reasonable road speedHe remained in the county jail Monday afternoon
The 35-year-old Atmore man was arrested March 3 on felony drug possession charges after he ran from police who pulled his vehicle over because he wasn’t wearing a seat belt.According to police reports
The reporting officer “noticed suspicious behavior and requested a K9 officer respond to the scene.” The dog “alerted” on the vehicle
leading to a probable cause search.Several dozen grams of synthetic marijuana (Spice) were discovered during the search
as were several grams of Ecstasy and several small
plastic baggies that are commonly used to package narcotics.While the officers were conducting the search
Harris took off running but was caught after a brief foot pursuit
He is charged with two counts of possession of a controlled substance and one count each of possession of drug paraphernalia and attempting to elude a law enforcement officer.Harris remained in the Escambia County Detention Center (ECDC) Monday morning
APD reports show the 32-year-old Atmore woman was arrested March 4 when a small amount of synthetic marijuana was found inside her vehicle
which had been pulled over because it “was not displaying a license plate.”The pullover took place around 2:55 p.m
As the reporting officer talked with the woman
he “noticed that Linam appeared lethargic” and called for a K9 officer.The dog alerted on the vehicle
prompting a probable cause search that yielded “a small amount of synthetic cannabis (Spice) and marijuana.”Linam was booked into the ECDC on one count each of possession of a controlled substance and second-degree possession of marijuana
was also arrested March 4 after police blue-lighted his vehicle because he failed to maintain his lane of travel as he drove along Alabama 21
then found trace amounts of methamphetamine in a glass pipe found inside the vehicle.The traffic stop occurred around 10:50 a.m
he “noted suspicious behavior and requested consent to search the vehicle,” reports indicate
which contained meth residue.Pettie was placed under arrest and booked into the ECDC on one count each of possession of a controlled substance and possession of drug paraphernalia
Jail records show he was released on March 5.Xavier Thomas
on the verge of being arrested on March 8 and charged with misdemeanor marijuana possession
instead found himself booked into the county jail as a felony fugitive after police checked his identification.According to police reports
an officer pulled over a vehicle that was traveling along North Main Street without a license plate.The officer “noted suspicious behavior” as he talked with Thomas
The K9 indicated that some illicit substance was in the vehicle
and a search turned up a small amount of marijuana.A computer check of Thomas’ ID revealed he was wanted by the Okaloosa County (Fla.) Sheriff’s Office for possession of dangerous drugs and he was jailed on local charges of being a fugitive from justice and second-degree possession of marijuana.He was processed into the ECDC and remained there Monday afternoon
– A strong second inning and a stellar pitching performance
Northview’s softball team accomplished both as the Lady Chiefs beat Jay
9-1 to claim the FHSAA Class Rural District 1 Tournament Championship tonight on the road
The Lady Chiefs scored six runs in the top of the second inning on a Bailey Burkette two-run homerun; a Jamison Gilman RBI single; and two runs scored on an Addysen Bolen single to right field
sophomore pitcher Mikayla McAnally pitched a gem
striking out 17 batters and allowing one earned run on three hits in a complete game
Lady Chiefs softball coach Amy Holland said the girls prepared well for the district tournament battle
Yesterday (Wednesday) was a great practice,” Holland said
“Our girls have been united very strongly all week
Holland said the girls have put in the hard work
“They told us from the beginning that they’re going to get it done
That’s a great win tonight over the first place team in our area.”
Holland said it was important to get ahead for motivation
She added that once the hits started rolling
This marks the first time the Lady Chiefs have won the district championship since 2019
keep it running with this very young team,” Holland said
Holland said it’s going to be good to play the regional playoff game at home next week
they don’t even have any connections with our team
Holland gave a shoutout to sophomore catcher Burkette
Holland said McAnally was ready to throw for the championship
you’ve got to win that game to get to this game
coach.’ And before she came out there before the game
Four Lady Chiefs had two hits each during the contest
Burkette and Kylee Langham went 2-for-4 each
and Riley Brooks went 2-for-3 during the game
“It’s definitely a good feeling to get on top 9-1
That’s a big deal to win that much in the championship.”
Gilman and McAnally said the team fights together
battles back and are all together on the same page
By Kim Lanier-HuntPublished: Dec. 24, 2024 at 3:19 PM CSTEmail This LinkShare on FacebookShare on X (formerly Twitter)Share on PinterestShare on LinkedInATMORE, Ala. (WALA) - Two men were arrested today after authorities say they were found in a wooded area near a prison in Atmore along with a backpack containing drugs and cell phones
According to the Alabama Department of Corrections
its Law Enforcement Services Division and K-9 Bureau
along with Atmore and Poarch Creek police officers
responded to reports of possible trespassers at the Fountain Correctional Facility
Authorities said K-9 handlers found the two suspects
identified as Derrick Bean and Keith Davis
Also found was a backpack containing 448 grams of marijuana
The men were taken to the Escambia County Jail
Bean and Davis are charged with three counts of attempting to commit a controlled substance crime
Bean was also charged separately with third-degree possession of a controlled substance and second-degree promoting prison contraband
ADOC said the investigation is ongoing and more charges may be pending
-- A church in Atmore caught fire late Saturday evening
to put out the flames that engulfed the First Presbyterian Church of Atmore
The church is located on East Horner Street and looks to be destroyed
Atmore Fire Chief Ronald Peebles tells WEAR News he was driving down the street when he smelled smoke and saw the church on fire
He says between 20 to 25 emergency units from Florida and Alabama responded to the scene
Witnesses say they saw lightning strike multiple times in the area during the storm
that same lightning could’ve struck the church
The following video is from NorthEscambia.com:
Nobody was inside the church when the fire broke out
but officials say the building is a total loss
Church members at the scene say the flames destroyed years' worth of memories
Officials are confident this fire is storm-related
"This church is the center of our lives," church elder Larry Houck said
and it's been here over 100 years."
A big oak tree fell through it after a storm and it was rebuilt
so we’ll rebuild it this time," he added
“We're just trying to figure out the big picture," church elder Steven Shirley said
An outdoor meeting took place this Sunday morning out in front of the church
The church discussed how future services will take place
Although Alabama Department of Corrections (ALDOC) investigators feel they have a strong case against an Atmore pastor who was arrested Thursday
on charges of trying to smuggle methamphetamine
weapons and other items into Fountain Correctional Facility Annex
the pastor’s attorney said the arrest raises more questions than it answers.“My personal and professional opinion is
the whole thing smells of a setup,” said Mobile attorney Jerome C
who has been retained to defend Vincent Bernard Bishop
“This doesn’t ring as anything other than a deliberate attempt by a third party to discredit him.”The local church leader
who pastors Destiny Worship Center in Atmore and at least one Baldwin County church
also counsels inmates at Fountain Correctional.He was taken into custody after agents with ALDOC’s Intelligence and Investigations unit charged him with one count each of drug trafficking
attempting to commit a controlled substance crime
attempting to promote prison contraband and possession of drug paraphernalia.ADOC officials said in a press release that Bishop
from the correctional facility after a $500,000 bond was posted on his behalf
had come under suspicion after investigators and correctional officers noted “suspicious activity involving inmates attempting to access a parking lot near Bishop’s vehicle.”Bishop’s truck was stopped at a checkpoint inside the prison grounds
cell phones and other items of contraband were discovered inside a “prison-made package” that was wedged into the space beneath the truck’s bumper.The package reportedly contained nearly four ounces of flakka (which is similar to the street drug commonly known as bath salts)
as well as an unspecified quantity of marijuana
cell phones and other items.Bishop refused to resign from his position as an ADOC employee
so he was placed on mandatory leave and under arrest.Carter said the fact that Bishop worked at the prison and was allowed full access inside the facility is one clue that leads away from the smuggling activities for which he is charged.“He is an employee of the prison
What sense does it make that he would tape up a package and hide it on his truck when he could have just put [any contraband] in his bag and walked through the door.”The area where the package was found and Bishop was detained reportedly is under constant video surveillance
another fact that makes Carter doubt that his client committed the crimes with which he is charged.“That whole area is surrounded by cameras,” he said
“My challenge to the DOC is to produce some evidence that shows my client putting something in the truck or taking something out of the truck
It’s not going to exist.”The defense attorney noted that Bishop cooperated with all requests from the officers who used a drug-sniffing dog in the search of the vehicle
still another reason to question his guilt.“He participated in everything they asked of him,” Carter said
and he was calm while the dog was sniffing his vehicle
That’s not something that someone with something to hide would have done.”
The following felony arrests were reported by officers of the Atmore Police Department (APD) during the period March 25-29:Porter Allmon
The 37-year-old Atmore man who was detained twice by police over a three-day period but released without charges each time
was finally arrested March 25 after evidence indicated he was responsible for a series of apparent misdeeds that occurred or were attempted across the city.According to police reports
APD’s first encounter with Allmon came March 19
when officers responded to a report of “a suspicious person knocking on the front door” of a 9th Avenue residence
Allmon was walking away from the residence when police arrived.Officers reportedly conducted a field interview
and he was sent on his way.Three days later
where store employees told them of “a suspicious white male shoplifting in the store and attempting to ‘huff’ fumes from a whipped cream container to get high.”Store officials had Allmon trespassed from the store but decided not to press charges of fourth-degree theft against him
and he was again sent on his way.On March 24
a local homeowner posted a video on social media of a white male who was “standing on her porch in the early morning hours
shining a light into the Ring camera.” The homeowner asked through the camera system that the intruder leave
so she didn’t call the police.Another resident
posted on social media during the same time frame that an attempted burglary had occurred at her residence
That person also decided not to contact police.Video footage from the 9th Avenue residence clearly showed it was Allmon who was standing on that porch
and the second homeowner was contacted by APD investigators who are trying to determine whether he was also involved in that incident.Allmon’s lucky streak came to an abrupt halt when police discovered he was on unsupervised probation after having entered a guilty plea on March 5 to a felony domestic violence charge
who ultimately decided to swear out a misdemeanor complaint for shoplifting
and a warrant was issued.Allmon’s probation was revoked
and he was booked into the Escambia County Detention Center (ECDC)
was arrested March 29 after police responded to a domestic incident at a residence in the 100 block of South Main Street
Officers were sent to the location around 3:55 p.m
and learned that Bowen was in violation of a domestic violence protection order.Bowen was eventually located at another site and placed under arrest
He was processed into the county jail on one count each of first-degree domestic violence-aggravated stalking and violation of a domestic violence protection order.He remained behind bars Tuesday morning
was arrested March 29 on a felony drug possession charge after an officer recognized her as having a suspended driving license and pulled her vehicle over as she drove it along U.S
31.The traffic stop was conducted around 1:05 p.m
A K9 unit responded to the scene and “alerted” on the vehicle
A probable cause search led to discovery of a glass pipe with residue that field-tested positive for methamphetamine
as well as a small amount of marijuana.Jones was charged with one count each of possession of a controlled substance
second-degree possession of marijuana and driving while license is suspended or revoked
was arrested March 25 after employees of the Dollar General store in Canoe reported she was apparently passed out inside her vehicle in the store’s parking lot
with the vehicle’s engine still running.APD reports show the responding officer knocked on the window several times to check on Biron
He noted she “seemed to be under the influence” of some substance and asked her to step out of the vehicle
the city lawman spotted “narcotics in plain view.”A probable cause search of the vehicle yielded a small amount of a substance that field-tested positive for methamphetamine
along with items used to ingest narcotics.Biron was booked into the ECDC on one count each of possession of a controlled substance
She was no longer listed on the jail roster Monday morning
The 32-year-old Atmore man was arrested March 31 after police responded to a reported domestic incident at a Woods Road location.Police reports show officers were sent to the site around 1:05 a.m
and soon “discovered evidence indicating the victim had been choked by the victim’s former boyfriend” (Powell)
who was gone when officers arrived.Powell was soon located and placed under arrest on one count of domestic violence by strangulation or suffocation.He remained in the ECDC Tuesday morning
was arrested March 31 on felony drug possession charges after police conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle in which the driver was not wearing a seat belt.The pullover took place around 5:40 p.m
The reporting officer “noted suspicious behavior” as he talked with Neales and was given consent to search the vehicle
The search yielded a small amount of methamphetamine and Ecstasy
as well as items used to ingest narcotics.Neales
who is charged with two counts of possession of a controlled substance and one count of possession of drug paraphernalia
April 1.Marcella BoartfieldThe 53-year-old Andalusia woman was arrested March 31 after police blue-lighted her vehicle as it traveled along Alabama 21 around 1:50 a.m.
without taillights.The reporting officer “noted suspicious behavior between the driver and the passenger (Boartfield)
A K-9 was sent to the scene and indicated that illicit substances were in the vehicle
A probable cause search led to discovery of a glass pipe with a residue that field tests showed was methamphetamine.Boartfield was arrested on one count each of possession of a controlled substance and possession of drug paraphernalia
although no mugshot had been posted by 10 a.m
-- Atmore Police Officers responded to a vacant residence in the 100 block of East Ashley Street in reference to a person shot
when officers arrived on the scene and discovered 25-year-old Atmore man Juwan McNeal and 27-year-old Atmore man Joe Jones Jr sitting in a vehicle
They were both shot multiple times and passed away due to their injuries
-- Two men are facing charges after allegedly being found near an Atmore prison with a backpack full of illegal drugs and other contraband
Poarch Creek police and the Alabama Department of Corrections responded to reports of trespassers seen near the Fountain Correctional Facility
They reportedly found Derrick Bean and Keith Davis in the woods near the prison
They also found a backpack containing around a pound of marijuana
fentanyl and multiple cell phones with chargers
Both men were arrested and charged with possession
Bean was also charged with promoting prison contraband
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