Jay Softball Teams Pulls Out Of Brewton Tournament Following Weekend Shooting
March 5, 2010
Jay High School’s softball team has pulled out of a Brewton softball tournament following the weekend shooting of a Brewton teen near Jay.
The Lady Royals were scheduled to play in the tournament this weekend at T.R. Miller High School in Brewton, but the team will no longer take part out of what school officials called “an abundance of caution”.
Robert Franklin Floyd, 21, of Jay, is charged with an open count of murder for the shooting death of Getyron Lopez Benjamin, 18. Floyd is also facing three counts of attempted murder after he allegedly fired a rifle into a vehicle occupied by Benjamin and four other people that were leaving a party in Jay last Saturday morning.
There were allegations that the shooting could have been racially motivated, but many residents of Jay and Brewton say that race is not an issue in their town.
“This insanity has to stop,” one Jay High supporter wrote in an email to NorthEscambia.com “A lot of innocent people are being affected by people who are not and should not be involved in this situation.”
Federal Agents Raid Tax Service Business In Atmore, Other Cities; Search Owner’s House
March 5, 2010
(Updated) Federal agents raided an Atmore tax and check cashing business Thursday morning as well as locations of the business in two other Alabama cities. They also searched the home of the business’ owner.
Agents from the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Internal Revenue Service served a federal search warrant at the Preyear’s Tax & Check Cashing, LLC on Ridgely Street in Atmore about 9 a.m. Locations of the business in Monroeville and Thomasville, Alabama, were also included in the search warrant, as was the Monroeville home of Alice Preyear Mobley. According to the Alabama Secretary of State’s Office, Mobley is the owner of the business.
FBI and IRS agents on scene in Atmore were unable to comment about their investigation. They were observed removing items from the business and searching at least one vehicle in the parking lot next to the business. Atmore Police Department officers and the federal agents were seen questioning at least one person from the business.
“I can confirm that we were there on official business,” said Patty Bergstom, an IRS Criminal Investigation Special Agent and spokesperson in Atlanta. “I can’t confirm or deny that we are involved in any investigation there.” Bergston confirmed that IRS agents also were also at locations of Preyear’s Tax & Check Cashing, LLC in Monroeville and Thomasville.
“We were there executing search warrants,” Angela Tobon, a spokesperson in the FBI’s Mobile Division said. She would not confirm any other details due to an ongoing investigation.
No one was arrested during Thursday morning’s operation.
Pictured above: A federal agent enters Preyear’s Tax & Check Cashing, LLC in Atmore Thursday morning. Pictured inset: Agents search a vehicle at the business. Pictured below: A federal agent and Atmore Police officer talk to an employee of the business during the raid. NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Friday Traffic: Lane Closures In Two Locations On Highway 97
March 5, 2010
There will be two areas with lane closures on Friday along Highway 97.
The first will be just north of White Ash Road, and the second will be just north of Highway 164. At both locations, crews from Panhandle Grading and Paving will be working to replace guardrails as part of a Highway 97 resurfacing project.
“We are doing our best to hold the closures to as little time as necessary to complete the work,” said Shawn Joseph, project administrator. “We appreciate everyone’s patience and apologize for the inconvenience.”
If possible, the lane closures are being restricted until after 8 a.m. to allow as much work and school traffic as possible to pass without delays.
Man Charged With Stealing $2,000 In Alabama Hours Before He Was Robbed In Century
March 5, 2010
The 18-year old victim in a gunpoint robbery last week in Century is now facing charges in Alabama for stealing the money that was later stolen from him.
Devante Aaaron Knight, 18, of Hecker Road, Century, was arrested is being held in the Escambia County (Fla.) Jail awaiting extradition back to Escambia County (Ala.) to face larceny charges stemming from a purse snatching incident.
An Escambia County, Ala., warrant was issued Wednesday for Knight’s arrest after he allegedly snatched a purse containing $2,000 in cash from an 85-year old woman last week.
The day after the purse snatching, Knight was himself the victim of a robbery where the $2,000 was stolen.
Knight told Escambia County (Fla.) Sheriff’s Office deputies that he was in the yard of home in the 100 block of Zion Street talking to another Century man. That’s when the suspect asked to borrow a dollar from the Knight, and the Knight agreed. The suspect then reportedly walked into a trailer, returned outside and told the Knight “Give it up”.
Knight said that he remembered being hit in the head with the gun and hearing gunfire, but he did not think he had been shot. The victim them walked to the nearby Dollar General store on nearby North Century Boulevard. That’s where Knight located his aunt. The aunt transported the Knight to his home in the 200 block of East Hecker Road and called 911. Knight was transported by ambulance to Sacred Heart Hospital for treatment of a head injury.
The suspect was able to steal the entire $2,000 allegedly taken from the 85-year old woman.
According to the sheriff’s office incident report, Knight was treated for a laceration to his head that was not the result of being shot.
A warrant has been issued for the arrest of the suspect for aggravated battery using a deadly weapon and robbery with a firearm.
Coming This Weekend: Helping Haiti
March 5, 2010
Join NorthEscambia.com beginning Saturday morning for a three-part series “North Escambia: Helping Haiti”. We will take you to Haiti through the eyes of two area men that just returned from a disaster relief mission.
We will hear about their work in Haiti in their own words, and we’ll see the country through their eyes via their photographs. We will also look at how you can be a part of the effort to provide relief in the earthquake ravaged country.
“North Escambia: Helping Haiti” begins Saturday morning here on NorthEscambia.com.
Escambia Calls On State To Help With Logjams On Escambia River
March 5, 2010
Escambia County is asking the state to remove logjams along the Escambia River to decrease the risk of flooding.
Substantial quantities of logs, vessels and other debris have obstructed water flow and safe navigation on Escambia River. Thursday night, the county commission passed a resolution asking the state to take immediate action remove to the logjams from river, which is under the jurisdiction and ownership of the State of Florida.
According to the commission’s resolution, the logjams threaten the safety and welfare of citizens. In addition to causing navigational problems, the logjams aggravate flooding of lands and bridges along the river “endangering the property and jeopardizing the safety and welfare of Florida’s citizens and visitors”.
Pictured top: A logjam at Escambia River Bridge on Highway 4. Pictured below: The road to Fischer Landing in Century underwater. NorthEscambia.com file photos, click to enlarge.
Is Your Dog Sick? County Officials Say Canine Respiratory Disease On The Rise
March 5, 2010
Escambia County officials said Thursday that there is an increase in canine respiratory infections within the animal shelter — and likely throughout the county.
Because the animal shelter has contact with a broad variety of animals from vast medical histories and backgrounds, community illness trends commonly occur in shelter environments prior to the public noticing the signs, said a county news release.
“Pet owners should look for signs similar to a cold; runny nose, sneezing, lethargy or coughing,” said Dr. Cliff Owen, staff veterinarian. “These signs can be early indicators of many different illnesses. Should these symptoms become apparent, contact your veterinarian.”
Although the exact cause of the illness has not been detected, Escambia County Animal Services is working with Schering-Plough Animal Health with vaccinations as well as testing. As a precaution the animal shelter has strongly increased their infectious control techniques, as well as vaccinations on advice of the shelter veterinarians. Shelter officials are advising residents to ensure all pet vaccinations are current.
Gladys Wise Frazier
March 4, 2010
Gladys Wise Frazier, 91, passed away on Wednesday, March 3, 2010 in Atmore, AL.
Mrs. Frazier was a native of McCullough, AL, a lifelong resident of Atmore, AL, and attended the First Baptist Church. She was an employee of Vanity Fair Mills during the war, an employee of the Tot Shop for over 35 years and a Pink Lady at Atmore Community Hospital. Preceded in death by her Husband of 69 years, Cliff Frazier, and a Daughter, Marilyn Frazier Weir.
Survivors include: two Sons, Charles and Patsy Frazier of Evergreen, AL, and Gary Michael and Paula Frazier of Weehawken, N.J.; 8 Grandchildren, Steven Weir, Sandra Yacavonne, Darren Frazier, Kimberly Newman, Charles Christopher Frazier, Mason Frazier, Martha Frazier, and Jill Mize; 14 Great-Grandchildren; and a devoted Caregiver, Toni Diane Boutwell.
Funeral services will he held Monday, March 8, 2010 at 12:00 Noon at the First Baptist Church with the Rev. Arnold Hendrix officiating.
Burial will follow at Oak Hill Cemetery.
Visitation will be held Monday, March 8, 2010 from 11:00 A.M. until funeral time at the First Baptist Church.
Pallbearers will be Darren Frazier, Chris Frazier, Mason Frazier, Carl Anderson, Mike Newman, Adam Newman, Henry Lowery, Nicholas Yacavonne, Steven Weir, and Walter Baudier.
Gladys Wise Frazier
March 4, 2010
Mrs. Gladys Wise Frazier, 91, passed away on Wednesday, March 3, 2010 in Atmore, AL.
Mrs. Frazier was a native of McCullough, AL, a lifelong resident of Atmore, AL, and attended the First Baptist Church. She was an employee of Vanity Fair Mills during the war, an employee of the Tot Shop for over 35 years and a Pink Lady at Atmore Community Hospital. Preceded in death by her Husband of 69 years, Cliff Frazier, and a Daughter, Marilyn Frazier Weir.
Survivors include: two Sons, Charles and Patsy Frazier of Evergreen, AL, and Gary Michael and Paula Frazier of Weehawken, N.J.; 8 Grandchildren, Steven Weir, Sandra Yacavonne, Darren Frazier, Kimberly Newman, Charles Christopher Frazier, Mason Frazier, Martha Frazier, and Jill Mize; 16 Great-Grandchildren; and a devoted Caregiver, Toni Diane Boutwell.
Funeral services will he held Monday, March 8, 2010 at 12:00 Noon at the First Baptist Church with the Rev. Arnold Hendrix officiating.
Burial will follow at Oak Hill Cemetery.
Visitation will be held Monday, March 8, 2010 from 11:00 A.M. until funeral time at the First Baptist Church.
Pallbearers will be Darren Frazier, Chris Frazier, Mason Frazier, Carl Anderson, Mike Newman, Adam Newman, Henry Lowery, Nicholas Yacavonne, Steven Weir, and Walter Baudier.
Escambia Detention Deputy Arrested
March 4, 2010
The Escambia County Sheriff’s Office has arrested Detention Deputy Kristopher Wade for smuggling contraband into a detention facility and for unlawfully accepting compensation for official behavior.
Wade has been released from the Escambia County Jail on a $10,000 bond.
On February 15, 2010, detention deputies conducting a routine cell search discovered a cell phone charger in a cell at the Main Jail. After a subsequent search of the prisoners in the housing unit, a cell phone was discovered.
Following an investigation of how the cell phone was introduced into the jail, investigators determined that an inmate conspired with Wade to smuggle the cell phone into the housing unit.
On February 11, Wade met with the girlfriend of the inmate and obtained the contraband cell phone, a cell phone charger, and cigarettes. Wade was also given $25 in exchange for smuggling the contraband phone to the inmate, according to the arrest report.
According to the arrest report, on March 2 Wade was interviewed by investigators and admitted to picking up the contraband cell phone and delivering it to the inmate. At this time, Wade has been placed on paid administrative leave pending the completion of the investigation. Wade has been employed with the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office since 2008 and was assigned to the Main Jail.