Molino Man Charged With Scott’s Pharmacy Robbery
September 23, 2010
A Molino man is now behind bars charged with the Monday robbery of Scott’s Pharmacy in Molino.
Joseph Daniel Flowers, 56, of 484 Molino Road, was booked into the Escambia County Jail just before noon Thursday. He is charged with robbery with a firearm, grand theft, possession of a firearm in pharmacy, and wearing a mask while committing a felony. All of the charges are felonies. Flowers bond was initially set at $60,000.
About 1:30 Monday afternoon, the Escambia County Sheriff’s Department believes Flowers robbed the pharmacy at Highway 29 and Molino Road at gunpoint while wearing boxer shorts on his head.
The bandit was described by witnesses as a white male in navy blue bathrobe, blue jeans, black house slippers, yellow kitchen-type gloves, and with boxer shorts on his head. He entered the store and announced that he was robbing the business. Employees said he was armed with a revolver that was wrapped in a plastic bag and pointed at a store employee as he demanded prescription narcotics. Flowers threatened to kill witnesses if the police responded, the report states.
Flowers, “No cops better pull up, because I will kill someone and I will not have a problem doing it either,” a pharmacy employee told deputies.
Flowers fled the store with a large quantity of narcotics worth several thousand dollars in two plastic bags, according to the ECSO report. Deputies recovered an unknown number of pill bottles outside the store following the robbery. Investigators did not say how much of the stolen medication was recovered.
A store employee told deputies that she recognized the suspect as Flowers, a pharmacy customer, by his voice.
For a photo gallery from the pharmacy and the standoff on Molino Road, click here.
A witness told deputies that he saw the armed robber run from the store and enter his getaway vehicle. A vehicle matching the exact description was located in Flower’s yard at 484 Molino Road near the U.S. Post Office.
A short time after the robbery, numerous deputies converged on the home. With weapons drawn, deputies ordered the occupants of the home to exit. Flowers and a female complied and were temporarily detained, questioned and later released.
A third person, identified as a relative of Flowers, refused to exit the home. Deputies could be heard calling the man by name, ordering him step outside and threatening to send a K-9 into the home. After the standoff continued for about a half hour, the man exited the brick home and was detained. He was later released after being questioned by investigators.
Inside the home, deputies recovered a .38 caliber Smith and Wesson revolver matching the description of the one given by store employees, according to the report.
Deputies took Flowers into custody Thursday morning shortly after a judge signed a warrant for his arrest.
Click here for an earlier story about the robbery. For a photo gallery from the scene, click here.
Pictured top: Joseph Daniel Flowers was temporarily detained by deputies Monday afternoon at a home at 484 Molino Road. Pictured top inset: Scott’s Pharmacy in Molino was robbed at gunpoint Monday afternoon. Picture inset: An Escambia County Sheriffs Deputy stands with her weapon drawn has she orders a man to exit the backdoor of a home on Molino Road. Pictured below: Deputies were involved in a brief standoff at a Molino Road home following the pharmacy robbery. NorthEscambia.com exclusive photos, click to enlarge.
Double Murder Update: Santa Rosa Victims Shot To Death
September 23, 2010
Authorities have released the names of two people found dead alongside a road in North Santa Rosa county Wednesday afternoon, and they now say the pair died from gunshot wounds.
The victims were Tracie Lynn Tolbert, 43, of Milton, and Robert McArthur Hamm, 41, of Milton.
“Preliminary autopsy results indicate that both victims in the double murder on Jesse Allen Road died from gunshot wounds,” according to Sgt. Scott Haines, public information officer for the Santa Rosa County Sheriff’s office. He declined to release further details concerning autopsies conducted on the victims.
A resident of Jesse Allen Road called authorities just after 4:30 to report what looked like a large amount of blood in Jesse Allen Road. When deputies arrived, deputies found the two bodies on opposite sides of the roadway. The Santa Rosa Sheriff’s Office is calling the incident a double homicide and releasing few other details.
Authorities have not determined if the murder happened on Jesse Allen Road or if the bodies were perhaps dumped in the area. The Florida Highway Patrol also responded to the scene, determining that the deaths were not traffic related.
Jesse Allen Road runs west off Highway 87, about 18 miles south of Jay and not far from Central High School.
More details will be posted as they become available.
Pictured: Murder victims Tracie Lynn Tolbert and Robert McArthur Hamm.
Deputies Capture Wanted Felon That Was Subject Of Monday Manhunt
September 23, 2010
The wanted felon that ran from Escambia County deputies Monday afternoon in Century and eluded capture in a manhunt is now behind bars.
Darius Jerel Gardner, 22, of Pensacola, was booked into the Escambia County Jail early Thursday morning on an outstanding warrant for escape. He is being held without bond. Deputies located Gardner at a mobile home on Old Flomaton Road just after 11 p.m. Wednesday. He was taken into custody without incident.
The Escambia County Sheriff’s Office was dispatched to a disturbance on Old Flomaton Road near Lake Street about 1:20 Monday afternoon. When the first deputy arrived on scene, a black male believed to be Gardner was seen running into a wooded area.
Deputies established a perimeter around the area and called in a K-9 team from the Century Correctional Institute. The dogs were reportedly able to trace Gardnert for some distance, but they were unable to locate him.
Further details about the escape charge against Gardner were not available Thursday morning.
Man Accused Of Stabbing Pregnant Woman Indicted For Baby’s Death
September 23, 2010
The man accused of the stabbing death on a pregnant Cantonment woman is facing more charges.
Wednesday, an Escambia County Grand Jury indicted Phillip Arnold on another first degree murder charged for the death of the newborn. He was already facing one first degree murder charge for the death of Angela Castella Brown on July 5 in Cantonment.
Brown, who was six months pregnant, underwent an emergency C-section after she was stabbed. The newborn, named Angela Chambers, died just over seven hours after being delivered.
Arnold, 65, of 349 South Chipper Road, fatally stabbed Brown in the chest, according to the State Attorney’s Office.
Arnold and Brown were neighbors, and that was their only known connection, according to Sgt. Ted Roy, spokesperson for the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office.
Deputies were dispatched to the stabbing at a mobile home at 349 South Chipper Road about 8:35 p.m only July 5. When they arrived, witnesses told deputies that Arnold fled into a nearby wooded area. As deputies were arriving in the area, EMS personnel advised they had seen a black male running down the railroad tracks on South Chipper Road.
Witnesses at the scene reported observing a black male known to them as Arnold running from the scene moments before they discovered the victim, according to the Sheriff’s Office. K-9 officers attempting to track Arnold discovered a knife that was believed to be the murder weapon. As deputies were surrounding the area to search for Arnold, he called sheriff’s dispatchers about 9:10 p.m. Arnold said he was at a home at 2473 Stacey Road and that he wanted to turn himself in. He was taken into custody without incident.
Brown was the mother of seven other children.
Veterans John Garrard, Joel Day, Harry Reid Take Honor Flight With Alabama Governor
September 23, 2010
Two Atmore residents, John Garrard and Joel Day, and a Flomaton resident, Harry Reed — took a day long trip to Washington Wednesday on the South Alabama Honor Flight.
The Honor Flight gives World War II veterans the opportunity to tour the World War II Memorial and other monuments in the nation’s capital. Garrard and Day were among 88 veterans on Wednesday’s flight.
Alabama Gov. Bob Riley served Day’s guardian — his constant companion — for the trip.
“The American dream would not be possible if not for the courageous efforts of the men and women of our Armed Forces. In this, the most devastating war the world has ever known, American service members during World War II overcame insurmountable challenges in a fight that covered the expanse of the globe,” Gov. Riley said.
“From the beaches of Normandy to the sands of Iwo Jima, Americans fought, won, and made a safer world for our children and our grandchildren. We must never forget that freedom has a very high price – a price that has been paid by our nation’s veterans and their families. We owe them all a great debt of gratitude,” Alabama’s governor continued.
Hundreds of people gave the returning veterans a hero’s welcome at the Mobile Regional Airport Wednesday night.
Among those greeting Day and his governor guardian at the airport was Ava Gurganus, the daughter of Kelly Gurganus, a teacher at Northview High School. Her grandfather, Sammy Day, is athletic director at Northview.
Ava proudly held a sign high in the air as the veterans departed the Honor Flight. “We (heart) PawPaw” — the sign said.
Pictured above: John Garrard (left) and Joel Day return from the South Alabama Honor Flight Wednesday night at the Mobile Regional Airport. Pictured inset: Ava Gurganus welcomes Day back as Northview High Athletic Director Sammy Day (bottom left corner) watches. Pictured below: Atmore veteran Joel Day, his Honor Flight guardian Alabama Gov. Bob Riley and his wife Louse. Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Fire Chief Arrested For DUI
September 23, 2010
An Escambia County district fire chief has been placed on administrative leave after being arrested on drunk driving charges.
John Robert Robert Levins, 30, of Molino, was arrested over the weekend on the DUI charge by the Florida Highway Patrol. He was released from the Escambia County Jail on $500 bond.
Levins is the district fire chief for the Ensley Station of Escambia Fire Rescue. He has been placed on administrative leave until further notice, according to an Escambia County spokesperson.
According to Escambia County Circuit Court records, Levins was charged with having a blood alcohol level of .15 of higher.
Federal Lawsuit Dismissed Against Judge, DA; Still Pending Against Sheriff, Other Officials
September 23, 2010
A federal judge has dismissed two Escambia County (Ala.) officials from an unlawful arrest lawsuit involving a property boundary dispute between the Wind Creek Casino & Hotel in Atmore and neighboring landowners. But the judge will let the suit continue against the county’s sheriff and other officials.
In October 2009, Joseph Terry and his son Jonah Ross Terry filed suit in federal court against Sheriff Grover Smith, Deputy Bruce Shue, District Attorney Steve Billy, District Judge David Jordan, and tribal representatives Arthur Mothershed and Larry Hammonds.
Billy and Jordan, while acting in their official capacities of District Attorney and District Judge, are immune from lawsuits, according to a ruling issued by U.S. District Judge Kristi DuBose. The suit remains, at this time, active against Smith and the other defendants.
Joseph and Jonah Terry claim the defendants ordered them to stop using equipment that they claimed they own adjacent to the casino property on October 7, 2009. The Poarch Creek Indians, owners of the Wind Creek facility, claim they own the property.
The property in question was formerly Escambia County 14, which was abandoned by the county following the casino’s construction. Joseph Terry contends the Poarch Creek Indians had no right to remove the asphalt from the old roadway because ownership of the land reverted to him.
The Terrys were both arrested on October 30 by Smith and Shue for trespassing on the disputed property. They filed suit, claiming the arrest was unlawful and “for a nefarious purpose” and that their civil rights were violated.
Ownership of the old roadway is currently being contested in Escambia County (Ala.) Circuit Court.
Atmore United Fund Kicks Off Fundraising Tonight
September 23, 2010
The Atmore United Fund will hold their annual fundraising kickoff this evening.
The event will take place from 5:30 until 7:30 at the GECA Theatre at the corner of Highway 31 and Trammell Street. Events will include a live auction and entertainment from the Greater Escambia Council for the Arts. Refreshments will be served, and donations will be accepted.
Atmore’s United Fund benefits numerous community organizations, including:
- Easter Seals Alabama – Helps children to receive medical aid, hospitalization and surgery; helps support the Mobile Rotary Clinic Rehabilitation Center.
- American Red Cross – Serve the needs of our country and our city through it’s safety program, disaster services, blood program, 24 hr. military services and social services. Provides energy assistance to the elderly, handicapped and disabled.
- Atmore Historical Society – Founded in 1992, the Atmore Historical Society is dedicated to preserving Atmore’s past for the town’s future generations.
- Atmore Bambino Baseball & Babe Ruth Baseball – Helps defray the cost of the Babe Ruth and Bambino programs, which consists of over 600 youth.
- Atmore Pee Wee Football - Helps defray the cost needed to assure that all participants may have proper equipment in order to play as safely as possible.
- Atmore Tee Ball League – Introduces the principles of team sports to children ages 5-7 and teaches the fundamentals of baseball.
- Atmore Girls Softball – Teaches girls ages 6-16 sportsmanship and is a positive learning experience for more than 150 girls.
- Escambia County Cooperative Library System – Provides library services to the blind and physically handicapped and the rural areas of the county through Books-By-Mail and Summer Reading Programs.
- Community Service/Agency On Aging – Relief of needy families; immediate aid in emergencies to those in need in Atmore area.
- Atmore Public Library – Provides information, reference and research services to citizens of Atmore and surrounding areas. All library services are free to the public.
- Deep South Girl Scout Council - Provides girls with the opportunity to join an Atmore Girl Scout Chapter. Monies given help defray the cost of services and expenses.
- Progressive Civic and Recreational Club – Helps provide supplies for summer training program for the North 8th Avenue Recreation Park, serves basketball, baseball and Little League teams for the youth.
- Atmore YMCA – Dedicated to developing the body, mind and spirit for all people. Includes after-school care, Day Camp, Youth Sports, Teen and Adult Programs.
- Concerned Citizens of Atmore – Helps provide supplies for the M.L.K. Little League Baseball, Unity Day and beautification. Provides and maintains playground equipment for Houston Avery Park. Provides relief assistance for needy families to help with utilities and scholarships for deserving high school students at ECHS.
- Atmore Area Christian Care Ministry – The Atmore Area Christian Care Ministry is a non-profit charitable ministry. Our purpose is to serve those with the care and response of Jesus Christ.
- Hospitality House Ministry – Provides a bed and bath for families and friends of local prisoners who live a distance away. Houses volunteer workers and Red Cross personnel.
- Young Life – Committed to making an impact on kids lives and prepares them for the future. Strives to build positive relationships with young people in an unstable and confusing world.
- Children Outreach Ministry - Provides a stable environment for at-risk youth. Offers tutoring, counseling and teaches Godly and moral principles.
Cantonment Man Accused Of Videoing Nude Woman In Tanning Booth
September 23, 2010
A Cantonment man is accused of using a cellphone video camera to record a nude woman in a tanning booth.
Martin David Ham, 32, turned himself in Wednesday and was released from the Escambia County Jail on $1,000 bond.
On August 25, the victim told deputies that she was standing in a tanning booth at Club Sun on Nine Mile Road when she noticed a cellphone camera lying underneath a wall in manner that made her believe she was being videotaped. The victim kicked the camera back under the wall, at which time the Ham immediately place the camera back underneath the wall in an attempt to videotape her, according to the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office.
The victim then placed a trash can in front of the camera and left the room. She called deputies, who identified the suspect in the next room as Ham.
The Escambia County Sheriff’s Office is asking any witness in the case, or anyone that believes they may have been a victim, to contact Investigator Troy Brown at (850) 436-9426.
Officials said Ham was not an employee a the store.
Need A Job? Free Job Fair Today In Molino
September 23, 2010
The Expand Your Opportunities Job Fair 2010 will be held today at Victory Assembly of God in Molino.
The community job fair will provide participants the opportunity to meet with area employers who are actively looking for talented individuals to fill their current openings. There will also be free critique classes to find out how your resume and job applications skills compare.
The job fair will take place from 9 a.m. until 2 p.m. at Victory Assembly of God on Highway 29. Admission is free, and the event is open to the public. Click here for more information for job seekers.