Shots Fired At Pickup; No Injuries Reported
August 18, 2012
There were no injuries when someone opened fire on a pickup truck Friday night on County Road 97 near Cantonment.
The victim told deputies that someone “came after him” on Jacks Branch Road, according to Melissa Rawson, spokeswoman for the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office. The victim continued south until someone fired a gun and shot out his tire on County Road 97 about 8:50 p.m.
The suspect was described as a black male, driving what was believed to be green over metallic-colored extended cab pickup, possible a Ford Ranger.
Rawson said it was not immediately known if the shooting was a road rage incident or if the suspect knew the victim.
Anyone with information about the incident is asked to call the Sheriff’s Office at (850) 436-9620 or Crime Stoppers at (850) 433-STOP.
Fall Ball Registration: Molino And Northwest Escambia
August 18, 2012
Fall ball registration will continue Saturday, August 25 for the Molino and Northwest Escambia ballparks.
NWE Bradberry Park
NWE is organizing the park’s first Fall Ball program for the Walnut Hill, Century, and Atmore area. Baseball is for children 5 to 15, and softball is open to ages 7 to 16. Games will run mid-September until the end of October.
Players will be registered Saturday, August 25 from 10 a.m. until noon each day at Bradberry Park in Walnut Hill with no money collected at the time of registration. A $50 registration fee will be collected when teams are created; the fee will cover park expenses and a player team shirt. Each team will also raise $5 per player, per game for umpire fees.
For more information, call (850) 327-4579 after 5 p.m.
Molino Ballpark
Sign ups are underway for Fall Ball at the Molino Ballpark.
Registration will take place August 25 from 11 a.m. until 2 p.m. in the board room at the ballpark. Fall ball is for all ages — tee ball, baseball and softball. $35 per player.
One Year Later: Remembering LCpl Travis Nelson
August 18, 2012
Saturday marked the one year anniversary of the death of local Marine LCpl. Travis M. Nelson. LCpl. Nelson gave all on the battlefields of Afghanistan on August 18, 2011.
A world was shattered at the Nelson home in Bratt as three men in military uniforms stood at the door. “I just screamed and said no,” Beckie Nelson of Bratt said shortly after she learned that her son, LCpl Travis Nelson, was shot and killed while conducting combat operations in in Helmand province, Afghanistan. “I just went to my knees and said don’t let them come in. I knew right away that he was gone.”
It was a tragedy that began a wave an emotions and events that touched the entire North Escambia area and a nation. The community grieved as hundreds if not thousands changed their Facebook profile pictures to a single image in honor of Nelson. Tears flowed as powerful photos were published that showed an honor guard removing Nelson’s flag-draped coffin from a plane at Dover AFB in Delaware.
For a video retrospect, click here.
The rain poured down at Pensacola Naval Air Station a few days later as the final leg of Nelson’s journey home began. The rain did not send them running; they stood silently — many holding American flags — as the hearse carrying an American hero departed on a 55-mile journey to Atmore. Along the way, some of Pensacola’s busiest roadways came to a complete standstill as the motorcade passed. Many motorists stood outside their vehicles and paid their respects. In Walnut Hill, just a few miles from Nelson’s boyhood home in Bratt, the motorcade slowed as it approached Ernest Ward Middle School. Nelson was Golden Eagle, attending Ernest Ward in the sixth and seventh grades.
Hundreds of Ernest Ward Middle School students and teachers dressed in red, white and blue lined Highway 97, American flags in hand, waiting for the arrival of the motorcade.
As the procession passed, the students stood with their hands over their hearts, waving Old Glory. The thunder of 127 Patriot Guard motorcycle riders vibrated the ground and echoed across the country fields near the school.
Six Florida Highway Patrol trooper vehicles led the hearse past the school. Many students broke down in tears at the sight of a flag draped coffin. Others cried as they made eye contact with Nelson’s parents and their daughter — a sixth grader at Ernest Ward.
The motorcade continued into Atmore, where crowds stood along the route, waving Old Glory. At a local bank on Highway 31, people stood with large flags as the Northview High School NJTROC stood steadfast at attention. Across the way at the iconic Atmore train station, a group of local veterans stood proudly and saluted as Nelson’s remains passed.
Nelson’s funeral was held in Atmore where, again, hundreds paid their final respects.
Nelson was not forgotten. His name was added to the Walnut Hill Veterans Wall of Honor and other area memorials. A scholarship was announced. The Bratt Community Park was renamed the LCpl. Travis M. Nelson Park. Nelson’s family was honored at the annual Veterans Day program at Ernest Ward Middle School.
Madeline Cates was to marry LCpl Travis Nelson when he returned from service with the Marines in Afghanistan. She had picked out her dress just before he lost his life serving his country half a world away in August.
“It wasn’t suppose to happen,” Madeline Cates, then 21, said about the death her soulmate. “He was the love of my life.”
Travis Nelson’s parents, Scott and Beckie Nelson, just could not stand the thought of their first Christmas without their son. To take their minds off a Christmas without Travis in the house, they decided to give back to the communities that had supported them so much following his death.
The Nelson family, along with a small army of volunteers, prepared and delivered about 125 Christmas meals Sunday for elderly, shut-in and needy people in the Bratt, Atmore and surrounding areas.
“He really was our hero,” Scott Nelson said.
LCpl Travis Nelson left behind a short, simple note just in case he did return from the battlefield in Afghanistan.
“Dear friends and family, if you are reading this, I didn’t get to come home. I love each and every one of you. I have no regrets, I died for a meaningful cause.”
For a video retrospect, click here.
NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Escambia Man Sentenced To 40 Years For Murder
August 18, 2012
An Escambia County man was sentenced to 40 years in prison Friday for a 2011 murder.
Thomas Bolds will serve a minimum of 25 years under the sentenced handed down by Judge Linda Nobles.
Bolds was convicted early this year of second degree murder for the September 22, 2001, shooting death of 53-year-old Alvin Merriwell Lewis, Jr
When deputies arrived at the Old Spanish Trail apartments, they found the Lewis dead from multiple gunshot wounds inside the Bolds’ apartment, according to the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office.
A witness stated that Lewis had been demonstrating how he would defend himself by using a knife, but at no time threatened anyone. During Lewis’ demonstration, Bolds picked up a gun and began shooting Lewis. Lewis was shot once in the chest and seven times in the back
Lewis was shot seven times in the back and once in the chest at the Moorings Apartments. He as found inside Bolds’ apartmen.
U.S. Marshals Task Force Busts Four Wanted Felons; Looking For Fifth
August 18, 2012
The U.S. Marshals Florida Regional Task Force busted four wanted felons Friday, and they are still searching for fifth.
At 7:15 a.m. Friday, the Task Force arrested Arion Lavon Goble and a 17 year-old juvenile both wanted in Escambia at a home on Fremont Avenue. Goble, 18, was wanted by the Sheriff’s Office for armed home invasion, committing a crime while wearing a mask, larceny and misdemeanor battery. Goble was wanted by the Pensacola Police Department for arson, grand theft auto and burglary. The juvenile, had warrants in Escambia County for assault with a deadly weapon and simple battery. Both suspects were arrested without incident. Another woman, identified as Goble’s mother, Meighan Shea Goble, 36, was arrested for obstruction of justice and resisting without violence, a misdemeanor.
Just after midnight, Task Force members from Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office, Ft. Walton Beach Police Department, along with Okaloosa Street Crimes and K-9 units and Crestview Police Department Investigations apprehended Joseph Dwight Johnson of Crestview. The 21-year-old Johnson was arrested while Task Force members conducted surveillance on a Crestview home on the 200 Block of Ogelsby Road. An unidentified woman who had left the home confirmed Johnson was inside when questioned by the Task Force. Johnson surrendered shortly afterwards without incident. Johnson was wanted by the Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office on charges of aggravated assault with a firearm and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.
And Friday afternoon, the U.S. Marshals Florida Regional Task Force captured Roderick Clyde Sims at the corner of Chiefs Way and Old Corry Field Road. He was taken into custody after a brief foot chase. He was wanted on a drug-related federal probation violation, and state charges of arresting arrest, failure to appear and driving with a suspended license.
Authorities are still searching for Robert Falcon Fraser, 24. He is wanted on multiple felony charges, including home invasion and armed robbery. Anyone with information about his whereabouts is asked to call the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office at (850) 436-9620 or Crime Stoppers at (850) 433-STOP.
Police Officer Fired, Arrested For Using Unnecessary Force
August 18, 2012
A Pensacola Police officer was fired Friday after a routine review of his patrol vehicle’s camera revealed he used unnecessary force in making a recent arrest.
Officer Christopher Geraci also was arrested and charged with battery.
“This type of behavior is unacceptable and will not be tolerated,” Pensacola Police Chief Simmons said, adding that the incident was found through a routine supervisory review of the videotape and was not the result of a complaint. Department supervisors review all uses of force.
The incident occurred around 2:30 a.m. August 2 when Geraci responded to a hit and run crash at D and Cervantes streets. The driver – identified as Abbi Bonds, 29, of Pensacola – was found with the car in the 1100 block of North C Street. The car had heavy front end damage and was disabled.
During a verbal exchange between Geraci and Bonds, Geraci approached Bonds and grabbed her by her left arm. He then forcibly slung her into the side of the car, then grabbed the back of her head and forced it into the top of the vehicle while placing her in handcuffs.
“When I saw the video, I was shocked and disappointed,” Simmons said. “This is not how we train, it was unreasonable force and it was inconsistent with the level of resistance.”
Bonds was charged with leaving the scene of a crash involving property damage, failure to yield, driving under the influence, and not having proof of insurance.
Geraci, 33, was hired by the department as a cadet on March 1, 2004, and promoted to police officer on March 14, 2005. He presently was assigned to the department’s K-9 Unit in the Uniform Patrol Division.
Upon review of the video, Geraci was placed on leave until he was fired Friday.
Second Human West Nile Case Confirmed In Escambia County
August 18, 2012
The second human case of the West Nile virus was confirmed Friday in Escambia County, days after health officials issued a “Mosquito Borne Illness Advisory” for the entire county.
The reported case means “there is an imminent risk of additional persons becoming infected,” according to the Escambia County Health Department. The health department has not said where in the county either infected person resides.
“A second human case of West Nile Virus underscores the very high risk of additional persons becoming infected with the virus. As school starts, and evening outdoor sporting events resume, it is especially important to make every effort to protect yourself and those you love from mosquito bites,” said Dr. Susan Turner, associate director for the Escambia County Health Department.
Escambia County on Friday issued the following tips:
- Remove standing water to stop mosquitoes from multiplying
- Drain water from garbage cans, house gutters, buckets, pool covers, coolers, toys, flower pots or any other containers where sprinkler or rain water has collected.
- Discard old tires, drums, bottles, cans, pots and pans, broken appliances and other items that aren’t being used.
- Empty and clean birdbaths and pet’s water bowls at least once or twice a week.
- Protect boats and vehicles from rain with tarps that don’t accumulate water.
- Maintain swimming pools in good condition and appropriately chlorinated. Empty plastic swimming pools when not in use.
- Cover skin with clothing or repellent—
- Stay indoors when mosquitoes are active
- Wear shoes, socks, and long pants and long-sleeves. This type of protection may be necessary for people who must work in areas where mosquitoes are present.
- Apply mosquito repellent to bare skin and clothing.
- Always use repellents according to the label. Repellents with DEET(N,N-diethyl-mtoluamide), picaridin, oil of lemon eucalyptus, and IR3535 are effective.
- Use mosquito netting to protect children younger than 2 months old.
- Cover doors and windows with screens to keep mosquitoes out of your house
- Repair broken screens on windows, doors, porches, and patios.
- Keep doors and windows closed if screens are not present.
- Always read label directions carefully for the approved usage before you apply a repellent.
- Some repellents are not suitable for children.
- Products with concentrations of up to 30 percent DEET are generally recommended.
- Other US Environmental Protection Agency-approved repellents contain Picaridin, oil of lemon eucalyptus, or IR3535. These products are generally available at local pharmacies. Look for active ingredients to be listed on the product label.
- Apply insect repellent to exposed skin, or onto clothing, but not under clothing.
- In protecting children, read label instructions to be sure the repellent is age-appropriate.
- According to the CDC, mosquito repellents containing oil of lemon eucalyptus should not be used on children under the age of three years. DEET is not recommended on children younger than two months old.
- Avoid applying repellents to the hands of children. Adults should apply repellent first to their own hands and then transfer it to the child’s skin and clothing.
- If additional protection is necessary, apply a permethrin repellent directly to your clothing.
Deputies Seek Woman Preying On Elderly Females
August 18, 2012
Two weeks after similar incidents in the Cantonment and Molino areas, authorities in Santa Rosa County are attempting to identify a female suspect that has been targeting elderly females.
At least four times this month, the subject has either taken an elderly female purse when the victim was outside working, or has stopped at an elderly female’s residence, stating that her “puppy is lost”, asking for a drink of water, and engaging in conversation before grabbing and running with a purse. She then immediately uses the credit cards inside the purse at a local convenience store or retail business, according to the Santa Rosa County Sheriff’s Office.
The woman is described as being between 23 and 35 years old, about 5-foot-five inches tall and weighing about 130 to 160 pounds. She has an unknown tattoo on her right ankle. She was driving a silver late model Dodge Dakota 2-door truck with a toolbox on the back.
Anyone with information on the woman is asked to contact the Santa Rosa County Sheriff’s Office at (850) 983-1100 or Santa Rosa Crime Stoppers at (850) 437-STOP. The Sheriff’s Office is also asking citizens to be aware of the these tactics and spread the word to others, especially elderly females.
Early this month, a woman with a similar description and vehicle talked her way into the home of elderly female residents in the Molino and Cantonment areas. It is not known if it is the same suspect. For more the Escambia County incidents, click here.
Local Unemployment Numbers Edge Upward Again
August 18, 2012
One again, the latest job numbers released Friday showed a jump in unemployment in the three-county North Escambia area.
Escambia County’s unemployment rate increased from 8.7 percent in June to 9.0 percent in July. There were 520 more reported unemployed during the period, for a total Escambia County unemployment of 12,756 people. One year ago, unemployment in Escambia County was 10.4 percent.
Santa Rosa County unemployment increased from 8.4 percent in June to 8.8 percent in July. Santa Rosa County had a total of 6,495 persons still unemployed. The year-ago unemployment rate in Santa Rosa County was 10.1 percent.
In Escambia County, Alabama, unemployment jumped from 10.6 percent in June to 10.8 percent in July. That represented 1,622 people unemployed in the county during the month. The year-ago rate was 11.6 percent.
The jobless numbers released by Florida and Alabama do not include persons that have given up on finding a job and are no longer reported as unemployed.
Florida’s unemployment rate reversed course last month, edging up to 8.8 percent, 0.2 percent higher than in June, but was still nearly two percentage points below where it was a year ago, the government said Friday. The state’s total number of jobs in July decreased by 3,300 from June, the state Department of Economic Opportunity said.
Alabama’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate, at 8.3 percent in July, was up from June’s rate of 7.8 percent but was still below the year-ago rate of 9.2 percent.
Blue Wahoos Split Twin Bill With BayBears
August 18, 2012
After Pensacola shortstop Billy Hamilton stole his 142nd base in their 4-1 loss in the first game of their double header to Mobile, the Blue Wahoos pounded out 14 hits, including homers from third baseman David Vidal and first baseman Beau Mills in their 10-2 victory over the BayBears in game two to split their twinbill on Friday night at Hank Aaron Stadium in Mobile, Alabama.
With the split, the Fish moved to 28-26 in the second half of the season and now stand three games behind the Montgomery Biscuits for first in the South Division. Mobile following the double header now owns a 22-32 mark since the midway point of the year.
The Blue Wahoos struck first in the opening frame game one, with LF Bryson Smith driving home RF Andrew Means after Means doubled to center and advanced to third on a wild pitch. Mobile however, answered back with four tallies to take the night’s opener.
RF Alfredo Marte provided the power for two of the BayBears four scores, with solo homers in the fourth and sixth frames. The outfielder has now tallied 20 longballs this season, which ranks him fourth in the Southern League.
Mobile also plated two tallies in the fifth to complete their output. 1B Matt Mangini and LF Brent Clevlen both began with walks, before Mangini took advantage of a Blue Wahoos fielding miscue, while Clevlen moved to third on the play. 2B Dan Kaczrowski would then bring home Clevlen with an RBI single to left.
BayBears starter Brett Tomko (5.0 IP, 5 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 1 BB, 2 SO) earned the win in the first game after yielding the lone earned run on five hits in his five frames, while Eury De La Rosa (1.0 IP, 1 H, 1 SO) notched his sixth save of the year with a scoreless ninth. Blue Wahoos RHP Kyle Lotzkar (4.0 IP, 2 H, 3 R, 3 ER, 2 BB, 2 SO) suffered the loss after giving up three earned runs on two hits in four frames.
Marte (2-3, 2 R, 2 HR, 2 RBI) was the lone Mobile hitter to record a multi-hit effort, while 1B Donald Lutz (2-4) and 3B David Vidal (2-3) collected two base knocks for Pensacola. Hamilton singled in the first inning and stole second for his 142nd steal of the year, which brings him three away from Vince Coleman’s record of 145, set in 1983.
The Blue Wahoos bats got hot in the second contest, led by roundtrippers from Vidal and Mills. Vidal lifted a three-run blast to left in the third, while Mills mashed his team-leading ninth, a two-run shot, to right in the following frame. The third baseman would then add a second homer in the seventh, a solo blast to make it 10-1. Pensacola tallied four first inning runs to take command of the contest early on.
Hamilton led off with a single, moved to second on an error and third on a sacrifice bunt prior to coming across when LF Bryson Smith reached on an error. The Fish then collected four straight hits, including an RBI single from Lutz and a two-run double by 2B Brodie Greene to cap the four-run frame. Mills (3-4, 3 R, 1 HR, 2 RBI), Lutz (3-4, 2 R, 1 RBI), Vidal (3-4, 2 R, 2 HR, 4 RBI) and Greene (2-4, 2 RBI) combined to hit 11-for-16 with seven runs, three homers and eight RBI in the second game.
Pensacola starting pitcher Mark Serrano (5.2 IP, 5 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 7 SO) earned the win allowing just one earned run on five hits while fanning seven in 5.2 innings of work, while Mobile RHP Brett Lorin (4.0 IP, 12 H, 9 R, 8 ER, 3 SO) suffered the loss. Serrano’s seven strikeouts were a season-high for the right-hander, who also retired 15 straight batters at one point.
The two teams will face off in the rubber match of the series Saturday evening, with first pitch set for 7:05 p.m. in Mobile. RHP Daniel Corcino is expected to get the nod for the Blue Wahoos, while RHP Chase Anderson is slated to get the ball for the BayBears.
The next Blue Wahoos homestand begins on Sunday, August 19 at 4:00 p.m., with Pensacola hosting the Montgomery Biscuits, the Double-A affiliate of the Tampa Bay Rays for a five-game series.
By Andrew Green
Picture top: David Vidal blasted two homers as the Fish split their twin bill with Mobile Friday. Photo by Chris Nelson for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.