Man Tries To Run Over Two Officers; Shots Fired
September 10, 2015
Two Pensacola Police officers are on paid administrative leave after they fired their department issued guns at a man who tried to run them over with a vehicle Tuesday night.
The incident initially began around 7:50 p.m. Tuesday when officers were dispatched to a disturbance call in the 2100 block of West Belmont Street. A 30-year-old woman – Teresa Bailey – told police her former boyfriend – Deantawane Mitchell, 25, of Pensacola – was banging on her back door.
When officers arrived at the house, they learned Mitchell had left the area. Officer Mark Norman, who is familiar with Mitchell and knew he had an active warrant with the department for a criminal mischief incident that occurred in July, went to the Travel Inn, and found him sitting in the passenger seat of a car on the left side of the business.
As Norman walked toward the car, he heard Mitchell begin yelling at the driver to leave.
When the driver refused, Mitchell shoved him out of the car and took control of the vehicle. Mitchell threw the vehicle into reverse and struck Norman’s marked police vehicle. He then did a three-point turn in the parking lot and accelerated at a high rate of speed toward Norman and Officer Sarah Barbosa.
Both officers yelled at Mitchell to stop or said they would shoot. Mitchell continued accelerating toward the officers, who each fired their weapon several times at the vehicle.
When Barbosa tried to get out of the path of the on-coming car, she fell backward and struck the back of her head on the concrete. As Mitchell was trying to leave the parking lot, he also struck a concrete wall.
Officer Charles Restifo later saw Mitchell and the car near the intersection of A and Lee streets. Mitchell then began trying to escape from Restifo by jumping a fence and running behind a house in the 500 block of West Lee Street where he was taken into custody.
Warrants have been signed charging Mitchell with two counts of assault on a law enforcement officer, and one count each of carjacking, resisting arrest without violence, leaving the scene of a traffic accident, fleeing/eluding police, and not having a driver’s license.
Mitchell was shot one time in the hand and received two additional superficial injuries consistent with a bullet wound. He was taken to a local hospital for treatment of non-life threatening injuries. Barbosa also was taken to a local hospital where she was treated and released.
The Florida Department of Law Enforcement is conducting a review of the incident in conjunction with the Pensacola Police Department.
United Way To Hold Campaign Kickoff Circus Event
September 10, 2015
United Way of Escambia County invites the community to join them for the annual campaign kickoff.
The free luncheon will feature many of United Way’s 30 funded nonprofit agency partners that benefit from the workplace fundraising campaigns. It will give attendees a more personalized opportunity to learn how their donated dollars impact local lives, according to a press release. The circus-themed event will take place on Thursday, September 17 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Pensacola Bay Center.
The three rings of United Way’s kickoff circus celebration reflect core focus areas that are the building blocks for successful communities—health, education and financial stability. Under the big top, an agency fair will give attendees the opportunity to learn more about how their donations improve lives in Escambia County.
Some partner agencies attending include Big Brothers Big Sisters of Northwest Florida, Early Learning Coalition, Manna Food Pantries and Legal Services of North Florida. United Way will announce our community’s workplace campaign goal for the year and will recognize the Pacesetter campaign totals. United Way said these campaigns represent those that have “set the pace” and built momentum for the campaign year.
If you are interested in how you can combine your giving and community impact with 8,000 other generous donors from 250 workplaces, join United Way for a free lunch. Last year, United Way campaign partners raised over $2.15 million for our community.
“Each year, United Way of Escambia County puts together a kickoff event that both informs the community about the annual workplace campaign and engages everyone in a fun-filled environment,” said United Way Campaign Chair Oliver Sumlin. “This year will be no different. You don’t want to miss out when we bring our own circus to town on September 17.”
For more information or to RSVP for a table of eight people, email info@unitedwayescambia.org or call (850) 434-3157.
Walnut Hill Man Charged With Violent Attack On Ex-Girlfriend
September 10, 2015
A Walnut Hill man is behind bars, charged with breaking into his ex-girlfriend’s apartment on Truman Avenue and violently attacking her.
The victim told deputies that she and 29-year old Spencer Jamil Syria had been separated about three weeks, but he returned to her apartment and broke in. He then allegedly struck her multiple times in the face, kicked her, and placed his hand around her throat to prevent her from calling for help. He then, according to an arrest report, sexually assaulted the victim before fleeing her her SUV.
Syria was charged with burglary with battery, battery, battery by strangulation, sexual assault and obstructing justice. He remained in the Escambia County Jail with bond set at $250,000.
Lucile Brown Ellis
September 10, 2015
Mrs. Lucile Brown Ellis, 95, passed away on Monday, September 7, 2015, in Pensacola.
Mrs. Ellis was a native of Mt. Vernon, Alabama and a resident of Flomaton, for most of her life. Mrs. Ellis was an employee of Flomaton Gravel Company and Abernathy Hospital. She was a member of the Bethel Baptist Church. She is preceded in death by her husbands, Frank Brown and Robert Ellis; her parents and four siblings.
Survivors include her son, Frank D. (JoAnn) Brown of Columbus, GA; three daughters, Sue Brown (Melvin) Crowter of Pensacola, Christine (Steve) Stanton of Flomaton and Wanda (Melvin) Ward of Port St. Joe, FL; eight grandchildren and 15 great-grandchildren.
Funeral services will be Saturday, September 12, 2015, at 2 p.m. at the Petty-Eastside Chapel with Rev. Doug Hogg officiating.
Visitation will be Saturday, September 12, 2015, from 1 p.m. until 2 p.m. at the Petty-Eastside Chapel Funeral Home.
Burial will follow at the Flomaton Cemetery.
Petty-Eastside Chapel Funeral Homes is in charge of all arrangements.
William Walter “Bill” Morrison
September 10, 2015
William Walter “Bill” Morrison, 82, died peacefully Friday, September 4, 2015, at Bethany House in Auburn following a lengthy battle with pulmonary fibrosis.
He leaves behind his wife of 59 years, Shelby (Hayles) Morrison; his son, William Todd Morrison and his wife Robin; his son, Walter Craig Morrison and his wife Katie; and five grandchildren, Kyle, Samuel, Patrick, Lucy and Eva.
He was born and raised in Burnt Corn, Alabama. He was the son of William Warner and Panda (Booker) Morrison. He lived the majority of his life in Lottie, Alabama.
In his early years, Bill worked in many different jobs on the farms and in the factories that dotted the rural area spread out around Burnt Corn. At the age of 16, he joined the U.S. Army and was deployed to Germany following World War II, progressing to the rank of Sergeant. At the age of 19, he returned home to pursue a civilian career, and at the age of 22 he met his wife, Shelby Jean Hayles, and they were married in Leakesville, Mississippi.
In 1955, Bill accepted an opportunity to work in the spinning area at Monsanto in Pensacola. Over the next 38 years, he demonstrated a tremendous work ethic and the ability to lead men, as he eventually retired as Electrical Maintenance Supervisor.
Bill served his Heavenly Father as a deacon at Judson Baptist Church in Poarch. He served his community by championing the North Baldwin Water Authority and was very active in helping neighbors with any thing they needed fixed. He had a reputation locally as being very resourceful and always willing to lend a hand.
Bill and Shelby moved to Auburn, Alabama in 2005 to be nearer to their children and grandchildren. Bill was a member of Parkway Baptist Church in Auburn and worked locally as a realtor.
Funeral services were held Monday, September 7, at 2 p.m. from the Johnson-Quimby Funeral Home Chapel with Bro. Jimmy Dukes officiating.
Burial was at Lottie New Home Cemetery.
Johnson-Quimby Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
Ouida Margaret Bowman
September 10, 2015
Ouida Margaret Bowman, 84, crossed over into the sweet, sheltering arms of God on September 2, 2015.
Ouida and her twin brother, the first two of six children, were born in Tunnel Springs, AL, on June 28, 1931, to Joe and Lula Anthony. In 1949, after graduating from W.S. Neal High School, she married Alfred M. Bowman and spent the remainder of her years as a devoted wife, mother and homemaker. She loved God and served Him faithfully. She was a longtime resident of Cantonment, but resided in Oklahoma for the last 21 months.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Alfred; her parents; two brothers; and one sister.
She is survived by her brother, Dorman (Brenda) Anthony of Brewton; sister, Maxine Morgan of Century; four sons, Dewayne (Karol) of Germany, Donnis (Pat) of Flomaton, Rudet of Cantonment, Al (Tammy) of Tennessee; two daughters, Diane (David) Wilkins of Oklahoma, Michelle (Scott) Neuhauser of Tennessee; 13 grandchildren; and 23 great-grandchildren.
Services were held September 10, 2015, at Faith Chapel Funeral Home North with Rev. Richard Phillips officiating.
Burial was at Harvest Christian Center in Cantonment.
Faith Chapel Funeral Home North is in charge of arrangements.
Timothy Clayton Maddox, Sr.
September 10, 2015
Tim Maddox, 63 years old, heard the final “all aboard” for the train bound for glory on September 5, 2015. He was born in Pensacola, on April 22, 1952, and grew up in the Ferry Pass community. Tim retired from CSX Transportation as a Locomotive Engineer in 2012 with 34 years of service.
Tim was preceded in death by his father, Clayton Miller Maddox; his mother, Lena Horton Maddox; and brother, Bud John Maddox.
He is survived by his wife of 33 years, Beverly Baggett Maddox; his children, James (Gwen) Perry, Clayton (Lisa) Maddox, Joseph Perry, and Kaylene Maddox; three grandsons, Wyatt Perry, Waylon Perry, and Jasper Maddox; two sisters, Carol (James) Hopkins and Katie Sue (Forrest) Chapman; and one brother, Ray (Terri) Maddox.
Pallbearers will be James Perry, Clayton Maddox, Joseph Perry, Ray Maddox, John Barnett and Kenny Stewart.
Officiating the service will be Rev. John F. Edwards and Rev. William Hodge.
Funeral services will be held on Friday, September 11, 2015 at Clear Springs United Methodist Church. A visitation will be from 10 a.m. until service time at 11 a.m.
Tim will be committed to heaven in Clear Springs United Methodist Church Cemetery.
Our family would like to express our appreciation to Dr. Sherif Ibrahim and his staff, Dr. James Adams and his staff, Dr. Amber Gordon and her staff, Dr. Paul Freitas and his staff, Baptist Hospital Cancer Center and Gentiva Hospice for the compassion, care and support we received during Tim’s illness.
Faith Chapel Funeral Home North is in charge of arrangements.
Heath Barrette Snider
September 10, 2015
Mr. Heath Barrette Snider, 43, passed away on Friday, September 4, 2015, in Sulphur, Louisiana.
Mr. Snider was a native of Mobile, and a lifelong resident of Huxford. Mr. Snider was a journeyman carpenter, avid mechanic and artist.
He is preceded in death by his grandparents, Leonard Dick Snider, Annie Maude Snider, Rose Weatherford, Rayford Turberville; and uncle, Donald Turberville.
Survivors include his father, Harold Snider of Huxford; mother and step-gather, Frances and Joseph Harmon of Honolulu, HI; step-grandmother, Dina Turberville of Bay Minette; two brothers, Dillon Snider and Jerid Snider, both of Huxford, AL; aunt, Ellen Snider of Huxford; four uncles, Dickey Snider of Whitehouse Fork, AL, Rickey Snider of Red Level, AL, Roger Turberville of Bay Minette, and Claude Turberville of Saraland; cousins, other relatives and friends.
Funeral services were held Thursday, September 10, 2015, at 10 a.m. at the Petty-Eastside Chapel Funeral Home.
Burial will follow at the Huxford Baptist Cemetery.
Pallbearers were Claude Turberville, Roger Turberville, Shayne Godwin, Mike Crenshaw, Wendell Snider, James Ash and Todd Harris.
Petty-Eastside Chapel Funeral Homes, LLC, is in charge of all arrangements.
Albert P. McMorris
September 10, 2015
Albert P. McMorris 81, of Atmore, passed away Saturday, September 5, 2015, in Atmore. He worked for the City of New York Parks Department as a Park Manager, retiring after 40 years of service. He was born in Vicksburg, Mississippi on August 8, 1937, to the late William and Irene Smith McMorris. Albert was loved by everyone that knew him. He is best remembered for his amazing sense of humor.
He is preceded in death by his wife, Dorothy Delaware McMorris who passed away August 13, 2015.
Survivors include his son, Christopher (Denita) McMorris; one daughter, Teresa A. McMorris; one brother, James (Christine) McMorris; two sisters, Katie Frierson and Frances Hudson; three grandchildren, Mark Anthony (Antora) Padgett, Andrew Padgett and Courtney Thomas McMorris; one great-grandson, Ethan Padgett; and many friends.
Services will be Saturday, September 12, 2015, at 1 p.m. from the Johnson-Quimby Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. Jimmie Daniels officiating.
Interment and graveside services will follow Saturday, September 19, 2015, at 1 p.m. at Pine Lawn Memorial Park in Long Island, New York.
Family will receive friends, Saturday September 12, 2015, at Johnson-Quimby Funeral Home from 12 p.m. until service time.
Johnson-Quimby Funeral Home, Inc is in charge of all arrangements.
Bobbie Lee Phillips
September 10, 2015
Bobbie Lee Phillips, 74, a lifelong resident of Escambia County passed away on Friday, September 4, 2015.
Bobbie was born in Dexter, MO on December 18, 1940, to the late Calvin “Lee” and Gracie Andrews Phillips. He graduated from Tate High School in 1958 and was a sheet metal worker by trade. He was involved in the Masonic Lodge, Scottish Rites, and the Easter Star. He was a volunteer at the Molino Fire Department and an avid Nascar fan.
Bobbie was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Mildred E. Phillips; daughter, Gracie E. Phillips; and brothers-in-law, Lamar Carnley and Angelo Pelzo.
He is survived by his sister, Gracie Ann Carnley; brother, Robert W. (Mary Ann) Phillips; sister-in-law, Catherine Pelzo; and numerous nieces, nephews and friends.
Funeral services will begin at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, September 15, 2015, at Highland Baptist Church with Pastor Brian Calhoun officiating.
Burial will follow in Highland Baptist Church Cemetery.
The family will receive friends from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. on Monday, September 14, 2015, at Faith Chapel Funeral Home.
Faith Chapel Funeral Home North is in charge of arrangements.