Escambia Man Gets 30 Years After Apartment Complex Fight
June 7, 2018
An Escambia County man was sentenced to three decades in prison after pulling a gun during a fight at an apartment complex.
Therall Williams, 28, was sentenced by the Judge John Miller to 30 years in state prison as a habitual felony offender and a prison releasee reoffender. He will serve the 30 year sentence day for day because of his status as a prison releasee reoffender.
Williams was convicted by an Escambia County Jury of aggravated battery with a firearm with discharge and great bodily harm and possession of a firearm by convicted felon.
On April 16, 2017, deputies responded to a shooting at Forest Creek Apartments. The victim stated that two people tried to rob him and then shot him. A witness identified the defendant as the shooter. The victim later told law enforcement that Williams and another individual were arguing about a gun before Williams shot him. The victim identified Williams out of a photo line-up. Surveillance video shows three people begin to fight. The fight goes to the ground and fire from a gun is seen, then a male resembling Williams runs toward a camera at another angle.
Williams’s criminal history includes burglary, grand theft and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. Williams was last released from prison January 20, 2017,about than three months before the shooting.
Cantonment Diamond Dolls Win 8U All-Star Tournament
June 7, 2018
The Cantonment Diamond Dolls won first place in a recent 8U all-star tournament in Navarre. The team also won a mid-season tournament, the Blue Angel Classic tournament and placed second in two additional tournaments.
The Cantonment Diamond Dolls are Lily Speight, Kenzee Tanner, Miley McMullan, Natalee Sherouse, Cheyenne Paul, Chloe Engle, Addison Wilson, Kaylyn Relstab, Kalleigh Jarman, Tessa Kendrick, Giovanna Barnes and Jamaria Cook. Head coach is Kenny Tanner and assistant coaches are Chris Sherouse, Scott Relstab, Justin McMullan, Joey Paul, Matt Speight and Adam Wilson.
Photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
‘Dumbest Way Possible’ – Local Bank Robber, Still On Probation, Tries To Rob North Carolina Bank
June 7, 2018
A man recently released from prison and still on probation for local bank robberies tried and failed at another bank robbery Wednesday in North Carolina.
The Forest City (NC) Police Department said 38-year old Jerry Hover Tinsley was arrested for the attempted robbery of Fifth Third Bank in Forest City about 12: The Rutherford County (NC) Sheriff’s Office found him hiding in the edge of a wooded area near his home a few hours later. Surveillance photos show the suspect handing the teller a note, but he didn’t get any money before leaving the bank.
At the time of this arrest Wednesday afternoon, Tinsley was wearing a t-shirt that stated, “No, you’re right, let’s do it the dumbest way possible”.
Tinsley, along with a female accomplice, robbed banks in Flomaton, East Brewton and Florala, AL, during a March 2010 crime spree. He was sentenced to six years and five months in federal prison.
During the Flomaton robbery, Tinsley and Jones both presented tellers with demand notes which stated “this is a robbery, place all $100s, $50s, $20s on the counter no alarm no die packs no tracers”, according to federal court documents. A demand note with the same wording was presented during the East Brewton robbery. They did not display a weapon during any of the robberies.
Authorities said Tinsley and Jones picked banks along the state line because they believed Alabama authorities could not pursue them into Florida. Authorities believe in each robbery, the pair fled to Florida immediately after the holdups — including March 8 when they fled into North Escambia following the Flomaton robbery.
The pair was arrested by federal agents and local law enforcement after a short chase from a Motel 6 in Destin, Florida, March 18. The arrest was reportedly the result of a tip phoned into the Florala (Ala.) Police Department concerning a MySpace photo.
Tinsley’s accomplice, Rhianna Marie Jones of California, was sentenced in 2011 to three years and 10 months in prison.
Pictured above: Suspect Jerry Hover Tinsley and the robbery of a North Carolina bank Wednesday. Pictured above: The robbery of United Bank in Flomaton on March 8, 2010. NorthEscambia.com photos and submitted surveillance images, click to enlarge.
Wahoos Beat The Shuckers
June 7, 2018
The Wahoos shook off last night’s rough outing with a solid win 5-1 against the Shuckers Wednesday night at Blue Wahoos Stadium.
Vladimir Gutierrez (W, 2-8) set the tone for the Wahoos from the get-go. Gutierrez, who began the game with a walk on Biloxi’s Corey Ray, picked up the slack and retired the next three batters. In the bottom of the first, Brian O’Grady smashed a triple that scored Shed Long and Nick Longhi. Luis Gonzalez followed with a single that scored O’Grady that gave the Wahoos a quick 3-0 lead.
The Wahoos would score two more runs in the bottom of the sixth inning with an O’Grady solo home run and an Alberti Chavez single that scored Gonzalez to increase the lead at 5-1.
Gutierrez pitched six brilliant innings, with his only blemish being a solo home run surrendered to Jake Gatewood in the fourth. He finished with seven strikeouts, one shy of his season-best. Gutierrez’s walk to Ray was his only free pass of the game on his way to his second win of the year. Carlos Navas (S, 2) was excellent in his relief of Guiterrez. Navas allowed only one hit over three innings of shutout ball for his second save of the year.
The Wahoos will try to get their second consecutive series win against the Shuckers Thursday night. RHP Wyatt Strahan (4-4, 6.70) will get the start for the Wahoos against Biloxi RHP Trey Supak (0-1, 8.00).
Man Killed In I-10 Crash
June 7, 2018
A Mississippi man was killed in a single vehicle accident Wednesday afternoon on I-10 near West Nine Mile Road.
The Florida Highway Patrol said 64-year old Chester Jack Tullos, Jr. of Pearl, MS, was traveling east on I-10 when he lost control and struck a tree.
The crash remains under investigation by the FHP.
Jack Hodge
June 7, 2018
Jack Hodge passed away on June 6, 2018, at the age of 86 years. Born in 1931 in Castleberry AL, he joined the Army and served in the Korean Conflict, and left with honorable discharge in 1952.
After settling in Molino, FL, he began his career with St. Regis Paper Mill where he was to spend 30 years until he co-founded Plastic Coated Papers Inc. He would later retire from there in 1994. Jack was involved with numerous organizations, including board member of Harvesters Federal Credit Union, coach for Molino Little League, and he also belonged to his local Masonic chapter.
Throughout Jack’s life, he was a devout Christian, and served each church family he was privileged to belong to. He served as a deacon and mentor at Highland Baptist Church, deacon at First Baptist Church of Cantonment, and is currently a member of Windy Hill Baptist Church.
He is survived by his wife of 65 years, Peggy Jo Hodge, daughter Susan McCrory, sons Jackie Hodge and David Hodge, a sister Jean of LA, seven grandchildren, and nine great-grandchild. He is preceded in death by his parents Challie and Emma Ruth Hodge, his eldest son Aaron Hodge, and eight siblings.
Friends are cordially invited to a visitation with the family on Tuesday, June 12, 2018, from 10-11 a.m. at Eastern Gate Memorial Funeral Home, immediately followed by a service, officiated by Pastor Ricky Skaggs. Memorial donations in memory of Jack can be made to Windy Hill Baptist Church, Building Fund, 9896 Rebel Road, Pensacola, FL 32526. Arrangements have been entrusted to Eastern Gate Memorial Funeral Home.
Second Arrest Made In Highway 97 Convenience Store Burglary
June 6, 2018
A second person has been arrested in connection with the 2017 burglary of a convenience store in Davisville.
Annie Deloris Frye, 47, was charged with burglary of an unoccupied business, criminal mischief property damage and grand theft. She was released from the Escambia County Jail on a $12,500 bond.
The Escambia County Sheriff’s Office said Frye and 23-year old Desmond Deshawn Grubbs broke the glass out of the front door of the convenience store at the corner of Highway 97 and Nokomis Road, entered the business and stole cigarettes and beer valued at $800. The damage to the door was estimated at $500 during the September 11, 2017, burglary.
Grubbs was charged with the burglary earlier in May. [Previous story...] Both were identified by fingerprints, according to arrest report.
Road Closures: North Palafox, Fowler Avenue
June 6, 2018
Escambia County has issued the following road closure notices:
North Palafox/Chauncery Street
Beginning Friday, June 8 at 8 p.m. Chauncey Street at North Palafox Street will be closed to through traffic. Traffic will be detoured along Palafox Street to East Nine Mile Road and East Nine 1/2 Mile Road. Construction will consist of the
upgrading and installation of new pipe.
The roadway closure is expected to remain in effect for approximately four days and every effort will be made to expedite construction efforts to reopen the road before Monday, June 11 at 5 p.m.
The closure is part of the Highway 29 widening project.
Fowler Avenue
Beginning Wednesday, June 6 at 7 a.m. Fowler Avenue between West Nine Mile Road and McKinnon Lane will be closed to through traffic. Traffic will be detoured along Cove Avenue, Nine 1/2 mile Road and Highway 29. Construction will consist of the installation of sewers and connecting existing sanitary sewers to the newly installed sewers.
The roadway closure is expected to remain in effect for approximately three days and every effort will be made to expedite construction efforts to reopen the road before Saturday, June 9.
Taiko Drums At Century, Molino Libraries For Summer Reading Program
June 6, 2018
The Summer Reading Program is underway at the Molino and Century branch libraries with a youth program this week.
Tampa Taiko is back this summer with a dynamic, interactive show featuring Japanese Taiko drums. The schedule is as follows:
- Wednesday, June 6, 11 a.m. – Century Branch Library
- Wednesday, June 6, 4 p.m. – Pensacola Library
- Thursday, June 7, 11 a.m. – Molino Branch Library
- Friday, June 8, 11 a.m. – Tryon Branch Library
Youth ages 0-17 will get reading logs to keep track of every 15 minutes they read. After 12.5 hours of reading, they get a free book and a bonus reading log to be entered for additional prizes.
Youth prizes include books, ukuleles, tablets, Bluetooth speakers, bongo drums, otamatones, karaoke machines, musical instrument sets, light-up gloves and disco ball, voice-changing microphones and firetruck rides to school for a few lucky students.
Escambia County residents 18-years old and above can pick up a Summer Reading Club log bookmark at any WFPL location. Fill in the bookmark with the titles of books that you read or listen to via audiobook during the summer and return the filled-in bookmarks to any location. During the first week in August, partially filled in bookmarks will be accepted.
Drawings will take place during the first week of August. Winners will be notified by Tuesday, Aug. 7. At the halfway mark, youth and adult Summer Reading Club participants will be entered in a drawing for six chickens and a coop. The winner of the chicken coop must complete Chicken Keeping 101 class held at Pensacola Library.
There will also be a top prize drawing for a keyboard at the end of Summer Reading Club, which is open to youth and adult participants.
Adults will have a separate Summer Reading Club with prizes including ukuleles, tablets, Adirondack chairs and gift cards.
Pictured: Taiko drumming last year at the Molino Branch Library. NorthEscambia.com file photos, click to enlarge.
Mostly Sunny Wednesday
June 6, 2018
Here is your official North Escambia area forecast:
Wednesday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 90. Calm wind becoming northeast around 5 mph in the afternoon.
Wednesday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 67. Northeast wind around 5 mph becoming calm in the evening.
Thursday: Sunny, with a high near 93. Calm wind becoming northeast around 5 mph in the afternoon.
Thursday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 69. South wind around 5 mph becoming calm in the evening.
Friday: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly sunny, with a high near 92. Calm wind becoming south around 5 mph.
Friday Night: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly cloudy, with a low around 70. South wind around 5 mph becoming calm in the evening.
Saturday: A 40 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly sunny, with a high near 89. Calm wind becoming south around 5 mph.
Saturday Night: A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly cloudy, with a low around 71. South wind around 5 mph becoming calm.
Sunday: A 40 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly sunny, with a high near 91.
Sunday Night: A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 71.
Monday: A 50 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly sunny, with a high near 91.
Monday Night: A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 71.
Tuesday: A 50 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 88.