Accused DUI Manslaughter Suspect Back In Jail Without Bond; State Seeks Upgraded Charges; FHP Report Reveals New Details
January 14, 2019
The man accused of DUI manslaughter in the deaths of a Tate High School student and his sister in a Cantonment wreck is back behind bars without bond, and a report from the Florida Highway Patrol provides more details on the tragic crash.
State Attorney Bill Eddins said on Monday his office filed a motion to have the charges against 24-year old Hunter Russell Black upgraded to two counts of vehicular homicide. Each count can carry up to 15 years in prison.
According to Eddins, his office advised Black should have been held without bond for the manslaughter charges. Eddins said there was a misunderstanding with law enforcement, which led to the $25,000 bond amount.
Eddins said there will be no chance of a bond until Black’s next hearing. His bond was revoked Monday in a 2018 battery case.
The Florida Highway said Black was traveling west on Kingsfield Road near Kingslake Drive about 12:30 Saturday morning when he crossed the centerline into the path of a 2001 Mitsubishi driven by 22-year old Antoinette Marie McCoy of Pensacola. McCoy attempted to avoid the collision but was hit head-on.
McCoy and her brother, 15-year old Tate High School student Sean Banks, died at local hospitals shortly after the crash.
Black was charged with two counts of DUI manslaughter and two counts of reckless driving causing serious bodily injury by the Florida Highway Patrol. He was released from jail about 1 a.m. Sunday on a $25,000 bond.
Newly Released FHP Report
The report details the accounts of two crash witnesses. One reported a driver he was able to identify as Black was driving all over the roadway and was having trouble maintaining his lane in a curve. After the crash, he said he helped Black out of his vehicle (pictured left). The second witness told the FHP he witnessed Black’s vehicle cross the center line as the collision occurred.
A Florida Highway Patrol sergeant that responded to Sacred Heart reported that Black was showing signs of impairment with slurred speech and trouble staying awake, according to an arrest report. A FHP trooper said Black had slurred speech, was unable to provide proper information and had “a white crusty substance on his lips.”
Black voluntarily provided a blood sample. The report does not provide the results of the blood tests. The State Attorney’s Office said Monday afternoon that those results were not yet available.
The FHP said Black had been involved in another crash before the fatal wreck when he ran off East Kingsfield Road and struck a tree near Berrydale Road. He then made a U-turn and traveled back west on Kingsfield Road a short distrance before the fatal crash occurred.
Troopers arrived back at Sacred Heart Hospital to arrest him for two counts DUI manslaughter. They reported Black still had slurred speech. He was arrested at 5:06 a.m.
Previous Battery Case
On October 1, 2018, Black was charged with misdemeanor battery after allegedly striking his stepfather.
The stepfather and his wife met deputies at the RaceWay gas station on Highway 29 at Muscogee Road. The stepfather told deputies that his Black came home and appeared to be high on some type of drugs. He said Black became angry for no reason and began to kick and hit him multiple times, according to Escambia County Escambia Sheriff’s Office report.
The stepfather reported that he curled up into a ball on the living room floor as Black continued to hit him, the arrest report states, as Black’s mother tried to stop her son. The stepfather refused medical treatment. Black’s mother told deputies that she believed her son had substance abuse problem.
Black entered into a pretrial diversion program in the case. On Monday, the State Attorney’s Office filed a motion to revoke Black’s bond on the battery charge.
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NortheEscambia.com photos by Kristi Barbour, click to enlarge.
Century Man Facing Multiple Drug Charges, Sexual Offender Violation
January 14, 2019
A broken windshield landed a Century man behind bars on multiple drug charges and a sexual offender violation.
While patrolling Front Street, an Escambia County Sheriff’s Office deputy reported seeing 50-year old Daryl Lamar Brown pass in a red Ford Focus with a windshield that was cracked in driver’s view. The deputy made contact with brown at Camellia Gardens Apartments. The deputy reported a strong smell of marijuana coming from the vehicle.
A records check indicated that Brown had an outstanding warrant for a sexual offender registration violation and had a suspended driver’s license. Brown was taken into custody.
A search of his vehicle revealed a black nylon bag that contained four plastic bags that contained marijuana and one that contained spice. One of the plastic bags that contained marijuana had the marijuana individually packed into 15 small baggies for sale, and one plastic bag contained nine individual bags of spice ready for sale, according to an arrest report.
Brown was charged with possession of marijuana more than 20 grams with the intent to distribute, possession of a controlled substance (spice) with the intent to distribute, possession of drug paraphernalia, knowingly driving with a suspended license and failing to register as a sex offender.
Brown was convicted of lewd or lascivious exhibition in the presence of an elderly or disabled person in 2014, according to the Florida Department of Law Enforcement offender registry.
Brown remained in the Escambia County Jail Monday with bond set at $57,000.
Walking Program Every Tuesday Morning At The Molino Library
January 14, 2019
The Molino Branch Library is inviting participants for “Walk This Way at Molino Branch Library” every Tuesday. Groups will walk the track behind the library beginning at 8 a.m.
NorthEcambia.com photo, click to enlarge.
A Cold Monday Night
January 14, 2019
Pictured: A bird flies above Lake Stone in Century at sunset Friday. NorthEscambia.com photo.
Here is your official North Escambia area forecast:
Tonight: Mostly cloudy, with a low around 34. North wind around 5 mph.
Tuesday: Mostly cloudy, then gradually becoming sunny, with a high near 53. North wind around 5 mph.
Tuesday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 33. North wind around 5 mph.
Wednesday: Sunny, with a high near 62. North wind around 5 mph becoming southwest in the afternoon.
Wednesday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 40. Southwest wind around 5 mph becoming calm.
Thursday: A 20 percent chance of showers after noon. Partly sunny, with a high near 68. Light and variable wind becoming south 5 to 10 mph in the morning.
Thursday Night: A 30 percent chance of showers. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 53. Southwest wind 5 to 10 mph.
Friday: A 40 percent chance of showers. Partly sunny, with a high near 70. Southwest wind 5 to 10 mph.
Friday Night: A 20 percent chance of showers. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 58. South wind 5 to 10 mph.
Saturday: Showers likely. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 71. Chance of precipitation is 70%.
Saturday Night: Showers and possibly a thunderstorm. Low around 42. Chance of precipitation is 80%.
Sunday: Partly sunny, with a high near 48.
Sunday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 23.
M.L.King Day: Sunny, with a high near 46.
FDOT: Weekly Traffic Alerts; Where To Expect Delays
January 14, 2019
Drivers will encounter traffic disruptions on the following state roads in Escambia and Santa Rosa counties as crews perform construction and maintenance activities.
- · State Road (S.R.) 727 (Fairfield Drive) Drainage Improvements from south of Usher Circle to north of Hestia Place- The south entrance to Usher Circle from Fairfield Drive is closed to traffic to allow for crews to install pipe across the roadway. Once the work is complete the entrance will reopen to traffic. Those seeking access to Usher Circle may utilize the north entrance off Fairfield Drive.
- · U.S. 98 (Lillian Highway) Resurfacing from the Perdido Bay Bridge to Dog Track Road– Paving operations continue from the Perdido Bay Bridge to Dog Track Road. Lane closures will be in effect from 8 p.m. to 5:30 a.m. Sunday, Jan. 13 through Sunday, Jan. 20.
- · U.S. 98 Pensacola Bay Bridge Replacement –Lane closures will take place from 8 p.m. to 5 a.m. Sunday, Jan. 13 through Saturday, Saturday, Jan. 19.
- · Interstate 10 Routine Maintenance between Exit 5 (U.S. 90 Alternate) and Exit 17 (U.S. 90/Scenic Highway)- There will be alternating and intermittent east and westbound lane restrictions between U.S. 90A and Scenic Highway from 8 p.m. to 5 a.m. Sunday, Jan. 13 through Thursday, Jan. 17 as crews repair lighting.
- · U.S. 29 Widening from Interstate 10 (I-10) to U.S. 90 (Nine Mile Road)– The following traffic impacts will occur from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m. Sunday, Jan. 13 through Saturday, Jan. 19.
- · U.S. 90 (Mobile Highway) and County Road (C.R.) 99 (Beulah Road) Intersection – Paving operations will require intermittent lane closures near the intersection the week of Monday, Jan. 14 There will be no lane closures allowed from 6 a.m. to 8:30 a.m. and 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.
- · U.S. 29 Shoulder and Driveway Work near West Airport Boulevard– Southbound traffic will encounter lane restrictions from 8 p.m. to 5 a.m. Monday, Jan. 14 through Thursday, Jan. 19 near West Airport Boulevard as crews perform shoulder and driveway construction at the new Allen Turner Hyundia.
- · S.R. 10A (E. Cervantes Street) Underground Utility Operations at 9th Avenue and 10th Avenue- The westbound outside lane will be closed from 8 p.m. to 5 a.m. Tuesday, Jan. 15 and Wednesday, Jan. 16 at 9th Avenue and 10th Avenue as crews perform underground utility work.
- · Crary Road Bridge Replacement- Crary Road is closed between Tedder Road and Byrneville Road as crews construct a bridge culvert. Motorists will be detoured via C.R. 4 and Byrneville Road.
- · Bratt Road Bridge Replacement over Canoe Creek- Bratt Road will continue to be closed near Canoe Creek. Drivers on Bratt Road, west of the bridge, will be detoured to Pine Barren Road and C.R. 4. Drivers east of the bridge will be detoured east on Bratt Road.
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- U.S. 98 east and westbound, from North 14th Avenue in Pensacola to 2,000-feet east of the Pensacola Bay Bridge in Gulf Breeze.
- North 17th Avenue in Pensacola, between U.S. 98 and the CSX Railroad overpass (Graffiti Bridge).
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- Nine Mile Road at the U.S. 29 Overpass: Alternating traffic shifts will direct all traffic onto the westbound or eastbound lanes as crews continue construction of the new northbound bridge deck. Nine Mile Road lane restrictions are Sunday through Friday.
- U.S. 29 between I-10 and 9 1/2 Mile Road: Drainage and paving operations continue. Drivers can expect alternating lane closures Monday through Saturday.
Santa Rosa County:
- S.R. 87 Multilane from Eglin AFB boundary to C.R. 184 (Hickory Hammock Road)–Traffic between Hickory Hammock Road and the Eglin AFB boundary will continue to be restricted to loads less than 11-feet wide. The restriction will be in place until the project is completed.
- U.S. 98 Pensacola Bay Bridge Replacement– Lane closures will take place from 8 p.m. to 5 a.m. Sunday, Jan. 13 through Saturday, Saturday, Jan. 19.
- U.S. 98 east and westbound, from North 14th Avenue in Pensacola to 2,000-feet east of the Pensacola Bay Bridge in Gulf Breeze.
- North 17th Avenue in Pensacola, between U.S. 98 and the CSX Railroad overpass (Graffiti Bridge).
All activities are weather dependent and may be delayed or rescheduled in the event of inclement weather. Drivers are reminded to use caution, especially at night, when traveling through a work zone and to watch for construction workers and equipment entering and exiting the roadway.
Two Escaped Alabama Inmates Are Back Behind Bars
January 14, 2019
Two inmates that escaped from work release in Brewton are now both back behind bars.
Christopher Ladale Pugh (pictured left), 27, was arrested as he walked along I-65 on Sunday, according to Sheriff Heath Jackson. Christopher Blake Moye (pictured right), 27, was tracked by K-9 teams to Wawbeek where he was taken into custody on Saturday.
Both escaped from the barracks at the Escambia County (AL) Sheriff’s Office in Brewon on Friday.
Moye’s arrest came after deputies responded to an attempted burglary in on Whites Lane along the Alabama-Florida state line in the Wawbeek community on Saturday. Nearly seven hours later, a K-9 tracking team took him into custody.
On Sunday, Pugh was spotted along I-65 wearing only boxer shorts. Pugh told the officer “please take me back to jail,” according to Jackson.
Pugh was jailed for violation of probation, receiving stolen property and burglary. Moye was jailed on charges of violation of probation and theft of property. Both are expected to face additional charges for the escape.
The Escambia County (AL) Sheriff’s Office, Escambia County (FL) Sheriff’s Office, Atmore Police Department, Flomaton Police Department, Brewton Police Department, Alabama Department of Corrections K-9 teams, Escambia County (FL) Road Prison K-9 teams, Century Correctional Institution K-9 teams, and the U.S. Marshals Gulf Coast Regional Task Force all participated in the hunt for the escapees.
Pictured: About 5:30 p.m. Friday, the manhunt was centered around railroad tracks at Old Fannnie Road and Welka Road, east of Flomaton and about a half mile north of Alabama-Florida state line. NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Escambia BOCC Weekly Meeting Schedule
January 14, 2019
Here is a schedule of Escambia County public meetings scheduled this week:
Monday, Jan. 14
ECAT Trolley Operator Interviews – 8:30 a.m., Escambia County Area Transit,
1515 W. Fairfield Drive
Escambia County Marine Advisory Committee – 5:30 p.m., Escambia County Central Office Complex, 3363 West Park Place (Agenda)
Northwest District 1 Advisory Committee – 6 p.m., Beulah Middle School, 6001 W. Nine Mile Road
Tuesday, Jan. 15
Board of Electrical Examiners – 9 a.m., Escambia County Central Office Complex, 3363 West Park Place
Pensacola-Escambia Promotion and Development Commission Board of Directors – 10 a.m., 418 W. Garden St.
Environmental Enforcement Special Magistrate – 1:30 p.m., Escambia County Central Office Complex, 3363 West Park Place
Merit System Protection Board – 5 p.m., Ernie Lee Magaha Government Building, 221 Palafox Place, 4th Floor Training Room
Escambia County Extension Council – 5:30 p.m., 3740 Stefani Road, Cantonment
Wednesday, Jan. 16
Ensley North Neighborhood Cleanup – 7 a.m.
Escambia County Soil & Water Conservation District – 8 a.m., 151 Highway 97, Molino
Board of Adjustment – 8:30 a.m., Escambia County Central Office Complex, 3363 West Park Place
Central Booking and Detention Facility Ceremony – 11 a.m., 1190 W. Leonard St.
Development Review Committee – 1 p.m., Escambia County Central Office Complex, 3363 West Park Place
Pensacola & Perdido Bays Estuary Program Technical Committee – 1:30 p.m., City of Gulf Breeze Council Chambers, 1070 Shoreline Drive
Escambia County Disability Awareness Committee – 3 p.m., Escambia County Central Office Complex, 3363 West Park Place
Pensacola & Perdido Bays Estuary Program Policy Board – 3:30 p.m., City of Gulf Breeze Council Chambers, 1070 Shoreline Drive
Thursday, Jan. 17
BCC Committee of the Whole – 9 a.m., Ernie Lee Magaha Government Building, 221 Palafox Place, Board Chambers
Saturday, Jan. 19
Arbor Day Tree Giveaway and Public Workshop – 9 a.m., 3740 Stefani Road, Cantonment
NorthEscambia.com photo.
FWC Explains More About Rare Redhorse Fish Found In The Escambia River
January 14, 2019
After we published a story about a rare river redhorse fish being found in the Escambia River, numerous people responded on NorthEscambia.com and our social media with reports of frequently seeing or catching the fish.
Until the recent discovery, the river redhorse had not been documented in the Escambia River since 1976, according to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC).
NorthEscambia.com reached out to the FWC Fish and Wildlife Research Institute for more information. Here is their response:
The river redhorse is a species that may easily be confused with other commonly found fish – in particular, the spotted sucker and the blacktail redhorse.
The river redhorse is only found in the Escambia River, whereas the spotted sucker occurs in every river in the panhandle and the blacktail redhorse occurs in all drainages in Florida west of the Apalachicola River.
Ways you can tell them apart- a blacktail redhorse has a black strip that occurs in the tail, and the spotted sucker has noticeable spots on its scales.
Researchers captured a river redhorse during a night trawl. In Florida, the river redhorse is listed as a Species of Greatest Conservation Need.
The fish prefers large, clean rivers with sand or gravel bottoms and swift currents. The river redhorse was implanted with an acoustic tag and released. The movement of the fish will be monitored to estimate site occupancy and assess population trend, according to the FWC. The fish was found as freshwater biologists were working on imperiled species trawl survey in the Escambia River.
Pictured top: The rare river redhorse fish documented in the Escambia River for the first time since 1976. Other fish that look similar are below, courtesy of FWC and the Florida Museum. Each photo is labeled. Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Above: Spotted Sucker
Above: Blacktail redhorse
Above: River redhorse
Driver Rolls Pickup Into Guardrail
January 13, 2019
There were no serious injuries reported when a pickup truck crashed and rolled over onto a guardrail early Sunday morning at the North Palafox Street overpass above I-10. The Florida Highway Patrol has not released any details in the 1:20 a.m. crash. NorthEscambia.com photos by Kristi Barbour, click to enlarge.
Man Charged With DUI Manslaughter For Deaths Of Two People Released From Jail
January 13, 2019
UPDATE: The suspect is back in jail without bond. Read an update here…
The man accused of DUI manslaughter in the deaths of a Tate High School student and his sister in a Cantonment crash early Saturday morning has been released from jail.
Hunter Russell Black, 24, was released from the Escambia County Jail on a $25,000 bond just after 1 a.m. Sunday, about 24 hours after the wreck on East Kingsfield Road.
The crash claimed the life of driver 22-year old Antoinette Marie McCoy of Pensacola and her 15-year old brother, Sean Alexander Banks.
Black was charged with two counts of DUI manslaughter and reckless driving causing serious bodily injury by the Florida Highway Patrol.
RELATED STORIES:
Tate Aggies Football Banquet Honors Student Athlete Killed In Crash; Mom Addresses Attendees
Grief Counselors Available Monday For Students, Staff At Tate High School
Tate High Aggie Family Mourns Loss Of Student Sean Banks
Two Killed In East Kingsfield Crash; Cantonment Man Charged With DUI Manslaughter