8-Year Old Accidentally Shoots And Kills 1-Year Old, Injures 2-Year Old; 14-Time Convicted Felon Charged
June 27, 2022
1-Year Old Shot And Killed, 2-Year Old Injured; 14-Time Convicted Felon Charged
A one-year old was shot and killed by another child early Sunday morning in Escambia County with a gun from a 14-time convicted felon.
The incident happened in the early morning hours Sunday at the Lion’s Motel on Dr. Martin Luther King Drive.
According to Escambia County Sheriff Chip Simmons, 45-year old Roderick Dwayne Randall left his sleeping girlfriend and the young children in a motel room. Randall’s 8-year old found the gun in a closet and fired a shot. The bullet struck and killed a 1-year old girl and injured a 2-year old girl.
The 1-year old was pronounced deceased at the scene by Escambia County EMS. The 2-year old was taken to a local hospital and is expected to recover. Randall is not a parent to either child, according to the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office.
Randall returned to the scene and took the weapon and what was believed to be an amount of drugs, the sheriff said. “And he leaves the scene before returning back to the scene.”
“This is not how we treat our children,” Simmons said. “Our hearts go out to the rest of the families. This is ridiculous. These are two babies that are shot.”
Randall was charged with possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, two counts of culpable negligence, tampering with physical evidence, and failing to store or leave firearm in a required manner. He remained in he Escambia County Jail with bond set at $41,000.
The sheriff said he has 129 pages of criminal history, 28 previous felony charges and 14 felony convictions.
Two Charged In Multiple Cantonment, Gonzalez Vehicle Burglaries
June 27, 2022
Two Cantonment men have been charged in connection with multiple vehicle burglaries recently in Cantonment and Gonzalez.
Anthony Jared Norman (pictured left), 20, and Mason Cole Zimmerman, 18, were charged with multiple counts including burglary of an occupied dwelling, burglary of a conveyance, petit theft, grand theft of a firearm and credit card fraud.
Two vehicles were unlocked inside a garage, and the resident forgot to close the garage door at their home on Bucyrus Lane off Chemstrand Road, according to the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office. The resident discovered several items missing from one vehicle, including a credit card.
The card was reported stolen, and a transaction at the Valero station in the 200 block of South Highway 29 was declined.
Surveillance video from the store showed a red four-door car that matched a car seen in other surveillance video from several vehicle burglaries that occurred in he area, an ECSO report states.
Two individuals, later identified as Norman and Zimmerman, entered the store wearing clothing that was later recovered, investigators said. They attempted multiple credit card transactions, some of which were successful.
Deputies said Zimmerman was later located at his girlfriend’s residence on Condor Drive, and several items reported stolen in several vehicle burglaries were recovered in the room. The girlfriend, who was not charged, told deputies that Zimmerman brough the items to her room after Zimmerman was out with an individual known as “AJ” or “Anthony”.
Clothing items matching that seen in surveillance videos from the vehicle burglaries and the Valero station were recovered from Norman’s residence on Virecent Road.
Zimmerman also had an outstanding warrant for two counts of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon for allegedly pointing a gun at two individuals in a vehicle and threatening them on Camaree Place off East 10 Mile Road last April.
Norman remained in the Escambia County Jail Monday with bond set at $41,000, while Zimmerman was jailed with bond set at $98,000.
Escambia Man Gets 30 Years For Stabbing Woman In The Eye With A Car Key
June 27, 2022
An Escambia County Man has been sentenced to 30 years in state prison for stabbing a woman in the eye.
Judge John F. Simon designated Clinton Cooper as a habitual felony offender and a prison releasee reoffender after he was convicted of aggravated battery with great bodily harm. He will be required to serve 15 years of his 30 year sentence day for day as a mandatory minimum sentence.
Cooper stabbed the victim in her eye with a car key and caused multiple injuries to her face following an argument over the victim’s intention to end their relationship.
Monday Evening Showers Possible
June 27, 2022
Here is your official North Escambia area forecast:
Tonight: A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 72. Northwest wind around 5 mph becoming calm.
Tuesday: Showers and thunderstorms likely after 1pm. Partly sunny, with a high near 92. Northeast wind around 5 mph becoming southeast in the afternoon. Chance of precipitation is 60%. New rainfall amounts of less than a tenth of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms.
Tuesday Night: A 40 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 73. East wind around 5 mph becoming calm.
Wednesday: Showers and thunderstorms, mainly after 1pm. High near 87. Southeast wind around 5 mph. Chance of precipitation is 80%.
Wednesday Night: A 40 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 73. Southeast wind around 5 mph becoming calm.
Thursday: Showers and thunderstorms. High near 87. Calm wind becoming southeast around 5 mph in the morning. Chance of precipitation is 80%.
Thursday Night: A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 72. South wind around 5 mph becoming calm.
Friday: Showers and thunderstorms likely. Partly sunny, with a high near 88. Calm wind becoming south around 5 mph in the afternoon. Chance of precipitation is 70%.
Friday Night: A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 72. South wind around 5 mph becoming calm.
Saturday: Showers and thunderstorms likely. Partly sunny, with a high near 88. Chance of precipitation is 70%.
Saturday Night: A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly cloudy, with a low around 73.
Sunday: Showers and thunderstorms likely. Mostly sunny, with a high near 89. Chance of precipitation is 60%.
Sunday Night: A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly cloudy, with a low around 73.
Monday: A 50 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly sunny, with a high near 90.
Cottage Hill Resident Accused Of Threatening Man With A Machete
June 27, 2022
A Cottage Hill man was charged after allegedly threatening a man with a machete.
William Ladon Stacey, age 61 of Williams Ditch Road, was charged with third degree felony aggravated assault with a deadly weapon. He remained in the Escambia County Jail with bond set at $7,500.
Stacey allegedly pulled up in front of a residence and began walking toward a man that was outside “in an aggressive manner while holding a machete in his hand and yelling/cursing at (the victim),” according to an Escambia County Sheriff’s Office report. He got back in his vehicle, turned around a few houses down, pulled back up and again exited his pickup with a machete in his hand, the report continues. Stacey left after a female came out of the residence and told him to leave.
The victim told deputies that he was not sure what Stacey was upset about, but Stacey “may wrongly believe that (the victim) owes him money or it could be over some female”, according to the ECSO report.
The victim was never struck with the machete, the Sheriff’s Office said.
Florida Gas Prices Down 21 Cents On Average In Past Two Weeks
June 27, 2022
Florida gas prices declined 14 cents last week. The state average has now been on a two-week streak of declines, falling a total of 21 cents per gallon, since setting a new record high price of $4.89 on June 13, according to AAA.
The lowest price Sunday night in North Escambia was $4.44 per gallon at two stations in Cantonment. A low of $4.22 could be found in Pensacola at the warehouse clubs. On average, local prices were amoung the
“Gas prices are moving in a favorable direction, as millions of Americans prepare to embark on an Independence Day road trip,” said Mark Jenkins, spokesman, AAA – The Auto Club Group. “Despite the recent declines, gas prices are still likely to be the highest for this holiday in history.”
AAA said the discount at the pump is due to a recent drop in crude oil and gasoline futures prices, which are largely driven by concerns about the economy, following the Fed’s interest rate hike. The U.S. price of oil declined a total of 11% during the past two weeks.
NorthEscambia.com file photo.
Here Are This Week’s Road Construction Delay Areas
June 27, 2022
Drivers will encounter traffic disruptions on the following state roads in Escambia and Santa Rosa counties as crews perform construction and maintenance activities.
In preparation for the Independence Day holiday weekend, there will be no lane closures or other activities that impede traffic on major state roads beginning at 8 a.m. Friday, July 1, and ending 11:59 p.m. Monday, July 4.
Escambia County:
- U.S. 98 Pensacola Bay Bridge Replacement – Drivers will encounter alternating lane closures and lane shifts on the Pensacola Bay Bridge Sunday, June 26 through Thursday, June 30 from 8 p.m. to 5 a.m. On Tuesday, June 28, U.S. 98 westbound (Gulf Breeze to Pensacola) will have lane closures beginning at 10 p.m. due to Bands on the Beach. Crews will be using lanes on the current bridge as a platform to pour concrete decks for the westbound (Gulf Breeze to Pensacola) structure.
- West Cervantes Street (U.S. 90) Pedestrian Safety Improvement – Motorists traveling on West Cervantes Street will encounter the following traffic impacts:
- Daytime single lane closures and lane shifts, between A Street and Dominguez Street, as crews install pedestrian fencing.
- The new traffic signals on Cervantes Street at the J Street, L Street, and R Street intersections are now activated.
- North Ninth Avenue (State Road (S.R.) 289) Carpenters Creek Bridge Replacement – All travel lanes are temporarily shifted to the southbound side of the bridge as crews construct the northbound portion. Additionally, drivers may encounter intermittent temporary lane closures Monday, June 27 through Thursday, June 30 from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. as crews mobilize materials and equipment.
- Pace Boulevard from Barrancas Avenue to Massachusetts Avenue – Pedestrians will encounter alternating sidewalk closures on Pace Boulevard, between Barrancas Avenue and North Palafox Street (Highway 29), as crews perform sidewalk and curb improvements. Pedestrians will be detoured to the signalized intersections to access the sidewalks on the other side of Pace Boulevard during this time.
- Pensacola Boulevard (U.S. 29) from Brent Lane to North of Interstate 10 (I-10) – Drivers will encounter alternating lane closures Sunday, June 26 through Thursday, June 30 from 9 p.m. to 6 a.m. as crews work on sidewalk and curb improvements.
- I-10 at the Interstate 110 (I-110) Interchange – Drivers will encounter alternating lane closures on the I-110 northbound ramp to I-10 westbound between 8 p.m. and 6 a.m. each night as crews work on guardrail improvements.
- Sorrento Road (S.R. 292) Intersection Improvements at Innerarity Point (County Road 292A) – Motorists can expect intermittent daytime shoulder closures the week of Monday, June 27 as crews place a watermain
- I-10 West bound 7 Exit Off-Ramp Pavement Coring Operations at Pine Forest Road (S.R. 297) – Motorists will encounter intermittent lane closures Wednesday, June 29 through Thursday, June 30 from 7 p.m. to 5 a.m. as crews perform pavement coring operations
Santa Rosa County:
- Pensacola Bay Bridge (U.S. 98) Replacement – Drivers will encounter alternating lane closures and lane shifts on the Pensacola Bay Bridge Sunday, June 26 through Thursday, June 30 from 8 p.m. to 5 a.m. On Tuesday, June 28, U.S. 98 westbound (Gulf Breeze to Pensacola) will have lane closures beginning at 10 p.m. due to Bands on the Beach. Crews will be using lanes on the current bridge as a platform to pour concrete decks for the westbound (Gulf Breeze to Pensacola) structure.
- U.S. 98 Widening from Bayshore Road to Portside Drive – Motorists will encounter the following traffic impacts:
- Temporary median and turn-lane closures from Bayshore Road to Tiger Point Drive.
- Intermittent lane closures and additional median closures between S.R. 281 and Bayshore Road, Sunday, June 26 through Thursday, June 30 from 9 p.m. to 5:30 a.m. for paving operations.
- Westbound travelers will encounter a new traffic configuration from east of Portside Drive to North College Parkway as lanes will be shifted slightly south to allow for widening activities on the outside lane.
- Settlers Colony Boulevard remains open. The closure has been postponed until further notice due to material delays.
- I-10 Resurfacing East of S.R. 281 (Avalon Boulevard) to East of S.R. 87 – Motorists can expect intermittent nighttime lane closures Sunday, June 26 through Thursday, June 30 for construction activities.
All activities are weather-dependent and may be delayed or rescheduled in the event of inclement weather
Benjamin John Eicher
June 27, 2022
Benjamin John Eicher, age 78, passed away Wednesday, May 26, 2022, surrounded by his loving family. He was born July 2, 1943 in Summerdale, AL to the late Dorcy John Eicher and Iva Schroeder Eicher.
Ben voluntarily entered into the United States Army in September 1966 and served in Germany for three years. During his service he was awarded a Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Sharpshooter M-14, and obtained the rank of Sergeant (E-5). He continued his military service by serving in the United States Army Reserves for an additional three years after returning stateside. Upon his return from Germany he returned to McDavid, FL where he began his cabinetry business. Being self taught, he operated his business for many years building custom made cabinets and furniture. His craftsmanship was well known in the Walnut Hill, Atmore, and Pensacola areas. In addition, for many years he taught woodworking at a local trade school. He enjoyed riding motorcycles and traveling with his many friends. In his later years after retiring from woodworking and due to limited mobility, he enjoyed visits from friends and family, growing vegetables, and sitting on his porch swing watching the local wildlife.
Ben is preceded in death by his brother and sister in-law, Eldon and Rosie Eicher; sister and brother in-law, Vada and Bobby Byrd; brother, Winston Eicher; and sister, Nadine Eicher. He is survived by his daughter Natalie Weston (John); two grandchildren, Elizabeth Weston and Ryan Weston (Brittany); and one great-granddaughter Lillie Weston. Ben was also blessed to have many close friends as well as numerous cousins, nieces, and nephews.
A memorial service is scheduled for July 2, 2022, which would have been Ben’s 79th birthday, at Pine Forest United Methodist Church in Pensacola, FL. Visitation is scheduled for 10 am and the service at 11 am.
Conine Homers Twice For Wahoos In Walk-Off Loss To Biloxi
June 27, 2022
Griffin Conine homered twice and drove in four runs, but the Pensacola Blue Wahoos couldn’t hold an early 8-2 lead in a walk-off 9-8 loss to the Biloxi Shuckers on Sunday night.
Jefry Yan (L, 1-2) was one out away from his first save in the ninth inning before allowing a walk-off three-run double to Biloxi’s Jason Lopez as the Shuckers won the series four games to two.
Conine’s first homer in the first inning was followed by a three-run second inning in which Norel González and Devin Hairston collected RBI singles. By the time Conine blasted a three-run homer in the fourth inning against Biloxi starter Noah Zavolas, the Blue Wahoos led 7-2.
Cody Mincey allowed three runs over 5.0 solid innings for Pensacola, departing with an 8-2 advantage after a José Devers RBI single in the sixth inning. Andrew McInvale worked a clean sixth inning, but Aneurys Zabala allowed three runs in the seventh and Yan came up just short in his bid to lock down a Blue Wahoos win as the Shuckers walked off for the second time in three nights.
The Blue Wahoos end the first half with a 35-29 record, champions of the South Division and playoff bound for the first time since 2019.
After an off day on Monday, the Blue Wahoos begin the second half with a six-game home series against the Montgomery Biscuits on Tuesday.
by Erik Bremer, Pensacola Blue Wahoos
Billy Colley
June 27, 2022
Billy Colley, 96, passed away June 26, 2022. He was born April, 6, 1926.
A graveside service will be held at Spruell Cemetery on Thursday, June 30, 2022, at noon.