High-Speed Chase Ends in Arrests After Contraband Tossed Over Prison Fence
February 27, 2026
A coordinated effort by multiple law enforcement agencies led to the arrest of two men Thursday following a high-speed pursuit that began at a prison in Atmore and spanned multiple counties.
The incident began when the Alabama Department of Corrections (ADOC) K-9 team at Fountain Correctional Facility received a report of a vehicle tossing a package of contraband over the prison fence. Officers quickly located a vehicle matching the description, but the driver refused to stop, initiating a pursuit.
According to ADOC officials, the suspects fled at high speeds, driving recklessly and forcing several other motorists off the roadway. The chase moved onto I-65, where authorities observed the suspects discarding items from the windows. The pursuit finally ended after the vehicle exited at Grace-Garland (Exit 107( and turned onto a dead-end road, where the occupants attempted to flee into the woods on foot.
Both suspects were apprehended after a brief foot chase. They have been identified as Kyle Wesley Turner and John Deodrick Bullock.
A search of the suspects’ vehicle following the arrest turned up a handgun. Meanwhile, correctional officers back at Fountain Correctional Facility recovered the package thrown over the fence into the North yard. According to ADOC, the contents included:
- 244 grams of marijuana
- 120 grams of crystal methamphetamine
- $1,000 in cash
- One knife and two USB charging cords
Turner and Bullock were transported to the Escambia County Detention Facility in Brewton. Both face a long list of charges, including first and second-degree promoting prison contraband, possession of marijuana, trafficking methamphetamine, and distribution of controlled substances. Turner faces an additional charge of attempting to elude law enforcement.
The ADOC K-9 unit was assisted in the operation by ADOC Narcotics Agents, the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA), Evergreen and Castleberry Police Departments, and sheriff’s deputies from Escambia, Conecuh, and Butler counties.
The investigation remains ongoing, and officials indicated that further charges may be pending.
Pictured: Bullock (left) and Turner (right).
Northview Run Rules Defending State Champion Holmes County
February 27, 2026
Northview 14, Holmes County 1
The Northview Chiefs run-ruled the defending Rural Class state champion Holmes County Blue Devils 14-1 Thursday night, in Bratt.
Jack Boutwell earned the win on the mound for the Chiefs, giving up one hit in four no-run innings, walking four and striking out six. Gauge Harrison pitched one inning in relief, giving up one hit and one unearned run while striking out one and walking one.
Taylor Curtis went 3-for-4 at bat for the Chiefs. Jackson Bridges, Cole Davis, Jase Portwood and Grayden Sheffield added two hits each.
The Chiefs will head to Destin on Friday night to take on the Sharks.
NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Clouds Through Tonight, But The Weekend Looks Great
February 27, 2026
High pressure then settles in for the weekend, delivering plenty of sunshine and unseasonably warm afternoons with highs approaching 80 degrees. This dry, mild pattern holds steady through early next week before the next slight chance of rain enters the forecast by Thursday.
Here is your official North Escambia area forecast:
Friday Night: Patchy dense fog after 1am. Otherwise, partly cloudy, with a low around 54. Northeast wind around 5 mph becoming calm.
Saturday: Patchy fog before 7am. Otherwise, mostly sunny, with a high near 78. Northeast wind around 5 mph.
Saturday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 49. East wind around 5 mph becoming calm.
Sunday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 79. Calm wind becoming east around 5 mph in the morning.
Sunday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 51. Southeast wind around 5 mph becoming calm.
Monday: Sunny, with a high near 79. East wind 5 to 10 mph becoming south in the afternoon.
Monday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 55. East wind around 5 mph.
Tuesday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 77.
Tuesday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 55.
Wednesday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 78.
Wednesday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 59.
Thursday: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly sunny, with a high near 79.
Eight Ascend Performance Materials Mechanics Earn National Certifications
February 27, 2026
Eight mechanics at Ascend Performance Materials were recently recognized for achieving a major professional milestone by passing the NCCER (National Center for Construction Education and Research) certification test.
The mechanics are:
- Freddie Fails
- James Savage
- Tim Moore
- Vic Eicher
- Donnie Wilson
- Jason Marshall
- Lamar Flowers
- Jason Jarman
“This accomplishment reflects their dedication, skill, and commitment to advancing their craft. It’s an important accomplishment for our employees and strengthens the expertise across our site. We’re proud of the dedication these individuals demonstrated in preparing for and completing their NCCER testing,” the company said in a statement.
Pictured top: Freddie Fails, James Savage, Tim Moore, Vic Eicher, and Donnie Wilson with managers and supporting team. Not pictured: Jason Marshall, Lamar Flowers, and Jason Jarman. Photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Wahoos Stadium Win: Tate Beats Fort Walton
February 27, 2026
Tate 4, Fort Walton 1
The Tate Aggies beat the Fort Walton Beach Vikings 4-1 on Thursday night at Blue Wahoos Stadium.
Lance Brady was on the mound for the Aggies, surrendering three hits and one unearned run in seven innings, striking out four and walking one.
Connors had two RBIs for the Aggies as he went 2-3 for the night. Kaden Posta and Cal Foxworth also added two hits each.
Friday night, the Aggies will return to Blue Wahoos Stadium to take on the Escambia Gators at 7 p.m. Tickets, which are $12.25, will be available for purchase at the stadium or online from MLB. Parking is free, and one food and beverage storefront will be open for concessions.
Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Road Trips: Northview Chiefs Beat Destin 18-2; Tate Falls To Niceville By One
February 27, 2026
Northview 18, Destin 2
The Northview Chiefs hit the road and bit the Destin Sharks 18-2 on Thursday night.
Kylie Langham went 3-5 for the Chiefs, including a solo center field home run in the fourth, a single in the sixth, and a double in the seventh.
Peyton Womack went 4-6 at the plate for Northview; Riley Brooks, Davonia Randolph, and Avery Stuckey each added multiple hits.
Mikayla McAnally opened in the circle for the Chiefs, giving up one hit and no runs in three innings while striking out four and walking none. Randolph threw one inning of no-run ball, and Womack pitched three, surrendering two hits and two runs, striking out none and walking one.
Next up, the Lady Chiefs will host Orange Beach at 6 p.m. Friday.
Niceville 3, Tate 2
The Tate Lady Aggies dropped a Thursday loss 3-2 on the road at Niceville.
Mitchell was 1-3 with two RBIs for the Lady Aggies. Morris, Mitchell, Robinson, and Smillie each added one hit for THS.
Padgett went one inning for Tate, giving up three runs (two earned) on two hits while walking two and striking out one. Pitching five innings of no-run ball in relief, Mitchell allowed three hits, walking two and striking out eight.
The Lady Aggies will return home to Cantonment against Gulf Breeze next Tuesday at 6:30 p.m.
Application Deadline Extended For 2026 Summer Youth Employment Program
February 27, 2026
Escambia County has extended the application deadline for the 2026 Summer Youth Employment Program, which provides an opportunity for Escambia County youth ages 16-24 to receive paid work experience this summer.
Online applications are available now at MyEscambia.com/syep. The deadline to submit applications is now 5 p.m. on Thursday, March 12. Incomplete applications or applications submitted after the deadline will not be accepted.
Qualified youth who are accepted into the program will be able to work up to 30 hours a week at $14 per hour, with positions available in various county departments along with the Escambia County Property Appraiser and Tax Collector’s Office. Positions will be available across Escambia County, including the Town of Century. Participants will also receive job readiness training prior to job placement as well as post-employment briefings.
The Escambia County Summer Youth Employment Program aims to help local youth gain valuable on-the-job experience while working toward their future career goals. Program participants will have the opportunity to learn a variety of practical job skills, along with workplace etiquette such as professional dress, timeliness and respect.
Last summer, over 200 youth participated in the program, working in county departments including Engineering, Escambia County Area Transit, Public Safety, West Florida Public Libraries, the Town of Century, and more.
Limited positions are available. Requirements for the program are as follows:
- Must submit a completed application packet with all required supporting documentation by 5 p.m. on Friday, February 27.
- Must be a resident of Escambia County, Florida at the time of application and for the duration of program participation.
- Must be between the age of 16 and 24 years old at the time of enrollment.
- Must complete up-front job readiness preparatory training classes and post-employment debriefing sessions.
- Must not have any felony convictions.
- If enrolled in school, must submit enrollment verification.
- Must show proof of identify (state-issued driver’s license or state ID card) and proof of address.
- Must meet hiring criteria of the temporary employment agency.
- Must attend the end of the Summer Youth Program Award Ceremony.
For additional information, please call Neighborhood and Human Services at 850-595-3927 or 850-595-1620.
Pictured: Escambia County Summer Youth Employment participants Shelby Rydzowski of McDavid (top) and Aaliyah Fountain of Walnut Hill (inset) worked at the Century Town Hall last year. Pictured below: Other program participants across Escambia County. NorthEscambia.com and contributed photos, click to enlarge.
Tate Aggies Lacrosse Beats Washington 12-7
February 27, 2026
Tate High School Girls Lacrosse earned a bit 12-7 win at the Washington Wildcats on Thursday night.
The Aggies were coming off losses earlier in the week to West Florida and Gulf Breeze.
Next Week, Tate will travel to West Florida on Monday, and Pensacola Catholic on Tuesday.
Suspect In 2022 Century Pregnant Woman Battery Case Caught During Hwy 29 Traffic Stop
February 26, 2026
An Atmore man was arrested in Pensacola recently after a traffic stop revealed multiple active warrants, including one for the alleged battery of a pregnant woman in Century.
According to the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office, a deputy observed a black Nissan fail to stop before entering Highway 29 from a local Wendy’s. During the subsequent stop, Ato Lumumba McCants initially provided his brother’s name and a false birth date to avoid arrest. However, deputies were able to identify McCants through a records search and a matching photograph.
McCants was taken into custody for a 2022 warrant stemming from an incident at the Century Woods Apartments. In that case, he was accused of pushing a woman—who was eight weeks pregnant at the time—onto a couch during an argument. The victim refused EMS.
In addition to the 2022 warrant, McCants also had an active failure to appear warrant from 2024 related to traffic offenses.
Following the recent traffic stop, McCants was booked into the Escambia County Jail on charges of aggravated battery on a pregnant victim (domestic violence related), giving a false identification to law enforcement, and driving with a suspended license second or subsequent offense.
He was released from jail on a $7,000 bond.
West Florida Libraries Board Names Top Choices For New Library System Director
February 26, 2026
The West Florida Libraries Board of Governance (BOG) has recommended a new director for the library system.
The board recommended Bradley Vinson as its first choice for library director, and Chris Hare as its second choice. Vinson is the current coordinator of media services for the Escambia County School District.
The BOG acts only in an advisory capacity, and the recommendation goes to Escambia County for a final decision.
According to the county, personnel decisions fall with Administrator Wes Moreno, but he is not bound by the WFPL BOG recommendation. The administrator’s choices for county department head positions such as the library director are approved by the Board of County Commissioners, which can vote them up or down.
There were nine applicants for the position, which was left vacant after the November 18, 2025, retirement of Todd Humble.
The BOG recommended seven of the applicants to the county. The BOG and the county collectively moved six to phone interviews, but two of those declined. Four phone interviews were conducted, followed by in-person interviews.
The four finalists were:
Bradley Vinson — coordinator of media services for the Escambia County School District since June 2023. She previously worked for the West Florida Public Libraries in various capacities from January 2004 until February 2019, including children’s services coordinator. She was a media specialist at West Pensacola Elementary School from August 2014 until 2023, and she served on the West Florida Public Libraries Board of Governance for four years from 2019 until 2023.
Chris Hare — division manager for WFPL since December 2022. He previously worked as a branch manager for the WFPL Southwest, Genealogy, and Molino libraries between 2016 and 2022. He worked for a year as a branch manager in the Birmingham, Alabama, library system.
Christal Bell-Rivera — current interim director for WFPL, where she served as deputy director from March 2023 until her August 2025 appointment as interim director. She previously worked as the WFPL director’s aide from June 2022 until March 2023. She worked as a senior highway safety specialist for the State of Florida for nearly 14 years.
Michael Jenkins — regional branch manager for the Indianapolis (Indiana) Public Library since November 2024, and previously a library branch manager in North Carolina. He has previous library experience in Florida and South Carolina.
Pictured: Bradley Vinson, the West Florida Library Board of Governance recommendation for library director. Photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.