First And Second Bulbs Placed On Fire Safety Wreath
December 6, 2019
Escambia County Fire Rescue has placed two red bulbs on the “Keep the Wreath Green” fire safety wreath representing two structure fires which occurred on Wednesday.
Escambia County Emergency Communications received a call at 1:49 p.m. reporting a structure fire in the 600 block of Bayshore Drive. Upon initial investigation, smoke was visible in the first floor gathering room at the Riveria Condominiums. The fire was apparently started by three very old extension cords plugged together with Christmas lights. Two of the cords were not UL approved.
The second fire occurred in the 7100 block of Community Drive at 10:09 p.m. When Escambia County Fire Rescue arrived, smoke and flames were visible. Four adults were displaced and are being assisted by the American Red Cross. No injuries were reported. The fire was apparently started by an unattended candle left burning on the dresser in the bedroom. There was not a working smoke detector in the home. The related images with this release show the total loss of this home.
Pictured: A residential structure fire on Community Drive. Photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Man Convicted Of Attempted Murder Of Deputy During Chase That Ended On Nine Mile Road
December 6, 2019
An Escambia County man that opened fire on deputies during a wild 10-mile long high speed chase that ended on Nine Mile Road has been convicted on multiple charges.
Christopher Michael Chancey of Ten Mile Road was convicted by an Escambia County jury of attempted second degree murder with a firearm on a law enforcement officer, three counts of attempted
manslaughter by act and one count of fleeing or attempting to elude a law enforcement officer in an agency vehicle with siren and lights activated. For the attempted second degree murder with a firearm on a law enforcement officer charge, the jury also found that chancey discharged a firearm and was in actual possession of a firearm.
Chancey faces up tolLife in prison with a 20 year minimum mandatory. State Attorney Bill Eddins said prosecutors will be seeking a life sentence when he sentenced in February.
A deputy attempted to stop a 2003 Dodge Dakota driven by Chancey at the intersection of Jackson Street and Old Corry Field Road after an improper lane change. The vehicle accelerated away, passing other vehicles in no passing zones. The deputy turned off his emergency lights and discontinued the attempted traffic stop.
A second deputy observed the vehicle slide out of a parking lot and turn northbound on New Warrington Road at a high rate of speed. The deputy attempted a traffic stop as someone fired a weapon at him from the vehicle. The deputy reported seeing the muzzle flash and hearing the gunfire, at which time he swerved his patrol vehicle to avoid being shot. Multiple deputies joined in the chase.
At Fairfield Drive and South Dakota Street, additional shots were fired at deputies. Chancery then turned on W Street and then onto Pensacola Boulevard. On Pensacola Boulevard, the vehicle continued northbound in the southbound lanes. Deputies continue to purse the vehicle as it turned eastbound onto Nine Mile Road.
At the intersection of Nine Mile Road and Old Palafox, a deputy ended the chase by using the PIT-maneuver. The driver, later identified as Chancey, ran from truck. He was taken into custody at gunpoint after a brief foot chase.
A search of the vehicle revealed numerous bullet holes in the rear glass of the vehicle and a hole in the tailgate. A 9mm handgun was found on the ground outside the driver’s door of the pickup with an empty magazine and chamber. A second unloaded 9mm magazine was on the driver’s seat.
Chancey has several prior convictions including convictions for possession with intent to sell pseudoephedrine, sell, manufacture, deliver or possess a controlled substance with the intent to sell, manufacture or delivery of a controlled substance, possession of drug paraphernalia, conspiracy/ unlawful possession of listed chemical, driving while license revoked pursuant to habitual offender, burglary of unoccupied dwelling, grand theft, pawnbroker transaction fraud, possession of controlled substance, resisting officer without violence as well as several other charges.
Chase images are from a low quality reader submitted video for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Tate High Soccer Continues Perfect Season With Win Over Crestview
December 6, 2019
Tate High Boys Soccer continued their perfect season Thursday night with a 3-2 district win over Crestview in Crestview.
Gustavo Pineda had two goals for the Aggies, while Nathan Bailey had one goal. Owen Jacobs and Calen Arnevik each had one assist.
The Tate Aggies are now 7-0 on the season. They will be in action next Tuesday night as they host Washington High School at Ashton Brosnaham Park.
Pictured top: Junior goalkeeper Caleb Thompson elevating to knock away a Crestview corner kick. Pictured below: Celebrating a goal from Tate junior Nathan Bailey (#10), and a goal and celebration from senior Gustavo Pineda (#7). NorthEscambia.com photos by Mitch Arnevik, click to enlarge.
Winning Fantasy 5 Ticket Sold On Pensacola Boulevard
December 6, 2019
Someone is over $94,000 richer today after purchasing a winning Florida Lottery Fantasy 5 ticket at a Pensacola Boulevard convenience store.
The ticket sold at the Tom Thumb on Pensacola Boulevard at Airport Boulevard was one of two winning tickets sold for Thursday night’s drawing and is worth $94,200.32. The second winning ticket was sold in Ruskin.
The 217 tickets matching four numbers won $140 each. Another 7,410 tickets matching three numbers are worth $11 each, and 77,295 ticket holders won a Quick Pick ticket for picking two numbers.
Thursday’s winning numbers were 5-19-26-32-36.
Pensacola Beach Toll To Go All Electronic, No More Cash By Spring
December 6, 2019
The Escambia County Commission voted Thursday night to stop accepting cash for tolls to Pensacola Beach.
Beginning as early as March only electronic payments will be accepted for the toll to cross the Bob Sikes Bridge; toll takers will not take cash. The funding for the conversion and needed signage will come from toll funds.
The county experimented with suspending cash payments during Blue Angels and Fourth of July weekends. And now they’ve decided it really will speed up traffic to the beach to do away with cash.
Drivers will pay by SunPass, Toll-by-Plate or E-Pass when the conversion is complete.
Authorities Say Social Media Rumors Of Planned Tate High Shooting Are Unfounded
December 5, 2019
The Escambia County Sheriff’s Office and the Escambia County School District are investigating rumored threats of violence Friday at Tate High School. Both say the threats circulating on social media are unfounded, and they are reassuring parents that Tate High will be a safe place on Friday and everyday.
One of the Snapchat images circulating on social media states that some is “gonna shoot up the school”, but does not actually state when or even what school.
“The Escambia County Sheriffs Office is aware of the rumors of a possible school shooting circulating social media. As of now there are no credible threats,” Amber Southard, ECSO spokesperson said. “We are going to continue to work with the Escambia County School District and extra personal will be in place at Tate High School.”
“We are aware of social media posts. Potential threats are evaluated by both school officials and law enforcement,” Escambia County School Superintendent Malcolm Thomas said Thursday night “Any student proven to make threats against a student or school will be charged with a crime and removed from the school.”
The rumored threats of violence at Tate come after the battery of a student on Wednesday. Read more…
NorthEscambia.com photo.
One Teen Arrested, One Wanted In Connection With Tate High Battery
December 5, 2019
The Escambia County Sheriff’s Office has made one arrest and is looking for another teen in connection with the battery of a student Wednesday at Tate High School.
Lester Cheatham, 17, was arrested on a charge of felony battery Thursday afternoon. The ECSO is looking for 16-year old Ya’Marcus Gross on an outstanding warrant for felony battery.
Videos taken by students show the altercation. The victim falls to the ground after being punched in the face. He can be then be seen on the ground being punched and kicked by at least two other students.
The student was released from the hospital and is now recovering at home, Amber Southard, spokesperson for the ECSO, told NorthEscambia.com Thursday. She said social media rumors that the student died or lost his sight are simply not true.
Anyone with information on the whereabouts of Gross is asked to call the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office at (850) 436-9620 or Gulf Coast Crime Stoppers at (850) 433-STOP.
NorthEscambia.com images.
Area Christmas Events And Parade List: Some Have Been Rescheduled Or Canceled
December 5, 2019
Here is a schedule of area Christmas parades and events. Note that some events have been canceled or rescheduled as noted below.
Century
A Tree Lighting Ceremony will take place at 5 p.m. Friday at the Century Chamber of Commerce. The event was moved from Nadine McCaw Park to the chamber building due to the threat of rain. A chamber open house will begin at 4:30 p.m. Santa will be there for pictures, plus there will be live music and refreshments.
The Century Christmas Parade will be Friday, December 20 at 5 p.m.
Molino
The Molino Christmas Parade is Saturday, December 7 at 11 a.m. from West Crabtree Church Road to the Molino Ballpark. Santa will be at the park after the parade.
Atmore
The Atmore Chamber of Commerce has postponed Thursday night’s planned Jingle Bell Walk due to a death in the community. Jingle Bell Walk has been rescheduled for Thursday, December 12 from 4-7 p.m.
The Atmore Twilight Christmas Parade themed “A Dr. Seuss Christmas” will be Saturday, December 14 beginning at 5:30 p.m.
Flomaton
The Flomaton Christmas Parade will be Saturday, December 7 at 10 a.m. from Flomaton High School through downtown.
Jay
The Joy in Jay celebration is Saturday, December 7, 2019. The Christmas parade from Highway 4 to Commerce Street is at 10 a.m. Santa available for photos after the parade, and there will be vendors on Commerce Street and the Gazebo Park There will be games and rides for the kids to enjoy and caroling horse drawn wagon rides for all. Events end at 5 p.m.
Poarch
The PCI Christmas Parade Scheduled for Friday, December 6 has been canceled.
Pensacola
The Pensacola Christmas parade starts at 5:15 p.m. on Saturday, December 14 at Spring and Garden streets.
Pictured: Last year’s tree lighting ceremony in Century. NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Driver Injured In Highway 297A Rollover Crash
December 5, 2019
A driver was injured in a single vehicle rollover accident Wednesday night.
The crash happened about 11:10 p.m. on Highway 297A near Sandicrest Drive. The vehicle came to rest on its side in a ditch, trapping the driver inside.
The adult female was transported to an area hospital by Escambia County EMS. An update on her condition was not available.
The Florida Highway Patrol is investigating. The Cantonment and Beulah Stations of Escambia Fire Rescue also responded.
NorthEscambia.com photos by Kristi Barbour, click to enlarge.
Bratt, Jim Allen And Molino Park PATS Classes Provide Christmas Cheer Around The World
December 5, 2019
The Program for Academically Talented Students (PATS) classes at Jim Allen, Molino Park and Bratt Elementary schools made a real difference this holiday season through Operation Christmas Child. They worked hard to fill 42 shoe boxes with school supplies, hygiene necessities and toys. The Operation Christmas Child shoe boxes will to be delivered to children who live in poverty around the world. Photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.