Woman Dead, Firefighter’s Face Fractured After Alabama Incident
December 15, 2017
A woman is dead and a firefighter’s face is fractured after an incident Thursday night in Escambia County, AL.
About 6:45 p.m., the Escambia County (AL) Sheriff’s Office responded to 9722 Appleton Road for a person having an asthma attack. EMS and the Appleton Volunteer Fire Department were also dispatched and aware of a earlier domestic situation that had taken place at the residence, according to the Sheriff’s Office.
First responders staged a short distance away to await the arrival of law enforcement. But when they learned the victim was possibly not breathing, EMS and fire continued their response to the scene and found Christopher Wade Smith doing chest compressions on his wife.
As Appleton Fire Chief Michael Tyler began to assist in giving medical attention, he was struck in his right eye by Christopher Smith, causing serious injury and fractures to Tyler’s face. EMS loaded the patient and took her to the hospital where she was pronounced dead shortly after arrival at D.W. McMillan Hospital in Brewton.
As law enforcement was arriving, Smith was attempting to leave the residence in his personal vehicle and ran into a firefighter’s vehicle causing damage.
Smith, 51, was charged with assault first degree and criminal mischief second degree. He remained in the Escambia County (AL) Detention Center in Brewton.
The body of Smith’s wife was transported to the Alabama Department of Forensic Sciences for autopsy to determine the cause of death. Smith was already out on bond from a domestic violence third degree charge and the District Attorney’s Office has filed for a bond revocation.
The case remains under investigation.
Pickup Driver Uninjured In Incredible Crash With Log Truck (With Gallery)
December 15, 2017
A pickup truck driver was uninjured in an incredible predawn crash with a log truck on Highway 29 in Molino.
The driver of the Ford F150 rear-ended the logs on the back of the 18-wheeler on Highway 29 just south of Barrineau Park Road about 5:45 a.m. Multiple logs completely penetrated the cab of the pickup, missing the driver by mere inches. The truck was heavily damaged in the crash.
The adult male pickup driver walked away from the crash with no injuries. The log truck driver was also uninjured.
The accident remains under investigation by the Florida Highway Patrol. Escambia County EMS, the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office and the Molino Station of Escambia Fire Rescue also responded to the crash.
NorthEscambia.com photos by Kristi Barbour and reader submitted, click to enlarge.
Cantonment Man Charged With Molesting 10-Year Old
December 15, 2017
A Cantonment man is facing a life felony child sexual abuse charge.
Carlo Antonio Alex Bryant, 30, is charged with lewd and lascivious behavior/molestation of a child.
He allegedly had inappropriate contact with a 10-year girl during an incident last May, according to an Escambia County Sheriff’s Office report.
Bryant denied the allegations, telling Escambia County Sheriff’s Office deputies that he was passed out after drinking “Loco” beer during the time period in which incident was alleged to have occurred. The victim’s mother told authorities that Bryant had inappropriate contact with another child two months earlier, also claiming that he did not know what he was doing because he had been drinking.
Bryant remains in the Escambia County Jail with bond set at $150,000.
Century Changes Time For December Council Meeting
December 15, 2017
The Town of Century has changed the time of their only council meeting during the month of December.
The meeting will be held at 6 p.m. on Monday, December 18 at the Century Town Hall at 7995 North Century Boulevard. The meeting is open to the public.
NorthEscambia.com photo.
School Board Term Limits, Appointed Superintendent Proposals Advancing
December 15, 2017
Two measures that would affect Florida school boards and school superintendents are headed to the full state Constitution Revision Commission.
On Thursday, the commission’s Local Government Committee approved a measure (Proposal 43), sponsored by Commissioner Erika Donalds of Naples, that would limit school board members to no more than two four-year terms in office. Currently, there is no term limit for school board members.
The committee also endorsed another Donalds-sponsored measure (P33) that would require school superintendents to be appointed in all 67 school districts. Currently, superintendents are appointed in 26 largely urban districts, while superintendents in 41 smaller, more rural districts are elected. The superintendent in Escambia County is elected.
Both measures have cleared two committees and are ready for a review by the 37-member commission. If at least 22 members of the commission approve the measures, they will be placed on the 2018 general-election ballot. Before the final vote on those and other measures, the commission is scheduled early next year to hold a series of public hearings across the state on pending proposals.
Any measures that end up on the 2018 ballot will require approval by at least 60 percent of the voters before they are enacted.
by The News Service of Florida
Northview Band Presents Christmas Concert
December 15, 2017
The Northview High School Band presented their annual Christmas concert Thursday night at the school.
NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Ernest Ward Students Present Christmas Play
December 15, 2017
Ernest Ward Middle School drama students presented their annual Christmas play Thursday night at the school.
NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Photo Gallery: Santa Visits Molino Branch Library
December 15, 2017
Santa Claus made a special appearance this week at the Molino Branch Library for a pajama story time. The Jolly Old Elf also took the time to visit with the children and hear their Christmas wishes.
Courtesy photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Atmore Shops And Celebrates With ‘Santa On Main’ Event
December 15, 2017
Residents of Atmore and surrounding areas enjoyed downtown shopping and Christmas fun during Santa on Main Thursday evening in downtown Atmore.
The event featured photos with Santa, extended shopping hours and bargains from downtown merchants, a horse drawn carriage, caroling, free chili and more.
Pictured top: Visiting with Santa during Santa on Main in Atmore Thursday night. Picture below: Shoppers check out the unique finds at Southern Additions Antiques and Consignments. Pictured bottom: Carolers sing traditional Christmas songs at Vin-Tiques on Ridgely Street. NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Search Warrant Uncovers Drugs, Woman Charged With Drug Trafficking
December 14, 2017
An Escambia County woman was arrested for drug trafficking after narcotics investigators served a search warrant at her arrest.
Jennifer Lynn Thomann, 38, was charged with cocaine trafficking, hydrocodone trafficking, possession of marijuana with the intent to sell manufacture or deliver, and possession of drug paraphernalia.
The Escambia County Sheriff’s Office recently executed a search warrant at a home on Country Place Circle, just off East Kingsfield Road.
According to an arrest report, investigators found a total of 28.5 grams of of cocaine, 730.6 grams of marijuana and 150 hydrocodone pills. Several firearms and ammunition and nearly $18,000 in cash were also seized.
Thomann remained in the Escambia County Jail with bond set at $205,500.