Man Shot During Robbery Attempt
January 26, 2013
A late Friday afternoon shooting in Escambia County is under investigation.
The Escambia County Sheriff’s Office said 34-year old Willie Wilson was at a barber shop in the area of New Warrington Road and Chiefs Way when he was confronted by two suspects that attempted to rob him. During the 5:30 p.m. robbery, one of the suspects pulled a gun and shot Wilson in the arm. He was transported by Escambia County EMS to a local hospital with non-life threatening injuries.
The suspects were described as two black males driving a dark-colored four-door sedan. Anyone with information on the crime is asked to call the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office at (850) 436-9620 or Gulf Coast Crime Stoppers at (850) 433-STOP.
Robbins Guilty of 2012 Murder
January 26, 2013
An Escambia County Grand Jury has found Bennie Louis Robbins III guilty of felony first degree murder for the death of Matthew Cox. He was also convicted of cocaine possession, grand theft auto and resisting an officer without violence.
On the night of July 27, 2012, Cox, 19, was shot to death during the commission of a robbery at his home in Montclair. Investigators were able to link forensic evidence at the scene to Robbins.
Robbins faces up to life in prison when he sentenced by Judge Terry Terrell on March 24.
Former Local HS Coach Named Auburn Tight End, Special Teams Coach
January 26, 2013
Friday, former local high school coach Scott Fountain was named tight ends and special teams coach for the Auburn Tigers. He had previously served as Auburn’s player personnel director for the past four years.
“Scott is someone I tried to hire as an assistant coach a year ago at Arkansas State. He is a great coach with a tremendous work ethic, and his strong ties in the state of Alabama will be an asset to our program,” said head coach Gus Malzahn.
Fountain, a native of East Brewton, has spent 14 years coaching in the college ranks, including stops at Florida State, Georgia Southern, MTSU, Central Florida and Iowa State. He served as an assistant coach at Flomaton High School in 1988 and at his high school alma mater, W.S. Neal, in 1989 before being named head coach at Frisco City High School in 1990. After a three-year stint at Frisco City, he was head coach at Monroe County for a year.
Wild Police Pursuit Through Santa Rosa County
January 25, 2013
A Navarre man was arrested early this morning after a wild police pursuit traveled for miles through Santa Rosa County, ending outside Jay with wrecked patrol cars, injured deputies, a suspect subdued by a K-9, and the suspect charged with attempted murder.
The Santa Rosa County Sheriff’s Office first responded to a domestic disturbance in Navarre about 9 p.m. Suspect Dominic Turner was sitting in his Lexus in his driveway when deputies arrived. Ignoring orders to exit the Lexus, he fled the scene and deputies were unable to locate him.
At 11:43 p.m., a patrol deputy spotted Turner at Highway 90 and Watkins Street in Pace. The deputy attend to conduct a traffic stop, but Turner refused to yield and led the deputy on a lengthy pursuit through Pace and Milton.
Numerous times during the pursuit, Turner drove against the flow of traffic in the opposite lane. Turner also swerved at patrol vehicles in an attempt to strike them. “spike strips” were deployed at numerous locations throughout the pursuit, but Turner was able to avoid them. During one deployment of the “spike strips”, Turner saw the deputy deploying the strips and sharply turned and left the roadway into the grass, maliciously aiming his vehicle at the deputy, according to the Sheriff’s Office.
As Turner drove his vehicle off the roadway into the grass, the deputy ran in an attempt to avoid being struck, but was still hit and thrown though the air. Turner’s vehicle went approximately 30 feet off the roadway at Highway 90 and Pond Creek, striking the deputy and a large tree. Despite significant damage to his Lexus, Turner was able to flee from deputies once again. Turner also hit another deputy’s vehicle during the chase.
The pursuit continued north of Highway 87 and came to an end near Pleasant Grove Road after the Lexus was unable to continue. Turner refused to comply with deputies trying to take him into custody and actively fought with officers.
A K-9 was then deployed, which was able to overtake the suspect. Turner continued to fight and resist arrest. Turner was then taken into custody and transported to Santa Rosa Hospital. He was treated for lacerations from the K-9 apprehension, then released and transported to the Santa Rosa County Jail.
The deputy that was struck by Turner was also taken to Santa Rosa Hospital where it was determined that he sprained his knee and had numerous cuts and bruises. He was treated and
released. During the struggle with Turner, another deputy suffered multiple fractures to his finger.
Turner charged with attempted felony murder for striking a deputy with his vehicle. He was also charged with aggravated battery on a law enforcement officer, aggravated assault on a law enforcement officer, battery on a law enforcement officer, resisting arrest with violence, and fleeing/eluding a law enforcement officer with injuries and/or damage. Turner was also charged with the original domestic violence charges from the incident in Navarre. He was booked into the Santa Rosa County Jail without bond.
Century Welcome Signs Dedicated, Almost $1 Million Free Inmate Labor Marked
January 25, 2013
New welcome signs were dedicated along Highway 29 in Century Thursday, as Century Correctional Institution marked nearly one million dollars worth of free labor provided to area towns and schools.
The “Welcome to Century” signs were designed by Lt. Tony Nolan of CCI and built with inmate labor. Two signs celebrating the town’s sawmill heritage, were place alongside Highway 29 at the Alabama state line and at the southern town limits near Salter’s Lake Road.
In 2012, Century Correctional provided a total of $958,000 worth of free inmate labor to the Town of Century, Town of Jay, Gulf Breeze, Northview High, Bratt Elementary, Byrneville Elementary and Oakcrest Elementary.
The value of the inmate labor is calculated at $17.24 per hour — a figure set by the state.
About 200 inmates a day –less than 15 percent of the total inmate population — work on multiple prison works crews from Century Correctional’s Main Unit on Tedder Road and the Berrydale Forestry Camp near Jay.
Pictured: New “Welcome to Century” signs constructed with inmate labor from Century Correctional Institution were dedicated Thursday afternoon. NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Deputies: Man Robbed Four Hwy 29 Businesses To Pay Girlfriend’s Court Costs
January 25, 2013
An Escambia County man was busted Thursday for a string of robberies on Highway 29, allegedly committed so that he could pay his girlfriend’s court costs.
Marquis Baldwin, 22, was charged with four counts of robbery with a firearm, six counts of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon. He remains in the Escambia County Jail with a total bond of $80,000.00
Deputies said he used a pump-action BB gun during the robbery four businesses on Highway 29 — November 30 at the the Kangaroo gas station at 7950 Pensacola Boulevard, December 6, 2012 at the Waffle House at 7999 Pensacola Boulevard, January 3 and January 9 at the Waffle House at 6913 Pensacola Boulevard.
Baldwin told investigators that he committed the robberies in order to pay off his girlfriend’s probation costs, which deputies said were paid in full after the January robbery.
Country Music Video Filmed Thursday In Bluff Springs
January 25, 2013
North Escambia was setting for part of a country music video filmed Thursday night.
The video for the upcoming single “Chuggin’ Along” by Dusty Sanderson was filmed in Bluff Springs, including a bonfire scene that featured a lot of friends around a bonfire enjoying the song. Additional scenes were filmed earlier in the day at Chan’s on Nine Mile Road.
Sanderson, a Molino native, signed with Lamon Records Nashville late last year and recorded several original songs for his EP release. The single release for radio play, the CD and the video are expected to be released in about a month.
Pictured: A video for the upcoming Dusty Sanderson release “Chuggin’ Along” was filed Thursday in Bluff Springs. Submitted photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Escambia County Seeks Applicants To Serve On Library Board Of Governance
January 25, 2013
Escambia County is seeking residents who are interested in serving on the newly formed Public Library Board of Governance for the West Florida Public Library System. Interested applicants should have a passion for libraries and the services they provide the community, as well as the ability to effectively advocate for the West Florida Public Library System.
Appointees chosen to serve on the Board of Governance will do so in a strictly voluntary capacity, with selected applicants beginning their service at 2 p.m. on March 4. After that, it is expected that the Board will meet at 2 p.m. on the first Monday of each month. Additional meetings may be required during the transitional period.
Individuals interested in serving on Escambia County’s behalf should send or email a resume, as well as the completed questionnaire, on or before close of business on February 11. Please forward all information to:
Attn: Library Board of Governance Member Search
Escambia County Human Resources Department
221 Palafox Place, Suite 200
Pensacola, FL 32502
Email: TGTurner@myescambia.com
State Ed Boss: More Guns In Schools Not Answer
January 25, 2013
More guns in schools aren’t necessarily the answer to school safety issues, the new state education boss said.
Education Commissioner Tony Bennett says instead that creating a culture where kids and adults in talk openly and trust each other – and where adults communicate about potential problems – is a big part of the solution to school violence.
In a radio interview aired Thursday night, Bennett said when he was in Indiana the schools focused on being proactive in identifying potential problems, “as opposed to reactively, which is the discussion about putting more guns in our schools. I have to tell you, I don’t believe that’s the solution,” Bennett says. “I believe the solution is where we develop a school system where every child feels safe, every child has a significant adult they can go to and where we have a seamless line of communications where all of the leaders who affect a child’s education have the ability to share information so we don’t have that situation like we had in Columbine, where every community agency, they were dealing with those kids, and they didn’t talk to each other.”
By The News Service of Florida
the road to the crown: Meet The Girls (part three)
January 25, 2013
Today, it’s part three of our multi-part series “the road to the crown” as we follow 24 young ladies at Northview High School in their quest for the crown and the title of “Miss NHS 2013″.
Today we introduce you to the third group of contestants. Their biographies, as submitted by the girls, are below along with their photos. You can click any photo below to enlarge. (Click for part one or part two 0f the series.)
Our series “the road to the crown” will continue tomorrow with more photos and pageant preview. The pageant is Saturday night at 7:00, and NorthEscambia.com will have the new Miss Northview High School and all the photos here Sunday morning.
Miss Kaitlyn Noelle Abbott
Kaitlyn is the 14-year old daughter of Brian and Stephanie Abbott. She is sponsored by the V.F.W. Post 7016 in Atmore. At Northview, Kaitlyn is a majorette for the Tribal Beat Marching Band. She is also a member of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes and a member of the Future Business Leaders of America. In her community, she is a member and an instructor for Twirl Time Twirlers. She takes dance at Heather Leonard’s Danceworks and is a member of the American Legion Junior Auxillary where she holds the office of secretary. Kaitlyn recently won the All-Star performer award, the Grand Championship performer, and first place in a solo competition division at the Marching Auxillary Association that was held at the University of South Alabama. She was selected to participate in the Capital One Bowl in Orlando and at the Cotton Bowl in Dallas.
Her hobbies including twirling the baton and dancing.
Her future plans are to attend the University of Alabama as a Crimsonette and earn her degree to become a pediatrician.
Miss Audra Elizabeth Martin
Audra is the 16-year old daughter of Doug and Sharon Martin. She is sponsored by Dr. Gibbs at Shands Hospital and Hazel’s Curl Country. Audra has been a member of the weightlifting team for two years, a member of the track team for one year, and a member of the Student Government Association for one year. She has been a member of the NJROTC for three years and has played softball for two years. In her community, Audra has played soccer for four years.
Her hobbies include swimming, weightlifting, and spending time with family and friends.
Her future plans are to attend college and then possibly join the Coast Guard.
Miss Julia Renee Thorpe
Julia is the 18-year old daughter of Jim and Mary Thorpe. She is sponsored by her family. Julia has been a member of the Beta Club for two years and currently holds the office of president. She has been a member of Rho Kappa for two years, the track team for two years, the cross country team for two years, the junior varsity volleyball team for one year, and the basketball team for three years. She has been a member of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes for two years, the Spanish club for one year, where she serves as the historian and the Art Club for two years, where she also holds the office of historian. Julia has been a member of the Tribal Spirit Yearbook staff for three years and is currently the Editor. She is in the top ten in the Senior Class and is an Atmore Rotary Club Academic All-Star. She was also chosen as the October “Student of the Month.” In her community, Julia was chosen to participate in the Youth Leadership of Atmore association. She won first place in the Sawmill Pageant Poster contest, first place in the Lions Club World Peace Poster contest, first place in the Lieutenant Governor’s Writing contest, and third place in the Farm City Essay contest. She also volunteers to work with the teachers at Bratt Elementary on planning/workdays at the beginning and end of the school year. Julia is an active member of the First Presbyterian Church in Atmore and participates in their community outreach programs.
Her hobbies include reading, writing, and spending time with family and friends.
Her future plans are to attend the University of West Florida for two years and then transfer to Florida State to pursue a degree in business management.
Miss Penny Nicole Banda
Penny is the 15-year old daughter of Adam and Amanda Bailey. She is sponsored by Quincy Compressor. Penny has been a member of the junior varsity volleyball team for two years, a member of the junior varsity softball team for one year, and a member of the junior varsity basketball team for one year. She has been a member of the weightlifting team for two years and was awarded “Best Effort” for the 2011-2012 volleyball season. Penny has been a member of the Future Farmers of America for two years, the Book Club for one year, and the Student Government Association for one year. In her community, she volunteers her time at Bratt Elementary School.
Her hobbies include riding horses, reading, and spending time with loved ones.
Her future plans are to attend a four year university and study animal science.
Miss Olivia Kate Neal
Olivia is the 16-year old daughter of Waymon and Phyllis Neal. She is sponsored by Brewton Mill Federal Credit Union. Olivia has been a member of the Future Farmers of America for one year, the drama club for one year, and has played junior varsity volleyball for two years. She is a member of the weightlifting team and a member of the S.A.D.D. club. In her community, Olivia is an active member of Little Escambia Baptist Church and participates in the youth group.
Her hobbies include playing volleyball, fishing, attending mission trips, hunting, cooking, watching Alabama football, and listening to music.
Her future plans are to attend a major college and earn a degree in sports medicine.
Miss Kamryn Denise Brock
Kamryn is the 16-year old daughter of Joey and Heather Brock. Her sponsor is her family. As a freshman, Kamryn was a junior varsity cheerleader and was the recipient of the prestigious Spirit Award. She was also selected by her peers to represent them on the Homecoming Court and was voted Freshman Class Maid. This year, Kamryn is a member of the varsity cheerleading team and is also a member of the NHS competition cheerleading team. She has been a member of the Student Government Association for one year, the Future Farmers of America for one year, and a member of the Tribal Spirit Yearbook staff for one year. Kamryn was also voted freshmen and sophomore class president.
Her hobbies include hunting, fishing, and spending time with her family and friends; especially her trandfather and little brother.
Her future plans are to attend Auburn University and obtain her degree to become a veterinarian.
Miss Lauryn Elizabeth Walker
Lauryn is the 16-year old daughter of Ronnie and Joy Walker. Her sponsor for tonight is her family. Lauryn has been a junior varsity cheerleader for three years and as a sophomore, she held the title of captain. As a freshman, Lauryn was the recipient of the prestigious Spirit Award. She has been a member of the Beta Club for one year and is also an Atmore Rotary Club Academic All-Star. In her community, she volunteers her time at Byrneville Elementary School and participates in various Relay for Life events.
Her hobbies include cheering, shopping, and hanging out with friends.
Her future plans are to attending nursing school and to specialize in pediatric nursing.
Miss Karmen LeeAnna Watson
Karmen is the daughter of Kevin Watson and Kevin and Shane Spence. Her sponsor is Atmore Industry. Karmen has been a member of the track team for one year, the DCT club for one year, and is a majorette for the Tribal Beat Marching Band. In her community, she is a member of Angie Shelley’s Twirl Time and is a member of the First Baptist Church of Atmore.
Her hobbies include photography, twirling, and helping people.
Her future plans are to attend fashion and photography school in New York City. Later in life, Karmen would like to open a group home for needy children.