Escambia Man Sentenced To 40 Years For Murder
August 18, 2012
An Escambia County man was sentenced to 40 years in prison Friday for a 2011 murder.
Thomas Bolds will serve a minimum of 25 years under the sentenced handed down by Judge Linda Nobles.
Bolds was convicted early this year of second degree murder for the September 22, 2001, shooting death of 53-year-old Alvin Merriwell Lewis, Jr
When deputies arrived at the Old Spanish Trail apartments, they found the Lewis dead from multiple gunshot wounds inside the Bolds’ apartment, according to the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office.
A witness stated that Lewis had been demonstrating how he would defend himself by using a knife, but at no time threatened anyone. During Lewis’ demonstration, Bolds picked up a gun and began shooting Lewis. Lewis was shot once in the chest and seven times in the back
Lewis was shot seven times in the back and once in the chest at the Moorings Apartments. He as found inside Bolds’ apartmen.
U.S. Marshals Task Force Busts Four Wanted Felons; Looking For Fifth
August 18, 2012
The U.S. Marshals Florida Regional Task Force busted four wanted felons Friday, and they are still searching for fifth.
At 7:15 a.m. Friday, the Task Force arrested Arion Lavon Goble and a 17 year-old juvenile both wanted in Escambia at a home on Fremont Avenue. Goble, 18, was wanted by the Sheriff’s Office for armed home invasion, committing a crime while wearing a mask, larceny and misdemeanor battery. Goble was wanted by the Pensacola Police Department for arson, grand theft auto and burglary. The juvenile, had warrants in Escambia County for assault with a deadly weapon and simple battery. Both suspects were arrested without incident. Another woman, identified as Goble’s mother, Meighan Shea Goble, 36, was arrested for obstruction of justice and resisting without violence, a misdemeanor.
Just after midnight, Task Force members from Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office, Ft. Walton Beach Police Department, along with Okaloosa Street Crimes and K-9 units and Crestview Police Department Investigations apprehended Joseph Dwight Johnson of Crestview. The 21-year-old Johnson was arrested while Task Force members conducted surveillance on a Crestview home on the 200 Block of Ogelsby Road. An unidentified woman who had left the home confirmed Johnson was inside when questioned by the Task Force. Johnson surrendered shortly afterwards without incident. Johnson was wanted by the Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office on charges of aggravated assault with a firearm and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.
And Friday afternoon, the U.S. Marshals Florida Regional Task Force captured Roderick Clyde Sims at the corner of Chiefs Way and Old Corry Field Road. He was taken into custody after a brief foot chase. He was wanted on a drug-related federal probation violation, and state charges of arresting arrest, failure to appear and driving with a suspended license.
Authorities are still searching for Robert Falcon Fraser, 24. He is wanted on multiple felony charges, including home invasion and armed robbery. Anyone with information about his whereabouts is asked to call the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office at (850) 436-9620 or Crime Stoppers at (850) 433-STOP.
Police Officer Fired, Arrested For Using Unnecessary Force
August 18, 2012
A Pensacola Police officer was fired Friday after a routine review of his patrol vehicle’s camera revealed he used unnecessary force in making a recent arrest.
Officer Christopher Geraci also was arrested and charged with battery.
“This type of behavior is unacceptable and will not be tolerated,” Pensacola Police Chief Simmons said, adding that the incident was found through a routine supervisory review of the videotape and was not the result of a complaint. Department supervisors review all uses of force.
The incident occurred around 2:30 a.m. August 2 when Geraci responded to a hit and run crash at D and Cervantes streets. The driver – identified as Abbi Bonds, 29, of Pensacola – was found with the car in the 1100 block of North C Street. The car had heavy front end damage and was disabled.
During a verbal exchange between Geraci and Bonds, Geraci approached Bonds and grabbed her by her left arm. He then forcibly slung her into the side of the car, then grabbed the back of her head and forced it into the top of the vehicle while placing her in handcuffs.
“When I saw the video, I was shocked and disappointed,” Simmons said. “This is not how we train, it was unreasonable force and it was inconsistent with the level of resistance.”
Bonds was charged with leaving the scene of a crash involving property damage, failure to yield, driving under the influence, and not having proof of insurance.
Geraci, 33, was hired by the department as a cadet on March 1, 2004, and promoted to police officer on March 14, 2005. He presently was assigned to the department’s K-9 Unit in the Uniform Patrol Division.
Upon review of the video, Geraci was placed on leave until he was fired Friday.
Second Human West Nile Case Confirmed In Escambia County
August 18, 2012
The second human case of the West Nile virus was confirmed Friday in Escambia County, days after health officials issued a “Mosquito Borne Illness Advisory” for the entire county.
The reported case means “there is an imminent risk of additional persons becoming infected,” according to the Escambia County Health Department. The health department has not said where in the county either infected person resides.
“A second human case of West Nile Virus underscores the very high risk of additional persons becoming infected with the virus. As school starts, and evening outdoor sporting events resume, it is especially important to make every effort to protect yourself and those you love from mosquito bites,” said Dr. Susan Turner, associate director for the Escambia County Health Department.
Escambia County on Friday issued the following tips:
- Remove standing water to stop mosquitoes from multiplying
- Drain water from garbage cans, house gutters, buckets, pool covers, coolers, toys, flower pots or any other containers where sprinkler or rain water has collected.
- Discard old tires, drums, bottles, cans, pots and pans, broken appliances and other items that aren’t being used.
- Empty and clean birdbaths and pet’s water bowls at least once or twice a week.
- Protect boats and vehicles from rain with tarps that don’t accumulate water.
- Maintain swimming pools in good condition and appropriately chlorinated. Empty plastic swimming pools when not in use.
- Cover skin with clothing or repellent—
- Stay indoors when mosquitoes are active
- Wear shoes, socks, and long pants and long-sleeves. This type of protection may be necessary for people who must work in areas where mosquitoes are present.
- Apply mosquito repellent to bare skin and clothing.
- Always use repellents according to the label. Repellents with DEET(N,N-diethyl-mtoluamide), picaridin, oil of lemon eucalyptus, and IR3535 are effective.
- Use mosquito netting to protect children younger than 2 months old.
- Cover doors and windows with screens to keep mosquitoes out of your house
- Repair broken screens on windows, doors, porches, and patios.
- Keep doors and windows closed if screens are not present.
- Always read label directions carefully for the approved usage before you apply a repellent.
- Some repellents are not suitable for children.
- Products with concentrations of up to 30 percent DEET are generally recommended.
- Other US Environmental Protection Agency-approved repellents contain Picaridin, oil of lemon eucalyptus, or IR3535. These products are generally available at local pharmacies. Look for active ingredients to be listed on the product label.
- Apply insect repellent to exposed skin, or onto clothing, but not under clothing.
- In protecting children, read label instructions to be sure the repellent is age-appropriate.
- According to the CDC, mosquito repellents containing oil of lemon eucalyptus should not be used on children under the age of three years. DEET is not recommended on children younger than two months old.
- Avoid applying repellents to the hands of children. Adults should apply repellent first to their own hands and then transfer it to the child’s skin and clothing.
- If additional protection is necessary, apply a permethrin repellent directly to your clothing.
Deputies Seek Woman Preying On Elderly Females
August 18, 2012
Two weeks after similar incidents in the Cantonment and Molino areas, authorities in Santa Rosa County are attempting to identify a female suspect that has been targeting elderly females.
At least four times this month, the subject has either taken an elderly female purse when the victim was outside working, or has stopped at an elderly female’s residence, stating that her “puppy is lost”, asking for a drink of water, and engaging in conversation before grabbing and running with a purse. She then immediately uses the credit cards inside the purse at a local convenience store or retail business, according to the Santa Rosa County Sheriff’s Office.
The woman is described as being between 23 and 35 years old, about 5-foot-five inches tall and weighing about 130 to 160 pounds. She has an unknown tattoo on her right ankle. She was driving a silver late model Dodge Dakota 2-door truck with a toolbox on the back.
Anyone with information on the woman is asked to contact the Santa Rosa County Sheriff’s Office at (850) 983-1100 or Santa Rosa Crime Stoppers at (850) 437-STOP. The Sheriff’s Office is also asking citizens to be aware of the these tactics and spread the word to others, especially elderly females.
Early this month, a woman with a similar description and vehicle talked her way into the home of elderly female residents in the Molino and Cantonment areas. It is not known if it is the same suspect. For more the Escambia County incidents, click here.
Local Unemployment Numbers Edge Upward Again
August 18, 2012
One again, the latest job numbers released Friday showed a jump in unemployment in the three-county North Escambia area.
Escambia County’s unemployment rate increased from 8.7 percent in June to 9.0 percent in July. There were 520 more reported unemployed during the period, for a total Escambia County unemployment of 12,756 people. One year ago, unemployment in Escambia County was 10.4 percent.
Santa Rosa County unemployment increased from 8.4 percent in June to 8.8 percent in July. Santa Rosa County had a total of 6,495 persons still unemployed. The year-ago unemployment rate in Santa Rosa County was 10.1 percent.
In Escambia County, Alabama, unemployment jumped from 10.6 percent in June to 10.8 percent in July. That represented 1,622 people unemployed in the county during the month. The year-ago rate was 11.6 percent.
The jobless numbers released by Florida and Alabama do not include persons that have given up on finding a job and are no longer reported as unemployed.
Florida’s unemployment rate reversed course last month, edging up to 8.8 percent, 0.2 percent higher than in June, but was still nearly two percentage points below where it was a year ago, the government said Friday. The state’s total number of jobs in July decreased by 3,300 from June, the state Department of Economic Opportunity said.
Alabama’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate, at 8.3 percent in July, was up from June’s rate of 7.8 percent but was still below the year-ago rate of 9.2 percent.
Blue Wahoos Split Twin Bill With BayBears
August 18, 2012
After Pensacola shortstop Billy Hamilton stole his 142nd base in their 4-1 loss in the first game of their double header to Mobile, the Blue Wahoos pounded out 14 hits, including homers from third baseman David Vidal and first baseman Beau Mills in their 10-2 victory over the BayBears in game two to split their twinbill on Friday night at Hank Aaron Stadium in Mobile, Alabama.
With the split, the Fish moved to 28-26 in the second half of the season and now stand three games behind the Montgomery Biscuits for first in the South Division. Mobile following the double header now owns a 22-32 mark since the midway point of the year.
The Blue Wahoos struck first in the opening frame game one, with LF Bryson Smith driving home RF Andrew Means after Means doubled to center and advanced to third on a wild pitch. Mobile however, answered back with four tallies to take the night’s opener.
RF Alfredo Marte provided the power for two of the BayBears four scores, with solo homers in the fourth and sixth frames. The outfielder has now tallied 20 longballs this season, which ranks him fourth in the Southern League.
Mobile also plated two tallies in the fifth to complete their output. 1B Matt Mangini and LF Brent Clevlen both began with walks, before Mangini took advantage of a Blue Wahoos fielding miscue, while Clevlen moved to third on the play. 2B Dan Kaczrowski would then bring home Clevlen with an RBI single to left.
BayBears starter Brett Tomko (5.0 IP, 5 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 1 BB, 2 SO) earned the win in the first game after yielding the lone earned run on five hits in his five frames, while Eury De La Rosa (1.0 IP, 1 H, 1 SO) notched his sixth save of the year with a scoreless ninth. Blue Wahoos RHP Kyle Lotzkar (4.0 IP, 2 H, 3 R, 3 ER, 2 BB, 2 SO) suffered the loss after giving up three earned runs on two hits in four frames.
Marte (2-3, 2 R, 2 HR, 2 RBI) was the lone Mobile hitter to record a multi-hit effort, while 1B Donald Lutz (2-4) and 3B David Vidal (2-3) collected two base knocks for Pensacola. Hamilton singled in the first inning and stole second for his 142nd steal of the year, which brings him three away from Vince Coleman’s record of 145, set in 1983.
The Blue Wahoos bats got hot in the second contest, led by roundtrippers from Vidal and Mills. Vidal lifted a three-run blast to left in the third, while Mills mashed his team-leading ninth, a two-run shot, to right in the following frame. The third baseman would then add a second homer in the seventh, a solo blast to make it 10-1. Pensacola tallied four first inning runs to take command of the contest early on.
Hamilton led off with a single, moved to second on an error and third on a sacrifice bunt prior to coming across when LF Bryson Smith reached on an error. The Fish then collected four straight hits, including an RBI single from Lutz and a two-run double by 2B Brodie Greene to cap the four-run frame. Mills (3-4, 3 R, 1 HR, 2 RBI), Lutz (3-4, 2 R, 1 RBI), Vidal (3-4, 2 R, 2 HR, 4 RBI) and Greene (2-4, 2 RBI) combined to hit 11-for-16 with seven runs, three homers and eight RBI in the second game.
Pensacola starting pitcher Mark Serrano (5.2 IP, 5 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 7 SO) earned the win allowing just one earned run on five hits while fanning seven in 5.2 innings of work, while Mobile RHP Brett Lorin (4.0 IP, 12 H, 9 R, 8 ER, 3 SO) suffered the loss. Serrano’s seven strikeouts were a season-high for the right-hander, who also retired 15 straight batters at one point.
The two teams will face off in the rubber match of the series Saturday evening, with first pitch set for 7:05 p.m. in Mobile. RHP Daniel Corcino is expected to get the nod for the Blue Wahoos, while RHP Chase Anderson is slated to get the ball for the BayBears.
The next Blue Wahoos homestand begins on Sunday, August 19 at 4:00 p.m., with Pensacola hosting the Montgomery Biscuits, the Double-A affiliate of the Tampa Bay Rays for a five-game series.
By Andrew Green
Picture top: David Vidal blasted two homers as the Fish split their twin bill with Mobile Friday. Photo by Chris Nelson for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Robertson Wins Recount For District 1 Commission
August 17, 2012
A recount in the District 3 Escambia County Commission race concluded Friday afternoon with a victory for incumbent Wilson Robertson.
When the final votes were tallied Tuesday, Robertson had just 33 votes more than challenger Jesse Casey. The half-percent total difference triggered a recount that began Friday morning and continued for hours at the Escambia County Supervisor of Elections Office.
The final count for Robertson was 3,369 votes (50.24%) to Casey’s 3,337 votes (49.76%).
The recount was conducted by the Escambia County Canvassing Board, confirming that Robertson was the winner and will return to the commission.
Robertson will face a no-party candidate in November for the District 3 Commission seat.
More Rain This Weekend
August 17, 2012
Here is your official North Escambia area forecast:
- Tonight: Showers and thunderstorms possible.. Cloudy, with a low around 73. Southwest wind around 5 mph becoming calm. Chance of precipitation is 30%.
- Saturday: Showers and thunderstorms likely. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 88. Calm wind becoming west around 5 mph in the morning. Chance of precipitation is 60%.
- Saturday Night: A 40 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 73. Calm wind.
- Sunday: Showers and thunderstorms likely. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 88. Light and variable wind becoming southwest 5 to 10 mph in the afternoon. Chance of precipitation is 70%.
- Sunday Night: A 50 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 73. South wind around 5 mph.
- Monday: A 50 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly sunny, with a high near 88. South wind around 5 mph.
- Monday Night: A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 69. South wind around 5 mph becoming calm after midnight.
- Tuesday: A 40 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly sunny, with a high near 87. Light south wind increasing to 5 to 10 mph in the morning.
- Tuesday Night: A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 69.
- Wednesday: A 40 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly sunny, with a high near 87.
- Wednesday Night: A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 69.
- Thursday: A 40 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly sunny, with a high near 87.
- Thursday Night: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly cloudy, with a low around 69.
- Friday: A chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly sunny, with a high near 90.
Cantonment Man Arrested In Marijuana By Mail Scheme
August 17, 2012
A Cantonment man has been arrested for his part in a marijuana through the mail scheme.
John Chase Griggers was charged with three felony counts — conspiracy to possess marijuana, possession of marijuana with the intent to distribute and possession of cocaine.
In November 2011, a U.S. Postal inspector contacted the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office about a suspicious package. A K-9 alerted on the package, which was then delivered to a business on Highway 29 north of 9½ Mile Road. That’s where deputies said Griggers signed for the package, which contained marijuana, as “Donald Trump”.
Deputies determined that right after the delivery, Griggers sent a text to Kevin Earl Jackson of Pensacola. Deputies tracked Jackson down, and he told them he had packages mailed to Pensacola on numerous occasions and distributed marijuana inside them after taking possession.
Griggers told deputies that he would receive the package for Jackson and in turn Jackson would pay him with money and a little bit of marijuana.
During a search of Griggers’ business, deputies also found a quantity of cocaine, according to an arrest report.
Griggers was released from the Escambia County Jail a $15,000 bond. He is set to appear in court for an arraignment hearing on August 31.
Jackson was arrested in late November for his part in the scheme and was sentenced earlier this year to three years in prison.