Football Legend Carl Madison, 77, Returns To Coaching
January 23, 2009
Legendary football coach Carl Madison is returning to sidelines as the offensive coordinator for the Tate Aggies. From his first coaching job at Ernest Ward High School at age 26, Madison went on to become one of America’s most winning coaches.
Madison, age 77, is 326-129-7 over a 45 year coaching career, making him number two on Florida’s all-time coaching victories list and in the top 30 in the entire nation. He coached Tate to a state championship in 1980, and took the Pine Forest Eagles to two state championships in 1987 and 1988. The 1988 Eagle team was named as national champions by USA Today, and Madison earned the title of the National High School Football Coach of the Year. All in all, he coached at five different Florida High Schools including Ernest Ward, plus three out of state schools.
His football days began early at Escambia County High School in Atmore where he played tailback under Coach Herbert Barnes from 1945 to 1947, making him one of Atmore’s semi-famous “Barnes Boys” with 30 straight wins. After a stint in the Army, from 1950 to 1952, Madison played college ball for Texas Tech and Troy State Teachers College in the mid-1950’s.
Fresh out of college, Madison coached for four years beginning in 1957 at Ernest Ward High School in Walnut Hill. He moved to Milton High in 1961, coaching them to a state championship and 34 straight victories. He then took a coaching job at a Georgia High School, losing a state championship game in 1968.
Madison joined the coaching staff at Tate in 1971 on his way to winning that 1980 state championship. He left Tate in 1983, heading to Pensacola High for a couple of years. Then it was off to Pine Forest and those back-to-back state championships. He coached at an Albany, Georgia, school, another 10 years at Milton High and another short period at PHS during the period from 1989 until 2002.
In 2002, he took the head coach job at the small Jackson Academy in Alabama. The 71-year old took over a team that had gone 0-10 prior to his arrival. He lost his first two games at Jackson, but he went on to win the state championship. The following year, Jackson was undefeated and won another state championship.
Madison will continue to live in Atmore. On March 1, he will begin working with the Aggies, which finished with a 4-7 record last year.
the road to the crown Part Four: Meet The Girls (With Photos)
January 23, 2009
Today, it’s part four of our five part series “the road to the crown” brought to you by Tammie’s Cuttin’ Loose and Kay Brown Photography. We are following 32 young ladies at Northview High School in their quest for the crown and the title of “Miss Northview High School” for 2009.
Today we introduce you to the first 16 contestants. Their biographies, as submitted by the girls, are below along with their photos. You can click any photo below to enlarge. And yes, moms and dads, relatives and friends…the photos are large enough to print if you click them to enlarge.
Our series “the road to the crown” will continue Saturday morning with biographies and photos of the second set of 16 contestants. 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.
Summer Denise Sanders
Summer is the 17-year-old daughter of Johnny and Stephanie Victor. She has been a member of the Student Government Association for one year and a member of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes for two years, where she served as the drama leader. She was also elected vice-president of the sophomore class. As a freshman, Summer was a junior varsity cheerleader. She has been a varsity cheerleader for three years, where she was co-captain her junior year. This year, Summer is the captain of the squad. She was also the recipient of the 2008-2009 Squad Strength Award. She was a member of the track team for two years and has been a member of the weight-lifting and cross country team for one year. This year, Summer is a member of DCT and serves as the vice-president. She was second runner-up to Miss NHS 2008. Summer is also a graduate of the Barbizon Modeling Agency. She is an active member of McCullough Christian Center.Her hobbies include sign language, running, cheering, dancing, and spending time with family and friends.
Her future plans are to attend Jefferson Davis Community College, where she will obtain her degree and pursue a career as a Registered Nurse.
“the road to the crown” is brought to you by Kay Brown Photography and Senior Portraits and Tammie’s Cuttin’ Loose Salon in Atmore.
Amber Renae Holland
Amber is the 17-year-old granddaughter of Joyce Benefield. As a freshman, Amber was a junior varsity cheerleader and on the junior varsity softball team. She has been a varsity cheerleader for three years and has been the co-captain for two years. She was also the recipient of the 2007-2008 Best All-Around Cheerleader Award, as well as, the 2008-2009 Best All-Around Cheerleader Award. Amber has been a member of the Interact Club for two years and is currently the vice president. She has been a member of the Future Business Leaders of America for three years and a member of the Student Government Association for two years, where she served as parliamentarian last year. This year, Amber serves as the vice president. She was the recipient of the Miss Physical Fitness Award in the 2008 Miss NHS pageant and was also first runner up to Miss NHS 2008. Amber was selected to represent the senior class on the Homecoming Court and was chosen by her peers as first runner up. She has done volunteer work for hospice, some of which included making cards for the patients. She has volunteered to help with Relay For Life and walked six miles for the cause. Amber also volunteers her time with the Northwest Escambia Mini-Mite Cheerleaders.
Her hobbies include dancing (especially hip hop), cheering, singing, and spending time with loved ones.
Her future plans are to attend Pensacola Junior College and obtain her degree to become a phlebotomist.
Ashley Arlene Danielle Snow
Ashley is the 19-year old-daughter of James and Loretta Snow. She has been a member of the cross country team for one year, the NJROTC drill team for one year, and was selected as the NJROTC Princess for the 2005-2006 school year. She has been an Atmore Rotary Club Academic All Star for one year, a member of the Beta Club for two years, a member of Rho Kappa for two years, where she currently serves as secretary, and a member of the Student Government Association for two years, where she currently serves as president. Ashley has been a member of the Future Business Leaders of America for four years and was president last year and holds the office of vice-president this year. She has been a member of the girls’ weight lifting team for two years, the Academic Team for two years, and the Math Team for two years and currently holds the title of co-captain. As a freshman and sophomore, Ashley was a junior varsity cheerleader, as well as a majorette for the Tribal Beat Marching Band. Ashley has been on the varsity cheerleading team for two years. She is also currently a member of the National Society of High School Scholars. Ashley was selected as one of the top10 contestants in Miss NHS 2007 and was also voted Miss Congeniality in the 2008 Miss NHS pageant. This year, Ashley was selected by her class to represent them on the Homecoming Court. She was selected by her peers as second runner-up.
Her hobbies include volunteering at the Waterfront Rescue Mission, cheering, dancing, singing, and spending time with family and friends.
Her future plans are to attend Pensacola Junior College and pursue a degree in nursing.
Ashley Faye White
Ashley is the 17- year-old daughter of Roy and Candice White. At Northview, Ashley has been a varsity cheerleader for one year. In her community, she is a member of Atmore First Assembly of God Church and actively participates in the Powerhouse youth group program there. She sings in the adult choir and is a member of the drama team and sign-language team. She has been an aid for three years at Camp AFA and has volunteered at their church Bible school for three years. Ashley has also participated in the Alabama Fine Arts program for four years and recently took second place in the drama group division.
Her hobbies include dancing, reading, shopping, and spending time with family and friends.
Her future plans are to attend a major university and pursue a career in nursing.
Charleigh Victoria McPherson
Charleigh is the 15- year-old daughter of Larry and Mary McPherson. She is currently on the junior varsity cheerleading team and was the recipient of the 2008-2009 Spirit Award. She was also on the NHS golf team. Last year, she was voted Best All-Around by her peers. Charleigh has played on the Northwest Escambia softball team for six years and has played on the Molino softball team for one year. She attends church at Saint Robert’s Catholic Church and is an active member there. She also sings in the choir.
Her hobbies include cheerleading, playing softball and golf, going to the beach, and spending time with her family and friends.
Her future plans are to attend the University of Alabama and pursue a degree in sports medicine.
Kayla Velonia Hall
Kayla is the 15-year-old daughter of James and Lori Hall. She has been a member of the Interact club for two years and a member of the Future Business Leaders of America for two years. This past year, Kayla placed sixth in business math at the FBLA District Competition. She has been a member of the Student Government Association for one year, the Spanish Club for one year, and a member of FCCLA for one year. Kayla has volunteered at the Little Red School House Learning Center. During her time there, she created learning themes and read to the children. She has also volunteered at the Hadji Temple where she brought Christmas presents to the Shriners children, as well as other disabled individuals.
Her hobbies include going to the beach, playing volleyball, dancing, and spending time with loved ones.
Her future plans are to attend the University of Central Florida. After graduation, she hopes to get into medical school, where she will learn the skills to become a pediatrician. She also hopes to one day start a family.
Dimond Brooke Tullis
Brooke is the 15-year-old daughter of Bodie and Emily Tullis. As a freshman, Brooke was elected class secretary. She was also selected by her peers to represent them on the homecoming court. Brooke is currently the treasurer for the sophomore class. Last year, she was on the junior varsity cheerleading team and served as co-captain of the squad. This year, she is a varsity cheerleader. She has also been a member of the Tribal Spirit Yearbook staff for two years. She is a member of the Poarch Band of Creek Indians and was first runner-up in the 2008-2009 Poarch Creek Junior Princess Contest. Brooke attends Bratt First Baptist Church and is an active member of the youth group.
Her hobbies include beading, gymnastics, swimming, cheering, babysitting, and spending time with friends and family.
Her future plans are to graduate from Northview High School and attend college at the University of Alabama and obtain a degree in psychology. While enrolled, she hopes to become a cheerleader for the Crimson Tide. Upon graduation, she plans on becoming a child psychologist.
Felicia Michelle Settle
Felicia is the 16- year-old daughter of Joseph and Jeanine Settle. As a freshman, she was a junior varsity cheerleader and on the color guard team for the Tribal Beat Marching Band. Felicia has been a varsity cheerleader for two years. She has also been a member of the Future Farmers of America for three years, where as a freshman she served as parliamentarian, and as a sophomore she served as sentinel. Felicia has been a peer mediator for three years and on the yearbook staff for three years. She has been a member of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes for one year, a member of Students Working Against Tobacco for one year, and a member of the Student Government Association for two years. She has also been a member of the Interact Club for one year, a member of the Beta Club for one year, the Math Team for one year, and the Academic Team for one year. Felicia was selected to be an Atmore Rotary Club Academic All-Star. On three separate occasions, Felicia has donated her hair to the Locks of Love Foundation. She has also participated in Relay For Life for two years and has participated in the Pensacola Walk for Breast Cancer.
Her hobbies include cheerleading, camping, photography, talking on the phone, devoting time to her nephew, and spending time with family and friends.
Her future plans are to attend a major university where she hopes to obtain a degree in early education. She wants to open her own daycare or become an elementary school teacher.
Olivia Kaylen Bryan
Olivia is the 18- year-old daughter of Keith Bryan. She has been an Atmore Rotary Club Academic All-Star for three years, a member of the Beta Club for two years where she serves as secretary, a member of the Student Government Association for three years, and a peer mediator for four years. She has been a member of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes for fours years and a member of Teens for Christ for four years. In FCA, she currently serves as president. Olivia has been on the video yearbook staff for three years and has been on the Tribal Spirit Yearbook staff for one year. She has been on the Academic Team for four years, where she currently serves as captain, the Math Team for two years, the Spanish Club for two years, where she serves as president, and the Northview Television Production Staff for two years. Olivia is a devoted member of the Northview Theatre program and has served as the mistress of ceremonies on several different occasions. This year, she starred in the Veterans Day Play. In the summer of 2008, Olivia represented NHS in Washington, D.C. While there, she was selected as Florida’s representative on the NRECA’s Youth Leadership Council. Next month, she will proudly represent the state of Florida at the NRECA’s National Meeting.
Her hobbies include reading, writing, acting, playing the piano, and spending time with family and friends.
Her future plans are to attend a major university to receive her master’s degree in marketing. She hopes to one day pursue a career in advertisement.
Lauren Elizabeth Cloud
Lauren is the 15-year-old daughter of Ronnie Cloud and Angela McMahan. As a freshman, she was on the junior varsity cheerleading team. This year, Lauren is a varsity cheerleader. She has also been a member of the Future Farmers of America for two years. Lauren has been a member of the Five Flags Dance Academy for two years and has played softball for the Molino Community Team for three years. She also played softball for the Northwest Escambia Team for one year. She has volunteered to work Relay For Life events for the past two years, and has she walked 7 miles for the cause. Lauren is an active member of Highland Baptist Church where she participates on the drama team.
Her hobbies include cheerleading, photography, swing dancing, riding horses, going to the beach, and spending time with loved ones.
Her future plans are to attend the University of Alabama and study sports broadcasting.
Courtney Brooke Cooper
Courtney is the 18-year-old daughter of Ken and Dawn Cooper. She has been a varsity cheerleader for two years, a member of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes for one year, and a member of the weight lifting team for three years. She was on the junior varsity softball team for one year and on the cross country team for one year. Courtney has been a member of the Student Government Association for two years, where she served as secretary her junior year. This year, she holds the office of historian. As a junior, she was selected to represent her class on the homecoming court and was also elected as class secretary. This year, Courtney was again elected by her peers as senior class secretary. She is an active member of Flomaton First Baptist Church and participates in the youth group.
Her hobbies include cheerleading, weight lifting, going to church, and spending time with loved ones.
Her future plans are to attend Pensacola Junior College and obtain her cosmetology license.
Kolbi Shae Cobb
Kolbi is the 16-year-old daughter of Jamie and Becky Cobb. As a freshman, she was elected to serve as the class secretary. She has been a member of the cross country team for one year, the softball team for two years, and the golf team for two years. She has also been a member of Rho Kappa for one year, the Beta Club for one year, the Academic Team for one year, and the Math Team for one year. Kolbi was selected by her classmates to represent them on homecoming court for two years. She has also been a member of the Future Business Leaders of America for three years, the Fellowship of Christian Athletes for three years, the Interact Club for two years, and the Student Government Association for two years. Kolbi has been a majorette for the Tribal Beat Marching Band for three years and currently holds the title of captain. She is a member of Twirl Time and has been a member of Century League Softball for seven years. She has also been on the Tri-County All Star softball team for three years. Kolbi is an active member of Faith Bible Baptist Church.
Her hobbies include twirling, playing softball, listening to music, and spending time with family and friends.
Her future plans are to attend Pensacola Junior College and enter the nursing program.
Ande Marie Gideons
Ande is the 16-year-old daughter of Doug and Tammy Kaiser. Last year, she was selected to represent the freshmen class on the 2007 Homecoming Court. She was also elected freshmen class secretary by her peers. This year, Ande was again selected to represent her class on homecoming court and was voted Sophomore Class Maid. She is currently the secretary of the sophomore class. Ande has been a member of the Interact Club for one year, the Student Government Association for one year, and is currently on the junior varsity cheerleading team. Ande is a member of Atmore First Assembly of God where she actively participates in the Powerhouse youth group. She is also on the drama team, the sign language team, and sings in the choir. Last year, Ande advanced to national level at the Alabama Fine Arts program in the divisions of Human Video Solo and Female Vocal Solo. She has attended Camp AFFA for two years and volunteered her time as a camp counselor. This past summer, Ande was selected as Best Aide. She has also volunteered at SCAMP Camp, where she worked with disabled children.
Her hobbies include singing, drama, cheerleading, and devoting time to her nephew, as well as other loved ones.
Her future plans are to attend a major university where she will obtain a degree in early childhood education.
Allison Rebecca Spence
Allison is the 17-year-old daughter of Scott and Sandi Spence. She has been a member of the color guard team for the Tribal Beat Marching Band for three years and currently serves as the co-captain. She has also played junior varsity basketball for one year. Allison was nominated to be among the Who’s Who of American High School Students.
Her hobbies include swimming, shopping, talking on the phone, reading, writing, twirling, playing basketball, and spending time with family and friends.
Her future plans are to attend a major university and obtain her degree in marine biology. She also hopes to one day get married and start a family.
Patricia Sunshine Boughner
Patricia is the 18-year-old daughter of Kevin and Louann Boughner. At Northview, she has been a member of the Tribal Beat Marching Band color guard team for two years and currently serves as co-captain. She has also been a member of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes for one year. Her sophomore year, Patricia was selected by her peers as class historian and is currently serving as junior class treasurer. In her community, Patricia attends Byrneville Methodist Church and is an active member there.
Her hobbies include photography, scrap booking, drawing, and spending time with family and friends.
Her future plans are to attend Virginia Technical College and become a surgical technician. She also hopes to one day have a family of her own.
Samantha Ann Macks
Samantha is the 18-year-old daughter of Sam and Cheryl Macks. At Northview, she has been a member of the Future Farmers of America for four years, a member of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes for one year, and a member of the cross country team for one year. Samantha has also been in the Beta Club for two years. In her community, she is a member of Pleasant Hill Baptist Church and is an active member of the youth group. She has also participated in Relay For Life for three years.
Her hobbies include writing poetry, drawing and painting, playing softball, and hanging out with her friends.
Her future plans are to attend college and get her nursing degree. She hopes to one day become a registered nurse.
Basketball: Jay Over Northview
January 23, 2009
Jay downed Northview Thursday night in girls high school basketball action, 53-32.
Jay took an early 11-6 lead by the end of the first period, and the Royals expanded that lead to 24-10 by the half. Both teams added a baker’s dozen in the third, making it 37-23 going into the fourth period.
Gabe Wesley led the Chiefs with a dozen points on the board at Jay. Shaniqua Jones added half a dozen. Angela Roddriguez, Laneicia Gomez and Shakeria White had four points each, and Taylor Byrd added a couple.
Tessa Hendricks scored 18 for the Royals. Amber Steadham had a dozen, as did Joy Gandy. Ginger Jennings added seven. Becca Calloway had three, and Leely Trevino scored a point.
The Northview boys are on the road Friday night against Walton. The NHS girls don’t hit the court again until January 29.
Carver/Century Closure Could Greatly Impact Byrneville Elementary
January 22, 2009
The impending closure of Carver/Century K-8 School could have a great impact on the future of Byrneville Elementary.
In this exclusive investigative story, NorthEscambia.com takes a look at the future of Byrneville’s charter school.
The facts are simple: Only about 44 percent of the students in the Carver/Century district actually attend the school. On the elementary level, 126 attend Carver/Century, 130 attend Byrneville Elementary and 32 attend Bratt Elementary. But where will the 126 elementary children at Carver/Century end up next year?
The official answer is Bratt Elementary, because Century will become part of Bratt’s district.
But Dee Wolfe–Sullivan, principal at Byrneville, feels like many parents and guardians may choose to send their children to her school rather than having them bused to Bratt. Byrneville Elementary is a charter school ran under district guidelines but under its own set of rules; those rules would allow Byrneville to accept Carver students.
“Some of those parents will want to enroll their children here,” Wolfe-Sullivan said. “But the issue becomes if we have room or not.”
There are currently 166 students at Byrneville, and the school only has a capacity of about 200. When accepting new students, priority would be given to siblings of current students, children of employees and students that reside in the old Byrneville Elementary district. Only after those children were admitted would the school be open to others.
“Depending on how may would want to attend, we might have to have a lottery of some kind to choose,” Wolfe-Sullivan said. “I don’t have room for all of them. We might be able to finance some modulars, building on or something.”
NorthEscambia.com presented a “what if” scenario to Wolfe-Sullivan. “What if the school board closed Carver/Century and then offered the Carver/Century facility to Byrneville Elementary?” we asked.
“We have not discussed the Carver/Century building, so I would have no comment at the present time,” she said.
“If parents want to send their child to Byrneville, we certainly welcome them,” Wolfe-Sullivan added. “We are a small school. Every teacher knows every child, and they know most of the families. It is a great atmosphere.”
The Byrneville principal also said that she wanted to be clear that she is not in favor of Carver/Century’s closing.
“It is a very upsetting situation. I feel that Century needs to have a school,” Wolfe-Sullivan said. “I am concerned people think Byrneville may have played a part in the demise of Century. That’s just not the case.”
She said that most Byrneville charter students originated from the original Byrneville district when the school gained charter status to avoid closure in 2002.
“We didn’t steal students from Carver/Century,” Wolfe-Sullivan said.
Pictured top: Byrneville Principal Dee Wolfe-Sullivan at lunch with a group of students. NorthEscambia.com file photo, click to enlarge.
Update: 20 Percent To Recycle; Most Have Cans
January 22, 2009
A little less than 20 percent of ECUA customers have signed up for their optional curbside recycling program, and most of those people now have their recycling container.
District 5 Emerald Coast Utilities Authority member Larry Walker says that as of last week, 13,934 customers had signed up for the once a week recycling pickups. Of those, Walker said 12,378 should have received their can by the end of the day last Monday.
The remaining 1,556 should have their recycling cans delivered by next Monday, January 26. Customers that ordered recycling containers by yesterday but after January 14 should have their cans by next Thursday.
Former Allied Waste customers in North Escambia can sign up for the free recycling container by calling 476-0480, emailing support@ecua.org, or downloading a sign-up form from ecua.org.
The new trash and recycling day for most former Allied Waste customers in North Escambia is Tuesday. A few former Allied customers east of Highway 29 and south of Kingsfield Road have Friday as their new pick-up day.
The collection service includes weekly garbage pickup, weekly pickup of recyclables, and weekly yard waste pickup. All services are provided on the same day of the week. In addition, bulky waste pickup service is available once each calendar month at no additional charge.
Trash pick-up in Century continues to be provided by Allied Waste under a contract with the town.
For complete information on the recycling program and ECUA service, click here (pdf).
Sheriff’s Copters Will Be Grounded
January 22, 2009
New Escambia County Sheriff David Morgan will ground the department’s helicopter program as of March 1.
Citing budget problems, Morgan announced Wednesday that he would deactivate the air unit that has been in existence since 2001. The unit currently employees three pilots, three tactical flight officers, and an aviation logistics specialist. The three tactical flight officers are sworn deputies that will be rolled back into patrol units as manpower needs dictate.
Morgan has said that closing the department’s air unit will save his department about $800,000 per year. That includes salaries and costs like maintenance and fuel.
The air unit’s two military surplus OH-58 helicopters will be stored temporarily until futher budget determinations can be made.
The helicopter unit has been used numerous times in the North Escambia area over the past year. The helicopter has been used to search for robbery suspects, missing people and even used to track down a horse running wild and posing a traffic hazard in Century.
Northview NJROTC Holds Military Ball
January 22, 2009
The Northview High School NJROTC held their annual Military Ball recently at the National Museum of Naval Aviation about NAS Pensacola.
It was a joint event with the Washington High School NJROTC unit and the first time any NJROTC unit had held their ball at this unique location. Over 110 cadets and their dates attended the evening. Kings and queens, princes and princesses were selected by their peers.
The King and Queen were Dalton Cummings and Kayla Brewer (pictured top). The Junior/Sophomore Prince and Princess were Elliott Ross and Tyler Hunter (pictured below). The Freshman Prince and Princess were Cardean Smith and Kayla Miles (pictured bottom).
Click here for more photos from the Military Ball.
Submitted photos for NorthEscambia.com.
the road to the crown Part Three
January 22, 2009
Today, it’s part three of our five part series “the road to the crown”. We are following 32 young ladies at Northview High School in their quest for the crown and the title of “Miss Northview High School” for 2009.
We’ve posted more photos today from Wednesday afternoon’s dress rehearsal. They are in black and white so we can show them to you without spoiling the excitement of seeing the gowns in their colorful splendor Saturday night. Plus we thought the black and white was just cool looking in a retro old-newspaper kind of way. See the photo gallery by clicking here.
All of the tickets for Saturday night’s pageant have been sold. The final practice is over. Our series “the road to the crown” will continue Friday and Saturday morning. We will introduce you to each girl and learn more about their accomplishments with a complete biography for all 32 contestants. 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.
Click here to read part one of “the road to the crown”.
Click here to read part two of “the road to the crown”.
Driver Walks Away Uninjured In Highway 97 Wreck
January 22, 2009
The driver of a car involved in a single vehicle accident south of Walnut Hill Wednesday night walked away uninjured.
The accident happened about 6:20 p.m. on Highway 97 about a mile and a half north of White Ash Road. The driver of a Chevrolet Malibu lost control while headed northbound on Highway 97, crossed the center line, struck a culvert and became airborne. The vehicle landed on the driver’s side just off the pavement.
The female was driver was standing outside the vehicle when units from the Walnut Hill Station of Escambia Fire Rescue arrived on the scene. She refused transport to the hospital by Atmore Ambulance.
The accident is under investigation by the Florida Highway Patrol.
Pictured above and below: The driver of this car walked away uninjured in this Highway 97 accident Wednesday night. NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Suspect Impersonates Deputy; Pulls Over Teen Female
January 21, 2009
The Escambia County Sheriff’s Department is searching for a man who was impersonating a law enforcement officer last night near Beulah.
Deputies are seeking a man who pulled over a 16-year old female about 5:30 last night in the area of West Nine Mile Road and Beulah Road. The female told deputies that when she saw flashing lights behind her vehicle, she pulled over to the side of the road.
The victim described the suspect as a white male about 6-foot 2-inches tall with dark, bushy hair, stocky build and a mole under his left eye. She described him as being in his late twenties to early thirties. The suspect approached the victim’s vehicle, and he asked her to stop out of the vehicle.
Because the suspect did not appear to be a law enforcement officer and refused to identify himself, the teen refused to exit her vehicle.
“The victim asked why she was being pulled over at which time she stated the suspect was almost laughing while speaking with her,” according to a press release from Escambia Sheriff’s Department Spokesman Sgt. Ted Roy. “After a few more questions the suspect walked to the rear of her vehicle as if to look at the tag, walked back to her vehicle and stated, ‘You’re free to go. Somebody must have been playing a prank on you’.”
The suspect was seen leaving in what was described as a possible late model Toyota Camry, white in color with blue/purple dash lights and the word “Sheriff” in small green letters on the driver’s door.
The Sheriff’s Office is asking anyone with any information on this suspect to call the Sheriff’s Office at 436-9620 or Crime Stoppers at 433-STOP.
Impersonating a police officer is a felony and punishable by up to five years in prison, and using blue lights is a misdemeanor of the first degree, according to Roy.