Update: Escaped Fountain Prison Inmate Recaptured In Atmore
June 20, 2022
UPDATE: Escaped Fountain Correctional Facility inmate Bobby W. White was recaptured by a K-9 team Monday evening in the Atmore area, according to the Alabama Department of Corrections.
Previous story:
An inmate escaped from Fountain Correctional Facility in Atmore Monday.
The Alabama Department of Corrections said 59-year old Bobby W. White escaped from Fountain about 11:40 a.m. He was described as a white male, 5-feet 9-inches tall, 196 pounds with brown hair and brown eyes. He was last seen wearing a tan prison uniform.
White was serving an 80 year sentence out of Talladega County for first degree theft of property.
Anyone with information on his whereabouts is asked to call ADOC at (800) 831-8825 or their local law enforcement agency at 911.
Seventh Arrest: Suspect Pressed Gun Into Century ‘Vicious Bar Brawl’ Victim’s Eye, ECSO Says
June 20, 2022
A seventh man has now been arrested for his alleged part in what the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office called a “vicious bar brawl” that occurred May 7 in Century. Several of the suspects are “documented criminal outlaw motorcycle gang members”, according to ECSO.
James Joseph Dixon, 27, of Port Saint Lucie, Florida, was charged with two counts of felony aggravated battery, aggravated assault, and obstructing justice. He was booked into the Escambia County Jail Sunday night were he remained with bond set at $350,000.
The Escambia County Sheriff’s Office said he pressed a handgun into the victim’s eye, threatening to kill the victim if he talked to law enforcement.
Dixon is a documented member of the Outlaws Motorcycle Club according to an arrest report.
One person was transported to the hospital following the violent fight May 7at Odom’s Bar in the 9500 block of North Century Boulevard. The victim was found outside the bar covered in blood with several injuries to his face, according to deputies.Surveillance video is below.
As NorthEscambia.com previously reported, John Percy Johnson, age 45 of Century; Bradley Scott Griener, age 31 of McDavid; Brody Luke Trainer, age 44 of Gulf Breeze; Robert Tyler Dean, age 54 of Pace; and Preston David Perry, age 31 of Pace were each charged with aggravated battery. Dean, Perry and Trainer were also charged with additional felony battery and/or assault counts. All five were released from jail on bonds ranging from $25,000 to $150,000.
A sixth suspect, 44-year old Steven R Jay Arnold of Brewton, later turned himself in at the jail on charges of aggravated battery with the use of a deadly weapon, aggravated battery for causing great bodily harm, and aggravated assault for use of a deadly weapon with the intent to kill.
The victim’s girlfriend told deputies that he was attacked by several bikers outside the bar where six or seven alleged bikers were kicking and stomping him. One allegedly pointed a gun during the attack.
The victim told investigators that he had been having an ongoing issue with “Percy Johnson” and the two ran into each other at the bar. He said Johnson told him to step outside where he was attacked by approximately five bikers wearing Outlaw motorcycle gang clothing. In addition to punching, kicking and stomping him, “one of the individuals pressed a firearm into his eyeball and stated they would kill him if he talked to the police and that not to mess with their biker family”, an arrest report states.
After the victim made a statement that he was going to sue the bar, a man believed to be the bar’s bouncer along with three or four other males began to beat him again, the report states. After the attacks, the girlfriend was approached by a white female wearing a biker vest who informed her that if she talked to law enforcement, it would “not be pretty for her”, the report continues.
The Escambia County Sheriff’s Office obtained search warrants and seized video recordings from the bar.
An ECSO investigator said in his report that the videos show the victim and Johnson walk outside the bar, followed by at least seven other people, most of whom were wearing insignia consistent with criminal outlaw motorcycle gangs to include the Southern Saints and Outlaws.
The altercation was captured on video (posted below), showing the victim kicked, punched, and stomped on several times by numerous individuals, the ECSO report states. The victim remains on the ground for over 15 minutes, apparently unconscious until medical personnel arrive on scene.
The victim suffered a broken arm, broken nasal cavities and lost feeling in his lower back and leg, he told deputies. He stated that when the gun was pressed into his eye, he was told “If you talk to the police, we will kill you”.
The five suspects were released from jail on bonds as follows: Johnson -$25,000; Griener – $35,000; Trainer – $150,000; Dean – $65,000; Perry – $85,000; Arnold – $65,000.
The video below has no sound.
Cantonment Man Charged With Kidnapping, Choking His Wife
June 20, 2022
A Cantonment man was arrested for allegedly kidnapping and then choking his wife.
Michael Demetera Kirkland, 53, was charged with felony domestic battery by strangulation and felony kidnapping.
Kirkland allegedly picked up his wife and carried her from her residence to his residence before choking her when she attempted to leave. The victim told deputies that she was unable to breathe as Kirkland grabbed her from behind and wrapped his arm around her neck. He took her to West Florida Hospital for treatment, but she was too afraid to tell the nurse what happened, according to an Escambia County Sheriff’s Office arrest report.
Kirkland told deputies he went to the victim’s residence to take food to his children, but he was unable to remember all of the events until he took her to the hospital, the report continues.
The ECSO said the victim had injuries consistent with a person who has been “severely choked”.
Kirkland remained in the Escambia County Jail Monday morning with bond set at $20,000.
Florida Forest Service Southern Pine Beetle Assistance Application Period Is Open
June 20, 2022
Applications are now being accepted for the 2022 Southern Pine Beetle Assistance and Prevention Program for non-industrial, private forest landowners through July 1. The program is limited to Escambia, Santa Rosa and 42 other northern Florida counties, the known range of the southern pine beetle.
To obtain an application or to learn more about the Southern Pine Beetle Assistance and Prevention Program, visit FDACS.gov/SPBPrevention.
The southern pine beetle (SPB) is one of the most economically devastating forest pests in the Southeastern United States, with periodic outbreaks destroying thousands of acres of pine timber. The last major SPB outbreak in Florida, between 1999 and 2002, caused an estimated $59 million in timber losses on over 24,000 acres.
“Pine forests are one of the most vital natural resources for Florida’s ecosystem – from clean air and water to sequestering carbon and providing home goods and other wood products,” said Commissioner Nikki Fried. “Sixty-five percent of Florida forests are privately owned, so supporting our landowners is critical to not only reducing the risk of forest pest outbreaks but protecting livelihoods and protecting a natural resource that protects and provides for us every day.”
“Southern pine beetles are one of the most destructive insects in southern pine forests,” said Erin Albury, State Forester and Director of the Florida Forest Service. “Southern pine beetle activity is currently relatively low in Florida. We can keep it that way by taking preventative measures now.”
Texas Man Charged With Raping Escambia Teen He Met On App
June 20, 2022
The Bay Minette Police Department has charged a Texas man with raping a teen from Escambia County, Florida, that he met on a messaging app.
Bay Minette Police responded to a report of suspicious activity taking place in a vehicle at the Walmart parking lot at 701 McMeans Avenue. They found Jack Allen Henrichson, of Orange Grove, Texas, in the vehicle with a child under the age of 16 and determined that the child was in danger.
The Alabama Department of Human Resources discovered that the child was an unreported runaway from Escambia County.
Bay Minette investigators said Henrichson, 23, met the juvenile on the Kik messaging app. After communicating with the juvenile, Henrichson drove from Texas to Pensacola and picked up the child, according to police, before heading to Alabama. For the next four days, Henrichson and the juvenile stayed in Bay Minette until they were found by patrol officers in Walmart parking lot.
Bay Minette Police said he had sexually assaulted the victim at least three times.
Henrichson is charged with one count of second degree rape and two counts of second degree sodomy, plus unlawful possession of brass knuckles. He remained in the Baldwin County Jail without bond Monday morning.
Here Are This Week’s Road Construction Delay Spots
June 20, 2022
Drivers will encounter traffic disruptions on the following state roads in Escambia and Santa Rosa counties as crews perform construction and maintenance activities.
Escambia County:
- U.S. 98 Pensacola Bay Bridge Replacement – Drivers will encounter alternating lane closures and lane shifts on the Pensacola Bay Bridge Sunday, June 19 through Saturday, June 25 from 8 p.m. to 5 a.m. On Tuesday, June 21, U.S. 98 westbound (Gulf Breeze to Pensacola) will have lane closures beginning at 10 p.m. due to Bands on the Beach. Crews will be using lanes on the current bridge as a platform to pour concrete decks for the westbound (Gulf Breeze to Pensacola) structure.
- West Cervantes Street (U.S. 90) Pedestrian Safety Improvement – Motorists traveling on West Cervantes Street will encounter the following traffic impacts:
- Daytime single lane closures and lane shifts, between A Street and Dominguez Street, as crews install pedestrian fencing.
- The new traffic signals on Cervantes Street at the J Street, L Street, and R Street intersections are now activated.
- North Ninth Avenue (State Road (S.R.) 289) Carpenters Creek Bridge Replacement – All travel lanes are temporarily shifted to the southbound side of the bridge as crews construct the northbound portion. Additionally, drivers may encounter intermittent temporary lane closures Monday, June 20 through Friday, June 24 from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. as crews mobilize materials and equipment.
- Pace Boulevard from Barrancas Avenue to Massachusetts Avenue – The sidewalks on the eastern side of Pace Boulevard, between Barrancas Avenue and Navy Boulevard, are closed as crews perform sidewalk and curb improvements. Pedestrians will be detoured to the signalized intersections to access the sidewalks on the western side of Pace Boulevard during this time.
- Pensacola Boulevard (U.S. 29) from Brent Lane to North of Interstate 10 (I-10) – Drivers will encounter alternating lane closures Sunday, June 19 through Thursday, June 23 from 9 p.m. to 6 a.m. as crews work on sidewalk and curb improvements.
- I-10 at the Interstate 110 (I-110) Interchange – Drivers will encounter alternating lane closures on the I-110 northbound ramp to I-10 westbound between 8 p.m. and 6 a.m. each night as crews work on guardrail improvements.
- I-10 Routine Utility Maintenance between Exits 5 (U.S. 90) through 22 (Avalon Boulevard) – Motorists will encounter intermittent lane closures, Wednesday, June 22 through Thursday, June 23 from 8 p.m. to 5 a.m. for overhead light repairs.
- North Davis Highway (S.R. 291) Routine Maintenance North of Langley Avenue – Motorists will encounter intermittent lane closures, Monday, June 20 from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m. for paving operations.
- Airport Boulevard Routine Bridge Maintenance over the I-110 Overpass – Motorists will encounter intermittent lane closures 1.4 miles south of I-10, Monday, June 20 from 8 p.m. to 12 a.m. for routine bridge maintenance.
- Airport Boulevard Routine Bridge Maintenance over Carpenters Creek – Motorists will encounter intermittent lane closures near Davis Highway, Tuesday, June 21 from 12 a.m. to 4 a.m. for routine bridge maintenance.
- I-110 Routine Bridge Maintenance over East Fairfield Drive (S.R. 295) Overpass – Motorists will encounter intermittent lane closures 3.6 miles south of I-10, Tuesday, June 21 from 8 p.m. to 12 a.m. for routine bridge maintenance.
Santa Rosa County:
- Pensacola Bay Bridge (U.S. 98) Replacement – Drivers will encounter alternating lane closures and lane shifts on the Pensacola Bay Bridge Sunday, June 19 through Saturday, June 25 from 8 p.m. to 5 a.m. On Tuesday, June 21, U.S. 98 westbound (Gulf Breeze to Pensacola) will have lane closures beginning at 10 p.m. due to Bands on the Beach. Crews will be using lanes on the current bridge as a platform to pour concrete decks for the westbound (Gulf Breeze to Pensacola) structure.
- U.S. 98 Widening from Bayshore Road to Portside Drive – Motorists will encounter the following traffic impacts:
- Temporary median and turn-lane closures from Bayshore Road to Tiger Point Drive.
- Intermittent lane closures and additional median closures between S.R. 281 and Bayshore Road, Sunday, June 19 through Friday, June 24, from 9 p.m. to 5:30 a.m. for paving operations.
- Westbound travelers will encounter a new traffic configuration from east of Portside Drive to North College Parkway as lanes will be shifted slightly south to allow for widening activities on the outside lane.
- Settlers Colony Boulevard remains open. The closure has been postponed until further notice due to material delays.
- I-10 Resurfacing East of S.R. 281 (Avalon Boulevard) to East of S.R. 87 – Motorists can expect intermittent nighttime lane closures Sunday, June 19 through Thursday, June 23 for construction activities.
All activities are weather-dependent and may be delayed or rescheduled in the event of inclement weather.
Blue Wahoos Foiled in Finale, But Move One Step Closer To Division Title
June 20, 2022
The Pensacola Blue Wahoos fell 5-1 to the Tennessee Smokies on Sunday afternoon, but a Biloxi loss in Chattanooga drew the club one step closer to their first division title since 2017.
The Blue Wahoos maintained their 4.5-game lead over Biloxi in the South Division, and will need to win only one of their six remaining first-half games against the Shuckers beginning on Tuesday to claim a postseason berth.
Cody Mincey (L, 3-3) gave his team six innings in a losing effort, allowing four runs on nine hits. The Smokies broke the ice in the second when, enabled by a Mincey throwing error, Bryce Ball and Cole Roederer hit RBI singles to take a 3-0 lead.
Roederer would strike again in the sixth with an RBI single to extend the Tennessee advantage to 4-0. The left fielder finished 3-for-3 with a double, walk and three RBI.
Pensacola couldn’t solve Smokies starter Ryan Jensen, who turned in 3.0 scoreless innings. Long reliever Dalton Stambaugh (W, 4-1) ran into trouble in the seventh, as Jan Mercado got the Blue Wahoos on the board with an RBI infield single, but Blake Whitney (S, 1) escaped a bases-loaded jam in the eighth and kept the game from getting any closer.
The Blue Wahoos will enjoy an off day on Monday before their series opener against the Biloxi Shuckers on Tuesday.
by Eric Bremer, Pensacola Blue Wahoos
New Traffic Signal Now Active At Highway 95A, Old Chemstrand Road
June 19, 2022
A new traffic signal is now active at Highway 95 at Old Chemstrand Road in Gonzalez.
The Escambia County project, funded by about $330,000 in Local Open Sales Tax (LOST) included the installation of sidewalks and pedestrian signals in each corner for future expansion.
NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Woman Crashes Vehicle Into Ravine At Cypress Lakes Golf Club
June 19, 2022
A woman was rescued Saturday after her vehicle plunged into a ravine at the Cypress Lakes Golf Club on Old Chemstrand Road.
The vehicle was some 30 feet down in a ravine off a gravel service road on the north side of of the golf course. Firefighters had to cut down several trees to reach the vehicle.
The woman was airlifted to an area hospital by medical helicopter.
Further details were not available.
Pictured: An Escambia County Fire Rescue Special Operations Team stands by at the Cypress Lakes Golf Club on Old Chemstrand Road. NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Tate High FFA’s Jaxson Stafford Named Florida’s 2022 State Star Farmer
June 19, 2022
Jaxson Stafford of the Tate High School FFA chapter was named the Florida FFA’s 2022 State Star Farmer.
The State Star Farmer Award is the longest standing award in Florida FFA history and is designed to recognize the student with the best production Supervised Agricultural Experience (SAE) in the state. The member must demonstrate outstanding achievement, active FFA participation and an exemplary scholastic record.
“My roots can be traced back many generations in production agriculture in northwest Florida and south Alabama. It has always been a personal goal of mine to learn by doing as I proceed forward in the industry,” Stafford said.
Stafford began working at an early age both in the hay field and with cattle. He began learning about the hay business from his grandfather before venturing out to start his own business.
He now oversees every aspect of the hay production process from planting, fertilization management, pest control management and harvest. He conducts regular testing to ensure that he is incorporating the proper amounts of nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium for optimal production.
In addition to his role in the field, Stafford’s other responsibilities include equipment maintenance and repair, record keeping, financial management and customer relations.
Since he started his business, Stafford has grown his operation to over 50 acres of Bahia grass which he markets to the surrounding communities.
Stafford’s Agricultural Education teacher at Tate was Austin Courson, and FFA Advisors include Courson, Melissa Gibbs, Kristi Wise, Richard Coleman and Matthew Clem.
The State Star Farmer Award was announced during the 94th Florida FFA State Convention & Expo at the Caribe Royale in Orlando.
Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
