The Anniston Star Police Blog

Oxford police step up online

2009-05-01T14:28:00.004-05:00

Oxford police expanded their digital reach recently.
They are posting information on to the "Investigator Leads" part of their site.
You'll see photos and short bits about the event included. These don't have as much info as The Star's stories, but they do include pictures that may not make it into the paper.

Weekly roundup for the week of April 20

2009-04-30T14:17:00.003-05:00

Monday, April 20

Local storm damage minimal

Trial in 2007 Piedmont murder begins today
He would plead guilty before jury selection began

Columbine students strive 10 years after massacre

Probe finds tons of released drugs taint U.S. water

Tuesday, April 21

Woman to be arrested for alleged assault

Police search for woman in two robberies

Jacksonville police arrest two women for assault

Piedmont man pleads guilty to '07 shooting death of girlfriend

Mayor says city attorney questioning Monk's contract

Visiting Detroit teen shoots self in Athens

Two killed in state as storms swept across Southeast

Wednesday, April 22

2 women killed in Jacksonville accident

Local woman arrested for allegedly stabbing another

Man in intensive care after attack

Man arrested for shooting at another

Woman arrested in 2 local robberies

Man arrested in rape case out on bond

Sheriff: Procedural failure led to escape; Search continues for inmate who robbed Anniston credit union

Court puts limits on car searches by police

Obama open to torture memos prosecution

Thursday, April 23

Pair of men sought after alleged robbery in Anniston

Anniston police charge man with December robbery

Sheriff: Officer's decisions led to inmate's escape

Wedowee: ABI won't probe fight involving mayor

EPA asks to review new state smokestack law

Wednesday booms didn't concern locals: 6 building-shaking blasts in Anniston were caused by weapons destruction at depot

Police investigating death of Freddie Mac official

Prosecutors beefed up charges against teen pirate

Another earthquake rattles Bibb County

Bill to ban texting while driving stalls

Former AGs seek review of Siegelman's conviction

Report: Alabama killer left note explaining spree

Friday, April 24

Judge hears motion to dismiss suit against Hobson City mayor

Fire destroys Sack's Salvage Grocery in Eastaboga

Local probation supervisor for Calhoun, Cleburne earns state honor

Jailer awaits disciplinary decision; Escaped inmate still on the loose

Meehan's attorneys request gag order in lawsuit against Jax State president

Substance abuse prevention group thanks local agencies

Cleburne County: Compromise reached on court cost legislation, will apply to traffic fines

U.S. to release photos showing alleged abuses of prisoners

Alabama House narrowly votes to add sexual orientation to hate crimes law

Saturday, April 25

Hugh Smitherman, 91, was county's Civil Defense Coordinator

Sunday, April 26

Man killed after being hit by car near Speedway

For better or worse, fewer using divorce lawyers

3 dead, 2 injured in Ga. shooting; professor sought

Officer, suspect killed in southeast Alabama standoff

Gunmen kill police chief in Mexican border city

Weekly roundup for the week of April 13

2009-04-20T15:43:00.003-05:00

Monday, April 13

Anniston police investigate 'suspicious death'

Law enforcement hopes to get grant for new crime-fighting tools

Tuesday, April 14

Hobson City to explore hiring officer

Four men injure two others in Anniston bar fight

Police looking for leads in Thursday rape

Man shot near Glen Addie on Friday

Police looking for break-in suspect

Woman attempts to attack her child's dad

Man allegedly attacked at Rookie's

Judge upholds order keeping voter list in Piedmont mayoral runoff sealed

Wednesday, April 15

Lincoln council approves applying for police grant

Jacksonville police investigate scalding assault

Anniston police looking for man in Jacks' robbery

Donoho to start student drug-testing

Number of blacks in prison for drug offenses declines

Thursday, April 16

Anniston police investigate multiple gunshots fired

Birmingham police awaken, arrest alleged robbers

Lee County couple charged in Chambers County arson

Prosecutors oppose delay of today's execution of Dill

Friday, April 17

Police lose suspected drug dealer during pursuit

Anniston man charged with March robbery

Anniston man charged with attempted murder

Monsanto suit draws more interest

Fire destroys Camp Lee building

Man executed for 1988 murder, robbery

Saturday, April 18

Camp Lee fire was likely an accident

Wheel skills: Calhoun deputies test driving prowess in training session

Mississippi woman survives being shot in head, makes tea

3 people killed in wrecks in Etowah, Randolph counties

Sunday, April 19

Heflin store owner accused of building meth lab

Condemnation resolution not needed

Wellington woman killed in head-on collision

Shoot first: Columbine transformed police tactics

Official: 5 children feared dead in Texas storms

Riley wins ruling on gambling raid

Slayings bring Mexican drug war to U.S.

Weekly roundup for the week of April 6

2009-04-13T09:18:00.003-05:00

Monday, April 6

Pilot in Centre plane crash dies

Roanoke woman dies in traffic accident

Tuesday, April 7

Jenkins trial delayed until July

Police plan to arrest 2 for attempted murder

Man injured during argument at club

Man shot in hip on Saturday in Anniston

Woman claims man tried to hit her with car

Anniston man says roommate robbed him

14-year-old boy robbed on Christine

Oxford police looking for man who attempted to rob Sonic Drive-In

Wedowee mayor accused of injuring man in altercation

Government cracking down on mortgage scams

Wednesday, April 8

Piedmont electrical superintendent's termination may spark legal battle

Body found in Cherokee County is missing Ranburne woman

2 Anniston residents sentenced on federal drug charges

Alexandria juvenile suspect escapes during arrest near Anniston High

ABI asked to investigate Wedowee mayor altercation

Judge orders criminal probe of lawyers who botched Stevens case

4 killed in Lauderdale County home; suspect later found dead in his house

Shoe thrower's sentence reduced

Thursday, April 9

McClellan bill draws fire from trial lawyers

Jax police look for man who assaulted another

Man in jail for allegedly attacking his father

Teen allegedly rammed boyfriend with her car

Man in Dollar General burglary arrested

Economy brings big turnout to police exam

Alabama woman who hid dead baby cleared

Panel OKs bill to stop food bonuses for sheriffs

Friday, April 10

Back on patrol? Calhoun County Commission exploring option for Hobson City cops

Man charged in 2008 copper theft case

Anniston man turns self in for alleged Jacksonville robbery

Juvenile who fled during arrest apprehended

Ex-Piedmont mayor sues city clerk; Fagan alleges documents may show evidence of voter fraud

'I just did it': Wellborn Elementary fifth-grader steps in to save choking classmate with Heimlich

Saturday, April 11

Storm scare: Calhoun largely spared as tornadoes batter South

Ashland man pleads guilty to prank calling 911 more than 600 times

Drugs linked to 3 deaths, 1 illness

Piedmont attorney: Fagan must file formal contest for voter list

FBI: Long-haul truckers suspected in many highway murders

Wife charged with killing investigator

Doctor in baby murder case stands by autopsy

Sunday, April 12

Pills from South Florida flood Appalachian states

Pill mills: Florida county the 'Colombia' of pharmaceutical narcotics

PCB Trial

2009-04-10T11:03:00.005-05:00

Megan Nichols went to Birmingham to cover the latest PCB trial. Due to the length of the trial, I've opted to pull the events out into their own blog post.

These are listed by date of publication. Therefore, they will cover the previous day's trial events.

Wednesday, April 1: New PCB trial begins

Thursday, April 2: Testimony heard on health effects of PCBs

Friday, April 3: 'I didn't know it was dangerous': Plaintiffs tell of childhood encounters with PCBs

Saturday, April 4: Expert cites elevated PCB blood levels

Tuesday, April 7: Trial: Doctor says PCBs, diabetes linked

Wednesday, April 8: PCBs trial: More claimants testify to health effects

Thursday, April 9: PCBs trial: Plaintiffs plan to rest their case this morning

Friday, April 10: PCBs trial: Defense calls witnesses to dispute plaintiffs' experts

Saturday, April 11: PCBs trial: Defense questions link between PCBs, diseases

Tuesday, April 14: Closing arguments delivered in PCBs trial

Wednesday, April 15: Jury rules for Monsanto in PCB trial

Weekly roundup for the week of March 30

2009-04-09T17:32:00.004-05:00

Monday, March 30

Anniston woman being treated at RMC after accident

Massachusetts man kills two sisters; police save third

Eight die in nursing home shooting

Tuesday, March 31

Caregiver says client tried to stab him

Man ambushed, robbed on Thursday

Police looking for female robber

Body found in Cherokee County on Saturday
This would turn out to be the body of Brenda Louise Spradlin of Ranburne.

Two arrested for allegedly ramming SUV, attacking driver

Two Anniston High School fires being investigated as arson

Group: Teacher-student sex laws in Alabama too weak

Wednesday, April 1

Anniston man convicted of manufacturing meth

No ID yet for remains found in Cherokee County

924 pinwheels: Local group marks beginning of Child Abuse Prevention Month

Thursday, April 2

Police looking for 2 men who robbed disabled man

Justice Department moves to drop jury conviction against Stevens

Friday, April 3

English-only driver's tests proposed in Georgia

Former Illinois Governor Blagojevich indicted

Just published photos show MLK killing aftermath

Sylacauga man indicted on federal bank robbery charge

Delta woman dies, kids hurt in single car wreck

Saturday, April 4

Piedmont man charged with manufacturing meth

Multi-vehicle accident injures 3

Gunman kills 13, himself at immigrant center

Iowa Supreme Court legalizes gay marriage

Sunday, April 5

Small plane crashes into Centre home; Businessman Harley McGatha injured, at the controls

3 Pittsburgh officers ambushed, killed

Justice Department under scrutiny after Stevens trial

Appetite for candy lands man on the run in jail

Moody wants approval to disperse of confiscations

State senator arrested on suspicion of DUI

Note: Due to the depth of coverage of the PCB trial, I am featuring Megan Nichols' stories in a separate post.

Weekly roundup for the week of March 23

2009-04-09T17:04:00.003-05:00

Monday, March 23

Munford woman dies in 1-car accident near Cheaha State Park

Anniston boy taken to Children's Hospital after falling into pool

The Death of Willie Brewster: The agent, the judge and the trial

Family: Suspect in Oakland police deaths feared jail

FAA: Kids among 14 to 17 dead in Montana plane crash

Tuesday, March 24

Two local residents file PACT lawsuit

Wreck shuts down Alabama 21 lanes

Jacksonville council approves grants from stimulus

Accident on Quintard injures one person

Western Sizzlin' burglar arrested

Woman allegedly hit boyfriend with bottle

Oxford police investigating Sunday incidents

NTSB checks for plane overloading

Graysville teen in jail after mother killed

Wednesday, March 25

Hearing set in suit against Hobson City mayor

4 Ohatchee residents arrested on burglary, theft, drug charges

Man arrested for allegedly sexually abusing his niece

Anniston police look for alleged sex abuser

Depot, EMA to practice response to chemical accident today

White House steps up anti-cartel fight on border

Officials investigating Pell City shooting death

Thursday, March 26

Wadley woman killed in accident near Roanoke

Anniston police searching for pair of armed robbers

Depot, EMAs participate in exercise for chemical weapons accident
We also ran a slideshow of this practice.

Fewer than 10 percent of blind Americans read Braille

Clinton: U.S. shares blame for drug violence

Friday, March 27

Law enforcement auction set for weekend

2 men charged in Oxford drug raid

Alleged Western Sizzlin burglar faces charges in other crimes

Cleburne court costs could go up by $51

Siegelman, Scrushy seek full review

Priceville principal fired over painkillers accusation

Saturday, March 28

Man reports being threatened, robbed

Man wanted in assault on Rocky Hollow Road

Police seek men who robbed mom, daughter

Anniston High School evacuated while firefighters put out small blaze
This fire delayed the elementary school version of this rally.

Court: Plan for Gulf hotel violates law

Sunday, March 29

Law enforcement auction draws hundreds

Young killers struggling to make it on the outside

Weekly roundup for the week of March 16

2009-03-23T16:17:00.004-06:00

Monday, March 16

Muscadine woman dies in traffic accident

Deputy who chased South Alabama gunman buries loved ones

Tuesday, March 17

Statistics show type of accident that killed 13-year-old Alpine girl rare

One injured in two-vehicle wreck in Anniston

Anniston man out on bond on domestic violence, drug charges

Mom: Husband laughed after throwing children from bridge

Pakistan to reinstate top judge, defusing crisis

Wednesday, March 18

Doctors warn about dangers of inhaling compressed air

Lead law raises questions about children's books

Source says Obama wants more feds to combat border violence

Officer accused of stealing changes plea

Witnesses: Man was on bridge when kids tossed over

Hundreds mourn 4 relatives, victims of south Alabama gunman

Thursday, March 19

Man captures alleged burglar in his home

Man who allegedly fired gun near AHS arrested

Local police see decrease in metal theft

2 men charged with attempted murder

Troopers: Girl took car while family slept; 13-year-old of Alpine died Friday in wreck in Talladega County

Army reviews troop use after south Alabama shootings

Father accused of incest pleads guilty to charges

Friday, March 20

Man charged with taxi driver's 2004 murder

Police hunting woman's boyfriend in alleged attack

Accident on U.S. 431 injures pair of men

Ben Little target of death threats

Latest CIA scandal puts focus on how agency polices self

Dallas school held cage fights, records show

Games seized from bingo hall may be slot machines

Body found in refrigerator in Clarke County identified

Child with lighter blamed in 5 Etowah County deaths

'A death ride': Man convicted of 4 children's bridge deaths

Saturday, March 21

Woman accused of trying to hit man with her SUV

Shooting suspect charged with assaulting Oxford police

Wife of murder suspect charged in crime

Second taxi robbery led to murder charge

Anniston High School student accused of making terrorist threat

Jury urges death for man who tossed 4 children from bridge

Natalee Holloway's dad sends search dog and handler to Aruba

Sunday, March 22

The death of Willie Brewster: Memories of a dark time

Medical marijuana advocates breathing easier

'Hillary: The Movie' now showing at Supreme Court

Schmitz may not get back pay

Daphne man dies in motorcycle accident

Body found near bank of Warrior

Jail log

2009-03-19T11:48:00.002-06:00

Sheriff Larry Amerson is an unabashed fan of technology.
One of the tools the Calhoun County Jail staff maintains is a log of current inmates.
Amerson said it is updated daily.
I use it with regularity as a fact-checking tool. I'm sure the general public could find it useful as well.
The address is: http://www.calhouncountysheriff.org/current_inmates.cfm

Weekly roundup for the week of March 9

2009-03-16T08:26:00.003-06:00

Monday, March 9

Police probe slaying of Talladega man

Tuesday, March 10

Jacksonville Fire Department awarded grant

Hobson City leaders argue over electronic bingo

Car crash in Anniston hospitalizes four

Illinois man charged in church shooting

Wednesday, March 11

Jacksonville Police Station is in need of repairs

Stop the Violence: Group's new coordinator introduced

Police investigating robbery at Sonic

Car, home hit by gunfire; no injuries

Police seeking man suspected in robbery

2 Piedmont residents charged with making meth

3 arrested after police find meth lab material

2 Weaver officials leave positions

At least 9 killed in South Alabama; Gunman burned down mother's home, shot himself

Thursday, March 12

Last man in '05 quadruple homicide sentenced

Arsonists destroy Pinky Burns' cabin; 3 suspects arrested for burning down Rabbittown landmark

Bill proposed to legalize medical marijuana

Authorities find list left by Alabama shooter

Teen kills 16 in Germany before taking own life

Friday, March 13

Woman allegedly stabbed by 17-year-old in Anniston

Cleburne court costs may rise to help roads

'Sorry and ashamed': 70-year-old financier pleads guilty

Officials say shooter depressed over failures

State has online service for abandoned vehicles

Legislators look to increase penalty for fleeing police

German police suspect chat room posts were faked

Saturday, March 14

Judge who found FBI liable for mob killings dies

Government investigator obtains passports with false documents

Arson reduces historic Fort Benning landmark to ruins, shakes military post

South Alabama comedian hailed as hero after shootings

5 perish in mobile home fire in northeast Alabama

Sunday, March 15

Fire tamer: Alexandria Fire Chief retires after 30 years

Teen girl dies while driving car

North Carolina mom will fight order against home schooling

Officials working to prevent rockslides

Ex-online college dean gets 2 years for fraud

$47K collected for shooting victims' families

1st funeral held for shooting victim

Teenagers see serious consequences of 'sexting'

Weekly roundup for the week of March 2

2009-03-16T07:50:00.002-06:00

Monday, March 2

St. Clair County man found dead in home

1 head, 3 hats: Anniston's Dryden pulling triple-duty for the city

Tuesday, March 3

Man robbed while trying to buy fake driver's license near Oxford

Jacksonville man jailed for alleged rape of sleeping woman

Anniston police searching for man who robbed Arby's on Quintard

Wednesday, March 4

Officials warn against driving through flooded areas

Weaver community takes bold stand against drug abuse

Warrant: Chandra Levy suspect described slaying

Thursday, March 5

Accident with towed car hospitalizes man

Piedmont man faces arson charges for fires

150 arrested at alleged cockfighting operation

Sudan's president wanted for Darfur war crimes

Friday, March 6

2-car wreck hurts Anniston man in Talladega County

Jacksonville man charged after trying to rob his ride

Ohatchee resident defends home from alleged burglar

Officials: Rise in meth-related needles pose public health risk

Saturday, March 7

Regulators shut down Ga. bank; 17 failures this year

Court ends terror suspect's detention challenge

Prosecutors attempt to seize former state representative Schmitz' assests

Court upholds most charges against Siegelman

Sunday, March 8

Stop the Violence to look ahead to next steps at

Rep. Fite: Electronic bingo unwelcome here

To execute or not: A question of cost?

Ousted judge sentenced to 18 months in firearm case

Man saves 2 children from fire, dies trying to save wife

Weekly roundup for the week of Feb. 23

2009-03-09T10:28:00.004-06:00

Monday, Feb. 23

AT&T seeks more phone deregulation

Tuesday, Feb. 24

Hobson City refuses to disclose payments to attorney it hired

Area cops look forward to federal money

Wednesday, Feb. 25

Oxford firefighters respond to motel blaze

Gunman who fired into house sought

Pair of women sought in attack in Anniston

Anniston police hunt for drive-by shooter

Condition of girl who drank acid upgraded to serious

Thursday, Feb. 26

Coroners struggle with cuts in state funding for autopsy transportation costs

Auditors: Former school bookkeeper responsible for missing funds

Forum on probation yields no dissent

Gadsden funeral home director charged with abuse of corpse

Friday, Feb. 27

Hobson City mayor explains attorney hiring

Shooter sought for allegedly firing at car

2 Calhoun men face child porn charges

Jacksonville man sentenced: Moss pleads guilty to 1995 murder of Kristy Winkler
This story drew a lot of interest as a result of the sentence. We hope to do a story about the reasoning behind such split sentencing. Law enforcement officers repeatedly express their frustration at what they deem soft sentences.

National forest fires investigated as arson

Group probed for helping people die defends work

Alabama fugitive in murder case caught

Alabama man indicted for false Obama threat

Lawsuit filed over Birmingham area prison

Execution date set for Alabama inmate

Gadsden mortician mum on arrest on abuse charge

Saturday, Feb. 28

I-20 eastbound closed after wreck

Anniston police are seeking man accused in sexual assault case

Police hunting for man who stole car in Anniston on Thursday

Jacksonville police search for man accused in Wendy's robbery

Cows make a run for it in Jacksonville

Court rejects Obama bid to stop spy case

Sunday, March 1

Man facing prison due to judge's error freed

Weekly Roundup for the week of Feb. 16

2009-02-23T16:33:00.004-06:00

Monday, Feb. 16

1 dead, 1 injured in ATV accident

Anniston firefighters called to chimney fire

Courthouse plans still up in the air

Tuesday, Feb. 17

Police: Soda exchanged for sex with mother, daughter

Wednesday, Feb. 18

Heflin couple jailed after domestic dispute at home

Calhoun County jail inmate charged in scalding attack

Anniston police say officers were justified to shoot man in Noble Street home

George Smith: Hanging just isn't our thing

Anniston BOE settles with Felton: Board to pay former superintendent $67,875 settlement

Church fires stoke arson fears

Bill seeks to restrict sex offenders around colleges

House votes to require experience for judges

Thursday, Feb. 19

Weaver girl in critical condition after drinking acid

2 Chambers church fires ruled arson

Davis panel recommends attorneys for judge's seat

Friday, Feb. 20

Alabama death row inmate dies of liver failure

House votes to stop cars of some drunken drivers

House votes to ban texting while driving

Woman OK after run-in with train

Man whose cousin drank meth-related acid turns himself in to police

Little threatens to sue Anniston mayor over perceived death threat

State bill introduced to stop jail food bonuses

Anniston police search for robbery suspect

Meth lab found in car leads to pair of arrests

Saturday, Feb. 21

Weaver man charged in cousin's acid-drinking to appear in court April 30

2005 murder suspect given death penalty in Cleburne County

Sunday, Feb. 22

Latest scam for personal data uses e-mail, texting

Wadley's ex-mayor could face ethics charge

Private eyes: Anniston city court ponders business link to monitor offenders

Police say they have solved D.C. intern slaying

Weekly roundup for the week of Feb. 9

2009-02-23T11:21:00.005-06:00

Monday, Feb. 9

Oxford firefighters extricate driver from Explorer after 2-vehicle accident

Bradley files for execution stay

State bill aims to prevent identity theft from probate records

Tuesday, Feb. 10

There were no stories for the Cops and Courts beat today.

Wednesday, Feb. 11

Woman accused of involving daughter in prostitution free on bond

Piedmont man scheduled to be executed Thursday; Danny Joe Bradley was convicted of raping, murdering his stepdaughter

Thursday, Feb. 12

Jenkins' attorney to offer evidence of mental state

Bradley attorneys ask again for stay of execution

Empty house destroyed by fire

Peanut Corp. owner refuses to testify to Congress

Condemned man dies of natural causes

Friday, Feb. 13

15-year-old boy hospitalized after assault on hoops court

Anniston man charged with cocaine trafficking

Calhoun County Sheriff Amerson meets with VP Joe Biden

Wood introduces law enforcement bills

Piedmont man executed; Bradley raped, murdered stepdaughter in 1983

Woman pleads not guilty to helping police officer flee

Delay sought in 2-year college sentencing

Fort Rucker soldier admits to shaking son

New charges for Escambia teacher

Saturday, Feb. 14

Suspect charged with arson in Australian wildfire

Credit union warns customers about scam text messages

16-month-old girl hurt in drive-by shooting

Mississippi native slain in Birmingham park

Fire destroys pair of Chambers churches

U.S. Air Force lawyer battles to free a Guantanamo inmate

Sunday, Feb. 15

Jacksonville police chief earns certification

Credit union warns customers about scam text messages

Fire destroys pair of Chambers churches

U.S. Air Force lawyer battles to free a Guantanamo inmate

Weekly Roundup for the week of Feb. 2

2009-02-16T09:26:00.003-06:00

Monday, Feb. 2

Beating the odds: Former meth addict shares tale of struggle

Tuesday, Feb. 3

Anniston police seek armed robber

Deputies searching for Jack's robber

Billions for cops in Obama plan

Mental retardation claim by killer upheld

Corrections officers say Alabama prison system is a 'time bomb'

Anniston police seek armed robber

Deputies searching for Jack's robber

Wednesday, Feb. 4

Execution delay denied for Bradley

Jury told of Huntsville restaurant shooting deaths

Thursday, Feb. 5

Police chase ends with numerous injuries; 3 charged

22-year-old Lincoln man killed in 1-vehicle accident

Anniston police kill man in Noble Street home
This story would take some time to completely sort out. To help clarify what happened, I'll link to the story that explains the police's investigation.

Friday, Feb. 6

2 injured in Alabama 21 wreck

Under investigation: Anniston police say man did not fire before they killed him

Baby born in Jacksonville restroom; Mother had learned she was pregnant the day before

Talladega community grieving for 4 teens killed in wreck

Alabama bill seeks to ban text messages while driving

Saturday, Feb. 7

Anniston police conducting 2 investigations into shooting death

Sheriff: Mom involved daughter in prostitution

Sunday, Feb. 8

Authorities: 1 dead, 134 rescued from Lake Erie

Whiff of change in U.S. medical marijuana policy

Interesting tool

2009-02-03T14:39:00.006-06:00

Reporters note:
I have received many comments doubting the veracity of the information. According to Piedmont police Chief Steven Tidwell, this doubt is well founded.
The "repeat customers" in his jurisdiction are not listed, nor are the people listed Piedmont residents, he said.
Therefore, this tool is useless at best.

Here is the original posting:

One of our online staff members found this while searching online.
If you provide an address, it tells you all the convicted felons in the area. I didn't realize the Star has six felons living in close proximity.

Weekly roundup for the week of Jan. 26

2009-02-02T09:43:00.005-06:00

Monday, Jan. 26

Issue of terrorists' rights to test Obama's pledge to close Guantanamo Bay

Texas' Baby Grace case sees first trial this week

Tuesday, Jan. 27

Anniston man in jail for allegedly robbing five

Hobson City threatened with legal action over unpaid bill

Man arrested in Nov. 17 attempted robbery

Wednesday, Jan. 28

Staph infections a common issue at jails

Federal judge won't overturn jail food ruling

Thursday, Jan. 29

No crime or courts stories for the day.

Friday, Jan. 30

Man convicted in slaying of Etowah teen

2 women robbed at Anniston home

Saturday, Jan. 31

5 people sent to hospital after car accident on Alabama 21

Anniston man charged with attacking girlfriend, police

Head investigator retires from Anniston

Sunday, Feb. 1

State AG seeks sex offenders' computer names

Piedmont seek public assistance

2009-01-29T09:29:00.003-06:00

The man in this photo is believed to have passed a forged check at a business in Piedmont.
Piedmont police Sgt. Carolyn Durham asked that anyone who has information in the case to call her at 447-9091.
Alternately a person may send an e-mail to crimetips@piedmontcity.org

Roundup for the week of Jan. 19

2009-01-26T14:45:00.006-06:00

Monday, Jan. 19

2 treated at RMC following 2-vehicle wreck

2 injured in 1-vehicle accident in Alexandria

Tuesday, Jan. 20

Couple robs elderly man after car mishap in Anniston

Woman accused of stabbing boyfriend sought by police

Store manager charged with theft, filing false report

Wednesday, Jan. 21

Parachuting business man indicted

Man killed in ATV accident in Collinsville

Woman dies in wreck with Mobile cop

Decatur teen hangs self from balcony

A note on suicides: We normally don't report them, unless there is a need to report it, such as a newsworthy person dying, or as part of a trend. This suicide apparently fits in a seasonal trend, and I hope that this will help dissuade people from committing suicide.

Thursday, Jan. 22

Anniston police search for cell phone robber

Jacksonville police searching for 2 men in apartment robbery

What is noteworthy about this case is the description of the robbers involved. Although primarily of clothing, the more detail the victims can give, the more likely the suspects will be caught.

Police look for man wanted for kidnapping ex-girlfriend

Calhoun County deputies investigate 3 similar home burglaries

Jury convicts Alabama Sen. McClain in corruption trial

State's first black federal judge to retire

Friday, Jan. 23

Tow truck flips in Lenlock

Man sought after allegedly shooting at 2 in their home

Wednesday blaze renders Jacksonville home uninhabitable

Gas leak closes Alabama 21 through Jacksonville

Needles found in Randolph County meth arrests

County asks for delay in McClellan ruling

Area leaders learn about crime-fighting grant effort

Investors say jailed pilot swiped money for years

12 indicted in federal Alabama steroid probe

Teacher says videotape proves students are violent

Columbiana police officer shot, wounded on patrol

Saturday, Jan. 24

Jenkins' trial set for April

Task force agents seize marijuana; charge man with drug traff icking

Man arrested after allegedly trying to shoot ex-girlfriend

3 dead in Belgian day care stabbings

Sunday, Jan. 25

Texas' Baby Grace case sees first trial this week

My apologies

2009-01-19T12:28:00.003-06:00

I have been busy, and I let the blog slide.

Some notes:

We've taken some heat for the Thursday, Jan. 15 issue, where we printed James Harvey Callahan and Rebbecca Suzanne Howell's photos together on the front page. The decision was made by our designers. The reasoning is that the story of those two people are intertwined. For good or ill, you cannot talk about either person's life without mentioning the other.

I also ran into flak for the Crimson Tiger story. At the risk of reiterating myself, I will simply link to the story.

Also, be sure to check out Mike Faulk's coverage of the inauguration. That lucky dog got to go to the actual inauguration with a press pass and all.
His first story is here, and more is upcoming.

Roundup for the week of Jan. 12

2009-01-19T11:58:00.004-06:00

Monday, Jan. 12

Seeing through the smoke: Oxford Fire Department receives money for thermal-imaging cameras

Attorneys seek to block Callahan execution

Tuesday, Jan. 13

Oxford police officer recovering at home

Police searching for break-in suspect

Mayfield found dead in office

State opposes delay of Callahan execution set for Thursday

Supreme Court declines Georgia motion in water wars case

Wednesday, Jan. 14

Weaver student admits accessing school computer to change grades

State High Court won't stop Callahan execution

Thursday, Jan. 15

Callahan's execution set for tonight; attorneys ask for stay

Supreme Court says evidence is valid despite police error

Sheriffs look to change state's jail food law

Friday, Jan. 16

Callahan executed for 1982 murder of JSU student

Crimson Tiger employees investigated

Weaver student who changed grades plans to enroll at Anniston

Authorities investigating alleged embezzlement at Pleasant Valley High School

Alabama budget cuts could risk releasing prison inmates

Saturday, Jan. 17

Police investigate shots fired near AHS

Sunday, Jan. 18

Man found dead in Prichard had signs of hypothermia

U.S. moves 6 Gitmo detainees

Weekly roundup for the week of Jan. 5

2009-01-19T11:35:00.004-06:00

Monday, Jan. 5

County officials to pick up medical bill for robbery suspect

Vault at Calhoun County Sheriff's Office packed with remains of cases

Tuesday, Jan. 6

Piedmont fires police officer

Alleged cockfighting ring busted in Clay Co.

U.S. government: Jail Madoff without bail

Wednesday, Jan. 7

Coleman sues over Minnesota Senate recount results

Aruba prosecutor says end is near in Holloway case

Thursday, Jan. 8

Anniston man killed in hit-and-run on Alabama 202

Deaths on state's rural roads drop 17 percent

Federal judge arrests state sheriff over jail food

Decatur officer accused of taking $70,000 in scam

Friday, Jan. 9

Cadillac whacks Jack's: Anniston store damaged, no injuries

Man allegedly fires gun at girlfriend after argument

Oxford police officer blacks out while on patrol

Not as bad as it looks

Investigators ask for public's help in fatal hit-and-run

Controversy settles over Heflin fire chief

Saturday, Jan. 10

Oxford police officer stable after crash; Dentists begin cleaning up

Police arrest woman in hit-and-run

Illinois House impeaches governor

5 people shot at South Side Chicago school

Sunday, Jan. 11

Budget woes prompt states to rethink prison policy

Weekly roundup for the week of Dec. 29

2009-01-19T09:30:00.002-06:00

Monday, Dec. 29

No stories for crime and courts were published today.

Tuesday, Dec. 30

Riley forms task force to probe gambling

Wednesday, Dec. 31

Stretched thin: Piedmont police struggle with staffing shortage

Martial arts expert teaches women to fight off attackers

Suspect in 2 convenience store robberies arrested

Police seek pair of alleged Christmas Eve robbers

Man who allegedly tried to hit woman with car sought

3 charged in death of woman found in well

Alabama's jail backlog creeps up again

2 charged in chase through Etowah, DeKalb counties

Thursday, Jan. 1

Men robbed after surprising burglar

Men send woman to hospital after throwing bottles at her

Police arrest third suspect in attempted robbery case

Alabama troopers to expand patrols

AG threatens to seize electronic bingo in Etowah

Friday, Jan. 2

Anniston police take back jurisdictions

Holiday gunfire in Mobile injures 7-year-old girl

Man convicted of UAB slaying linked to another months earlier

Alabama Supreme Court declines death penalty case

Etowah County man dies after jumping from car

Saturday, Jan. 3

3 hospitalized after 2-car accident in Anniston Friday

Firefighters respond to truck fire

Anniston police hunt man who allegedly enticed child

Heflin man killed Thursday in accident involving 2 cars

Piedmont police officer arrested: Harris-Brown charged with sexual misconduct

1st day back patrolling jurisdiction no problem for Anniston police

Sunday, Jan. 4

Baldwin cyclist struck by car, killed

Weekly roundup for the week of Dec. 22

2009-01-19T08:32:00.005-06:00

Monday, Dec. 22

Fruithurst muscadine winery gets alcohol license

Tuesday, Dec. 23

Anniston police seek 2 robbery suspects

Calhoun County Jail corrections officer now provides service to the inmates as a nurse

Jury convicts 5 men in Fort Dix terror plot

Alabama bill aims to limit spending in judicial races

Wednesday, Dec. 24

1 alleged robber killed, another injured by gunshots from local store owner

Jacksonville man allegedly stabs woman he met on Internet

Man out on bond after allegedly shooting neighbor with BB gun

Wal-Mart settles labor lawsuits

Veteran UAB cop charged with rape

Man charged in killing of Daphne woman

Jackson County deputies collect loans for payday lenders

State to get $35 million from drug suit

Thursday, Dec. 25

Coming together: Piedmont, surrounding communities support student injured in deadly wreck

Alleged robber charged in crime that left 1 dead

2 injured in wreck near Jacksonville

N.C. store emptied after bullet fired by escalator

Friday, Dec. 26

Oxford full-time fire department providing better response times

Police: At least 6 were killed in 'Santa' shooting

Now hiring: Mobile federal court seeks magistrate

1 dead when car drives into home on Christmas Eve

Saturday, Dec. 27

No crime or courts stories for the day.

Sunday, Dec. 28

South Alabama man jailed for setting fire to home

Weekly roundup for the week of Dec. 15

2008-12-22T13:47:00.004-06:00

Monday, Dec. 15

Gadsden troopers respond to two wreck fatalities

Tuesday, Dec. 16

2 die, another hurt in wreck near Piedmont

17-year-old dies after being struck by car Monday night in Oxford

Anniston police search for person who stole TV while owners slept

Man arrested, charged with 2 counts of first-degree robbery

Jury calls for death penalty in quadruple murder case

Wednesday, Dec. 17

Piedmont High students dealing with death of sisters

Jacksonville police charge 3 with burglary

Anniston police search for 2 robbery suspects

34-year-old Anniston man charged with burglary

Medical condition may have played role in teen's death

Remains identified as Sylacauga man

Thursday, Dec. 18

Stunned? Local law enforcement say stun guns are essential tools

Georgia judge jails Muslim woman over not removing head scarf

Friday, Dec. 19

Area pools getting ready to meet new federal regulations

Anniston police searching for 2 men in Samco robbery

Police: Suspicious package at Quintard Mall a 'hoax'

Judge declines separate trial for state Sen. E.B. McClain

Officers take 50 dogs from 'puppy mill' outside of Pell City

Rwandan military official found guilty of genocide

Saturday, Dec. 20

Anniston police search for robbery suspect

Music industry drops effort to sue song swappers

Sunday, Dec. 21

Investigators shift focus to home of slain toddler's grandparents

Weekly roundup for the week of Dec. 8

2008-12-22T13:08:00.002-06:00

Monday, Dec. 8

City unveils justice center: Oxford police get new headquarters

Tuesday, Dec. 9

Woman arrested after allegedly shooting at car, ramming victim

Weaver police arrest 2 suspects in 1999 murder

Local man arrested for allegedly robbing store

Jack's restaurant in Lenlock robbed

3 men robbed outside one of their homes

More people are getting away with murder

Suspicious letters sent to governors

Confessions throw 9/11 trials into confusion

Wednesday, Dec. 10

Anniston police to resume duties outside city limits

Oxford High locked down after scare

Senator loses appeal in airport sex case

Alaska governor's office sent suspicious powder

Illinois governor indicted in corruption probe

Thursday, Dec. 11

Jurisdiction policy change eases load on sheriff's office

No eyewitnesses heard in civil rights slaying

Friday, Dec. 12

Jacksonville police replacing life-saving body armor

On-duty ambulance involved in accident on Alabama 202

50 people across Alabama arrested for welfare fraud

Saturday, Dec. 13

Brown found guilty of murder

Funeral director convicted in New York body parts trial

Atlanta courthouse shooter avoids death sentence

U.S. to take DNA from illegal immigrants

Alabama Supreme Court sides with Exxon Mobil

Sunday, Dec. 14

Blagojevich weighs his legal options

Judge sentences Atlanta courthouse shooter

Grand jury returns indictments in probe of community college

Suspect in Bessemer man's slaying leads police to body

Judge sentences Atlanta courthouse shooter

Weekly Roundup for the week of Dec. 1

2008-12-08T10:11:00.004-06:00

Tuesday, Dec. 2

Man robbed after refusing to buy drugs

2 women robbed at Anniston home

Man stabbed by wife on Friday night

Oxford police continue search for murder suspect

Georgia man charged in stabbing death of boss

3 arrested after car chase in Anniston

Langford arrested on bribery, fraud charges

Wednesday, Dec. 3

Robbery detail back for holidays

Trial begins in Cleburne murder case

Langford talked of clothing debt to investigators

Thursday, Dec. 4

ABI, FBI investigate racial threats at church

Cleburne murder trial under way: Brown, 2 others accused of killing 4 members of a family

Pair of Anniston robbery, chase suspects named

Man declines ride, allegedly stabbed

Man charged in restaurant robbery

Ohatchee man faces car-stealing charge

Alabama Supreme Court sets 5 execution dates

U.S. releases first part of Mexico's drug aid

Friday, Dec. 5

Suspect in Oxford murder captured

Sources: Oxford stabbing victim bled to death while residents watched

Texas man wanted for robbery arrested in Anniston

Tennessee motel sued in death of Alabama woman

Anti-meth video sent to Alabama high schools

Israeli soldiers drag settlers out of Hebron house

Saturday, Dec. 6

Human remains found in Talladega National Forest

Ex-insurance company owner pleaded guilty

Police returning suspect to face murder charges

Man is free on bond after being charged with robbery

Report: South a big exporter of guns used in crime

Simpson saga takes new turn with robbery sentencing

Judge tosses most of Splenda lawsuit

Sunday, Dec. 7

Wedowee teen dies in wreck, 3 others injured

Oxford police bring murder suspect back: Accused killer Jesse Earl Scheuing taken to Calhoun County Jail

Huntsville police arrest kidnapping suspect

The Death of Sean Adam Cook

2008-12-02T09:37:00.002-06:00

I have been trying to write an obituary for Sean Adam Cook, who was shot and killed Black Friday.
Unfortunately, I have been unable to contact any one who knew him, and was hoping people who knew him could come forward to talk about him.
I can be reached at 235-3546 or at gmilldrum@annistonstar.com
Thank you,
Graham Milldrum

Weekly roundup for the week of Nov. 24

2008-11-29T10:21:00.004-06:00

Monday, Nov. 24

Something, not for nothing: Local police say scams continue to trap unsuspecting victims

Police: Wife fatally shot at New Jersey church

Talladega teen's slaying stirs anti-violence march

Tuesday, Nov. 25

Oxford police investigating weekend break-ins of 3 trucks and 2 SUVs

Shots fired into Anniston Army Depot police officer's house

Ohatchee police officer suspended following assault charge

Wednesday, Nov. 26

Man robbed at gunpoint on Cooper Avenue in Anniston

Thursday, Nov. 27

Man arrested in Oxford on charges from Alabama, Ohio

Jury convicts mom of 4 minor offenses in cyberbullying case

Government issues warning of terror plot against NYC subways during holiday season

Lawsuits in fatal Huntsville school bus crash settled

Judge dismisses Alabama suit over Indian gaming

Friday, Nov. 28

Police officers, firefighters, paramedics, EMTs spend the holidays ready to help

3 judges named to hear Siegelman, Scrushy appeals

Bodies of missing Ashville women found in submerged car

Saturday, Nov. 29

Suspect sought in Oxford slaying: Homicide 19th of year for county

Inspectors crack down on mail theft

Sunday, Nov. 30

Police looking for second suspect in Oxford homicide

Agencies work on plan to clear accidents faster

Professor charged with sending obscene pictures

Attorney: Letter accuses guards of beating death

Weekly roundup for the week of Nov. 17

2008-11-21T16:27:00.003-06:00

Tuesday, Nov. 18

Man arrested in dog shooting case

Attempted robbers flee after gun goes off

Wal-Mart employee charged with theft

Anniston man charged in break-in

Wednesday, Nov. 19

Man charged with having makings of meth lab in car

Someone steals, then abandons school bus

9 people charged with making meth in Anniston

State Supreme Court hears suit between Riley, legislators

State troopers to launch traffic blitz today

Aruba police seek new evidence in Holloway case

Thursday, Nov. 20

Oxford man charged in child pornography case

Ohatchee man faces new charge after drug arrest

Woman's death investigated as homicide

Friday, Nov. 21

Man charged in liquor store burglary

Husband charged with murder in wife's death

Saturday, Nov. 22
Area murder rate surpasses record of 17

Man robbed while leaving American Legion post

Jacksonville man charged with impersonating a police officer

Sunday, Nov. 23

Woman arrested in 1980 slaying of college student

Man arrested in the January slaying of 85-year-old woman

1 dead, 1 injured in car-truck collision on Baldwin County 24

Weekly Roundup for the week of Nov. 10

2008-11-19T08:39:00.003-06:00

Monday, Nov. 10

American Bar Association president: Alabama judicial race costs obscene

Tuesday, Nov. 11

Woman robbed Sunday on Quintard

Man fleeing from child support jailed

Man sentenced in Social Security theft

Thursday, Nov. 13

Retired federal judge honored with his portrait in courtroom

Woman allegedly kidnapped on her way to work Monday

Anniston woman reports being assaulted with piece of wood

Anniston gas station robbed by gunman early Wednesday

Friday, Nov. 14

Man proclaims guilt for brother's crime

3 invade Jacksonville home in robbery attempt

3 charged with robbing herb store in Anniston; 1 sought

Vermont plans to send inmates to Alabama

Saturday, Nov. 15

Feds draft indictment against Blackwater guards

Judge throws out policy banning double-dipping

Sunday, Nov. 16

19-year-old killed in single-vehicle accident

Body of missing woman found in woods in Daphne

Weekly roundup for the week of Nov. 3

2008-11-11T13:27:00.006-06:00

Monday, Nov. 3

County's mental health officer gives sheriff's office more flexibility

Tuesday, Nov. 4

Anniston police look for store robber

Man robbed in his Jacksonville apartment

Employee robbed at Anniston restaurant

Man accused of attacking ex-wife

Anniston police search for 2 women in robbery attempt

Girl hit by car comes home: Weaver 4-year-old injured on Halloween out of hospital

Wednesday, Nov. 5

Stedham new family court judge

Thursday, Nov. 6

Jacksonville man robbed at his apartment

Jacksonville man shot during argument

Friday, Nov. 7

Madison man charged in Oxford robbery, assault

Saturday, Nov. 8

Man's death thought to be homicide

Man robbed while getting groceries on Noble Street

Police seeking man who robbed gas station patron

Sunday, Nov. 9

Downtown deer OK after mishap

8-year-old faces 2 murder charges

Weekly roundup for the week of Oct. 27

2008-11-03T08:27:00.003-06:00

Tuesday, Oct. 28
Alleged child abuser picked up

Anniston man charged with robbery

Anniston cab driver robbed, stabbed

Wednesday, Oct. 29

Anniston woman charged with attacking ex-boyfriend

5 vehicles broken into at Anniston body shop

2 more men arrested in killing, butchering of cow

Man robbed while filling a soda machine in Anniston

2 in jail after riding along in chase from Anniston police

Thursday, Oct. 30

Heflin man jailed in Anniston on rape charge

Thieves again target Anniston auto body shop

Pair of robbers strike Anniston business

Local police: Use common sense for Halloween safety

Friday, Oct. 31

Julian Jenkins named in Alabama's 2-year college probe, free on $5,000 bond

Women robbed at Jacksonville apartment

Gunshots fired at home in Anniston

Shots fired at women visiting Anniston

Suspect sought in Jacksonville robbery

Skinheads accused of Obama plot to remain behind bars

Sunday, Nov. 2

Weaver child hit by car, injured

Hawaii man charged in state fraud case

Weekly roundup for the week of Oct. 20

2008-10-27T07:58:00.004-06:00

Monday, Oct. 20

1 driver dies in 2-vehicle Cleburne County wreck

Crime cashes in on payday: Latino-run stores in area hit with fake paycheck scam

Tuesday, Oct. 21

Jacksonville police looking for 2 robbers

Wednesday, Oct. 22

Man robbed outside Anniston motel room

Popeye's in Anniston robbed Sunday night

Armed person robs Anniston Checkmate

Person attempts to rob Sonic on Noble

Woman trying to stop hit and run attacked

Jacksonville man charged with attacking motorist

Man robs Anniston Advance America Cash Advance

U.S. drops terror charges against 5 at Guantanamo

Former Thai prime minister found guilty of corruption

Thursday, Oct. 23

Gunshots fired at motorist driving on Cobb Avenue

King seeks execution dates for 4 inmates

Alabama officials ask court to clarify bond contract

Friday, Oct. 24

Woman charged in boyfriend's death

Calhoun County inmate attacks officer

Anniston man charged with crack possession

Federal parking fines go unpaid

Grand jury to consider prison van crash

Saturday, Oct. 25

Man charged with killing of livestock

Man arrested after attempted robbery

Anniston man charged with robbing Sonic

Woman's scream foils apparent robbery

Moody woman accused of shooting two horses

Sunday, Oct. 26

Newly elected Anniston officials favor return to police jurisdiction patrols

Weekly roundup for the week of Oct. 13

2008-10-21T17:01:00.004-05:00

Monday, Oct. 13

Ohio woman’s shooting puts face on foreclosure crisis

Tuesday, Oct. 14

Anniston woman charged with first-degree burglary

Man throws trash cans at robber, Anniston police report

High-speed chase ends with death in crash in Hobson City

Wednesday, Oct. 15

Man charged with hitting woman, shooting man

Oxford man charged with drug possession

Anniston woman robbed in her home by armed man

Man arrested in Wellington for alleged attack of another

Police: Man damages girlfriend's house

Roanoke woman accused of trying to hire hit on husband

Man shoots self after running over Randolph County deputy

Childersburg teen dead in police shooting

Traffic tickets dismissed for state Sen. Lowell Barron

Thursday, Oct. 16

Stray bullet causes leaky roof in Anniston home

JSU student in jail for alleged assault of pregnant girlfriend

Reddick asks judge to vacate ruling on disqualification of candidacy

Civil rights figure sentenced to 15 years in prison in Virginia

Autauga County man helped wreck victim who steals SUV

Friday, Oct. 17

Anniston resident attacked with rock by thieves, robbed

Anniston woman arrested, charged with knife attack

Choccolocco man's cow butchered in his pasture

Arrest made in Anniston murder

Saturday, Oct. 18

Oxford police investigate 2 armed robberies they say may be connected

Series of wrecks blocks eastbound lanes of I-20

Suspect dead, 4 hurt in Ga. law office explosion

16 firefighters hurt in Somerville meth lab fire

Sunday, Oct. 19

Sylacauga man killed in wreck near Talladega

King children in court with book deal on the line

Researcher gets $192M in state court case

State troopers get BAT mobile to work DUI cases

Preacher files lawsuit against Alabama schools

Weekly roundup for the week of Oct. 6

2008-10-13T08:53:00.004-05:00

Monday, Oct. 6
Fowler trial to be delayed

Tuesday, Oct. 7

Domestic dispute leads to gunfire in Jacksonville

Woman punches robber in Jacksonville

Judge delays Fowler trial in Jackson murder

Wednesday, Oct. 8

Anniston man charged with sexual abuse of a minor

81-year-old Alexandria woman robbed at her home

Anniston woman hit in head by thrown bicycle

2 men arrested, charged with stealing copper in '07

Man charged with shooting at another man

Thursday, Oct. 9

Oxford police looking for 2 men believed to be involved in thefts

Police searching for person who used stolen checkbooks

Cattle thefts statewide have doubled in 2008

Friday, Oct. 10

Calhoun County residents summoned for jury duty next week are no longer needed

Anniston takes action against county

Man arrested for allegedly raping acquaintance

Saturday, Oct. 11

Police searching for robber targeting elderly women

Man arrested, charged with possession of drugs

State Supreme Court upholds Bryan decertification

Judge dismisses ACLU’s felon voting suit

Sunday, Oct. 12

Vandals damage high school stadium in Boaz

Weekly roundup for the week of Sept. 25

2008-10-06T09:18:00.007-05:00

Tuesday, Sept. 26

Woman robbed in Golden Springs

Alleged Adderall thief arrested Friday

Gunfire injures child in Anniston Sunday

Man recognizes stolen motorcycle

Police investigating home break-in on Walnut Avenue

Anniston police searching for 2 men who robbed business

Anniston sues for control of McClellan

Prosecutor named to investigate attorneys' firings

Siegelman, Scrushy ask court to reverse convictions

Car dealer Bill Heard files Chapter 11

Wednesday, Oct. 1

Man in hospital could face arson charges for ex-wife's Anniston home

New challenge to Florida gay adoption ban

Prominent civil rights attorney dies

Thursday, Oct. 2

Talladega man found guilty of trafficking marijuana

Judge says parties to get free copies of Alabama voter list

Friday, Oct. 3

4 teens charged with attempted murder

Legal battle brewing over merger between Wachovia, Wells Fargo

Florence man, son arrested in probe of drug cartel

Supreme Court upholds death penalty sentences

Officials: Governor's crime list disqualifies too many state voters

7 die in prison van collision

Saturday, Oct. 4

Spreading the word: Calhoun County Jail Ministries helps fill spiritual need

'Dega security prepared for race weekend

Next president will reshape U.S. courts

Voter registration lawsuits could shape election

Judge delays start of prison term for Bryant Melton

Task force looking for help

2008-10-03T09:13:00.000-05:00

Since Joseph Stephen “Steve” West, 53, of the 400 block of Mountain Road in Ohatchee was arrested and charged with two counts of second-degree sodomy, law enforcement has been asking victims to come forward.
Richard Smith, commander of the Calhoun/Cleburne County Drug Task Force and Violent Crime Unit, said there is reason to believe West may have been involved in other previous abuses.
Anyone who was abused or has information about abuse should call Steve Robertson, special investigator at the Calhoun/Cleburne County Children’s Center at 238-0902 or the task force office at 231-1800.

Weekly roundup for the week of Sept. 22

2008-09-30T09:17:00.005-05:00

Monday, Sept. 22

Judge disqualifies Gov. Riley's A&M appointees

Suit over Riley line-item veto set for hearing

Tuesday, Sept. 23

Anniston police report Piedmont woman assaulted by ex-boyfriend

Woman reports rape Saturday night on Noble Street

Anniston woman attacks another woman at local bar

Wednesday, Sept. 24

Man blocking traffic arrested on drug charges

Man arrested, charged with death of Star employee

Anniston police report woman attacked by boyfriend Monday

Man charged with possession of cocaine Saturday morning

Fire crews rescue woman, child in Golden Springs

Ex-commish to plead to lying in bond swap probe

Thursday, Sept. 25

Anniston police looking for two robbery suspects

Woman allegedly attacks boyfriend with box cutter

Two arrested, charged with possession of marijuana

Deputies catch alleged burglars

Anniston twins charged with breaking into vehicle

Police still searching for clues in Bibb murder

Senate approves bill to probe civil rights murders

Friday, Sept. 26

9 siblings among 11 kids abandoned under Nebraska law

Ozark couple charged after child brings pot to school

Saturday, Sept. 27

Judge to decide Reddick election challenge in a 'timely fashion'

Keen eye earns Huntsville boy honor

Sunday, Sept. 28

Alabama lawyer indicted in child sex abuse case

Man admits to threat against nuclear plant

Weekly roundup for the week of Sept. 15

2008-09-25T12:54:00.006-05:00

Tuesday, Sept. 16

Cargo trucks stolen from Sticks N Stuff

Man charged with meth possession

2 men arrested Friday in meth bust

Oxford police arrest 2 after truck wreck

Attalla man charged with drug possession

Man assaulted with crutch Monday

Taxi driver robbed by passenger in Oxford

2 recent murders adds to urgency

Alexandria man stabbed to death

Alexandria man charged with manslaughter in 2007 wreck

State inmates registering to vote from prison

Thursday, Sept. 18

Ex-Anniston police officer arrested

Jefferson County jail inmate assaults bailiff, escapes

Oxford police arrest 4 on various charges

2 arrested in Oxford on drug charges

$10,000 reward offered in murder: Anniston police look for leads in shooting death of John Bibb

175 alleged Mexican drug cartel members arrested

Friday, Sept. 19

Arrest made in Weaver burglary case

Ohatchee man charged with sodomy

Court rejects probation for ex-HealthSouth officer

Large jury pool planned in 1965 civil rights case

Weekly roundup for the week of Sept. 8

2008-09-11T17:12:00.008-05:00

Tuesday

Wellington man pleads guilty of murder in 2006 shooting death

Oxford police charge 3 with crack cocaine possession

Munford man robbed of his pit bull puppy in Anniston

Wednesday

Oxford police charge 3 with crack cocaine possession

Thursday

Munford man robbed of his pit bull puppy in Anniston

Fifth suspect arrested in Shelby slayings

Friday

Police seeking information in shooting

Man charged in Oxford Wendy's robbery

Subpoenas to be issued in Palin trooper firing probe

Saturday
Police shoot, kill robbery suspect in Baldwin County

Weekly Roundup for the week of Aug. 31

2008-09-08T13:38:00.007-05:00

Saturday, Aug. 30

Local responders ready for possible effects from storm

Alabama judge's goof could mean prison for former soldier

Sunday, Aug. 31

2 dead in apparent Anniston murder-suicide

State Troopers to be out in force this weekend

2 Alabama students killed in car accident

Tuesday, Sept. 2

Oxford police seize large quantity of marijuana

Wednesday, Sept. 3

3 arrested for copper theft at new Oxford police station

Piedmont Police seek help solving robberies

Man killed in crash near Hokes Bluff

Anniston man charged in assault with chair

Anniston police investigate stabbing

Anniston police probe Monday shooting

Defense rests in state Rep. Schmitz's fraud trial

Thursday, Sept. 4

Weekend gunfire rattles local area

Anniston man charged with assaulting sheriff's deputy

Oxford man sentenced in fed court in child pornography case

Friday, Sept. 5

Anniston police report man assaulted on Wednesday

Butler loses probation on 2 murder convictions

Man robbed early Wednesday morning

Woman assaulted with walking cane

Saturday, Sept. 6

Lineville man arrested on robbery charges

Tractor driver dies near Hollis Crossroads

4 men arrested, marijuana seized

Jeremy Lee Butler probation hearing coming up

2008-09-02T14:42:00.003-05:00

Jeremy Lee Butler stands accused of violating his probation this Thursday. He was arrested by the Calhoun County Sheriff's Office on Aug. 21 on charges of producing meth.

His testimony was used in the conviction of Tony Brooks and Ellis Lous Mashburn for the robbery and murder of Mashburn's grandmother and her husband.

Local Law Enforcement Contacts

2008-08-29T09:08:00.009-05:00

Every law enforcement officer I have spoken to has asked that citizens give them as much information as possible. If you have a tip or have a crime happen to you, here's the contact information for local jurisdictions.

Anniston Police can be reached at 240-4000 (investigative division) or at apd@ci.anniston.al.us

The Calhoun County Sheriff's Office can be reached at 236-6600. Calhoun County Sheriff Larry Amerson also suggests calling Crimestoppers at 238-1414.

The Jacksonville Police can be reached at their main number, 435-6448.

Piedmont Police can be reached at 447-9091, where callers should ask to speak to an investigator. The department can also be reached by e-mail at crimetips@piedmontcity.org.

You can reach the Oxford Police investigative division at 831-2121.

Call for e-mails

2008-08-27T16:16:00.006-05:00

In some ways, journalists are like the police. We work best off of tips and suggestions from the public.

I've gotten several e-mails about cases and stories that I should be aware of, and I have followed each as best I can.

The AIDS Mary story was one such story- I would not have heard of it if it had not been emailed in.

Our readers are a great source of information, and I want to encourage you to contact me.

So, if you hear of anything I should know about, please tell me.

The best way to reach me is through my e-mail: gmilldrum@annistonstar.com. I check my inbox several times a day, and normally reply within a few days.

Crime, courts and public safety calendar

2008-08-27T14:02:00.001-05:00

You can bookmark this post if you like- it is updated whenever I add events to the calendar.

If I missed something, e-mail me at gmilldrum@annistonstar.com

Roundup for the week of Aug. 18

2008-08-26T17:23:00.008-05:00

Aug. 19

3 Anniston residents charged in meth case
Jacksonville man charged in car theft
Shooting death suspect identified

Aug. 21

Anniston woman charged with April robbery at Rally's on Quintard Avenue
Safety group: Piedmont police put grant money to good use

Aug. 22

Alexandria man convicted in child sexual abuse case

Aug. 23

Meth bust yields four arrests
Oxford man in jail, charged with producing meth

No AIDS murders, local law enforcement reports

2008-08-14T16:59:00.006-05:00

It seems the tired AIDS Mary story has been making the rounds again, this time in the Star's circulation area.

It's an old tale that people are spreading AIDS intentionally, but this one has a decidedly local twist. Supposedly the Calhoun County Sheriff's Office has caught at least one person doing so, and charged them with attempted murder. To make it even better, supposedly the Star reported it.

A thorough check through our archives turned up no such story, and a talk with the sheriff disproved any recent AIDS case.

Sheriff Larry Amerson he said he hasn't heard of any attempted murder cases from intentionally spreading AIDS. In the past, his office had arrested a few people for knowingly spreading a disease, he said. Clarification: Amerson also said that those arrests were treated as assaults, not murders.

Captain Rick Sanford of the Anniston Police hadn't heard of any either. There had been some cases in the 80s when AIDS was much more terrifying, he said, but nothing recently.

Neither Lynn Hammond or Brian McVeigh, assistant district attorneys, had heard of any such case.

Posting Guidelines

2008-08-07T11:57:00.008-05:00

Hello, it's Graham Milldrum, and I'm taking over the blog from Nick's capable hands. He posted the guidelines some time ago, but I'd like to reiterate what kind of discussion we'd like to see.

Comments are wonderful and a great part of this job. Comments develop a community of people concerned about crime and who want to bring crimes to the light.

Sadly, it's impossible for me to report on everything that happens. If there is something I or others should know about, please say so. If it's something you want everyone to see, you can post it here. If you want it to be between me and you, you can e-mail me at gmilldrum@annistonstar.com

The rules for posting are simple- no profanity and a reasonable discussion. I'm not asking that the debate be a tired, bland, even lifeless production- far from it. Instead, I want all of us to have a fair debate. As a journalist, I cannot allow postings that make allegations that are not proven, or cannot be proved.

All comments are first sent to me, where I have to decide if they go up or not, using my guidelines. I cannot edit your comments, so if there is one piece of profanity in a post, it has to go. That is not something I like to do.

It might take me up to a business day to get your post up, so please bear with me. As much as I would like to put up everything immediately, I simply cannot.

I really look forward to talking with all of you.

EDIT: One thing I have just run into is people saying they are a relative of a deceased person. It's a long-running online policy that people saying they are a specific person have to identify themselves.

This may seem arbitrary, but some people will pretend they are a relative for no other reason than to be cruel. The (Springfield, IL) State Journal-Register saw this, where a person pretended to be a football player's grandfather. This person went on a number of tirades about how horrible the alleged grandson was.
Obviously, this caused all sorts of problems for the family.
So please, if you are related to someone, send me a separate e-mail with a phone number I can contact you, to ensure that someone is not trying to cause trouble.

New faces around The Star

2008-08-06T10:22:00.004-05:00

The Star is welcoming some new faces around the newsroom including a new crime reporter.
Graham Milldrum came all the way from Illinois to take the reins of the crime beat. So you won't have to look at my sorry mug anymore, haha.

I've enjoyed my time - and the opportunity - to interact with Calhoun and Cleburne County's finest. I've learned a lot from the folks that make law enforcement and the courts work. Thank you to all of those who have treated me with so much hospitality and respect.
I will now have the privilege of covering Jacksonville, Piedmont, and the northern part of Calhoun County.

Graham will be taking over the blog in a few days. He's a little more tech savvy than I am, so I'm sure he will do a far superior job keeping you up to date on the who, what, where, and how of our crime. I have appreciated all of the crime commentary from the readers of this blog. It has been a pleasure to hear from you.

I wish you all the best,

-Nick

FBI arrests suspect in Wachovia robbery

2008-07-28T09:53:00.000-05:00

From staff, wire reports

07-28-2008

One of two men sought by the FBI in connection with the July 16 robbery of the Wachovia Bank branch in Lenlock and the subsequent kidnapping of two Lenlock-area women was arrested early Sunday in Cartersville, Ga.

Gabriel Dewayne Rice, 20, of the Gadsden area, was in the county jail in Cartersville on Sunday, according to. the Bartow County Sheriff's Office.

The FBI had named Rice as one of two men wanted in connection with the armed holdup of the bank branch on Bill Robison Parkway. During the getaway, the robbers carjacked and kidnapped Anniston resident Nell Catrett and a home health worker and forced them to drive to Gadsden, where the women were released unharmed.

Full Story

Ex-insurance owner's wife released on bail

2008-07-22T11:25:00.002-05:00

Here's the anticipated second arrest in the Howell-Hurt insurance case.

Patricia Hurt

Patricia Hurt of Anniston was taken into custody just before 5 p.m. and charged with 13 counts of first-degree theft of property and one count second-degree theft of property, said Calhoun County Sheriff Larry Amerson.

Here's more.

According to court records, Mitchell W. Hurt, was indicted June 27 by a grand jury on 13 counts of first-degree theft of property and one count of second-degree theft of property.

Here's our report on his arrest.

Police standoff in Saks ends with arrest

2008-07-21T12:24:00.003-05:00

The story was written by reporting intern Alex Scarborough-Anderson.

"A more than three-hour standoff with sheriff's deputies at a Saks-area home Saturday morning ended in the arrest of Anton D. Bowie, 27, after tear gas was used to force him to leave the home's basement."

Full story.

The Star's photo intern, Josh Weiss shot some great photos of this weekend's Woodchase standoff.

Shock treatment: Quick action saves deputy's life

2008-07-21T12:19:00.000-05:00

Alex Ference, an investigator with the district attorney's office, holds the defibrillator he used to revive a deputy who suffered a heart attack Thursday at the Calhoun County Courthouse. Photo: Trent Penny/The Anniston Star

Call it luck, fate, fortune or providence. A Calhoun County deputy lived to see another day after the quick reactions of a local investigator and a lawyer saved his life Thursday.

Here's the story.

Bank robbers are still at large

2008-07-21T11:59:00.005-05:00

Two armed men robbed the Wachovia Bank branch on Bill Robison Parkway between 10 and 10:30 a.m. last Wednesday (July 16). We covered several angles of this story including a few to lend some context.

No word yet on whether authorities have caught the one suspect identified by the FBI late last week.

Here's the initial story:

Bank robbers at large

Megan tells the story of the women kidnapped following the robbery.

By Thursday the FBI had identified one of the fellas.

The Star also learned that Wachovia had prior notice of the potential for a robbery on Wednesday.

Here's a little context about Alabama's bank robbery rate, which rose quite a bit last year.

Homicide cases slated to go to trial this year

2008-07-16T09:44:00.001-05:00

By Nick Cenegy
Staff Writer

07-15-2008

Local prosecutors have slated a list of homicide cases they hope to bring to trial during the remainder of the year, including such high-profile crimes as a 2005 quadruple murder and arson in Cleburne County.

Chief Assistant District Attorney Brian McVeigh said the office has at least 11 cases in Calhoun and Cleburne counties they are preparing for trial between now and December.

A court schedule shows that about two trial weeks are scheduled per month.

A variety of cases are slated to be tried during those weeks, McVeigh said.

Prosecutors are prepared to take a number of drug and violent-crime cases to trial in case some of the homicide defendants agree to plead and do not go to trial.

5 high-profile cases scheduled for trial this year

Trial date: July 28
Defendant: Christopher Charles Caldwell
Charge: Murder
Crime: Allegedly shot Rodney Latavious Bolton Jr., 19, in the head and chest on Sept. 17, 2006, in the 2800 block of Gurnee Avenue. Caldwell was indicted by a grand jury early in December 2006 and awaits trial in the Calhoun County jail.

Trial date: Aug. 4
Defendant: Ricky Dale Spruill
Charge: Manslaughter
Crime: Allegedly kicked Ricky Joe Kimbrell to death near Cleburne County Road 673 in Ranburne.

Trial date: Aug. 11
Defendant: Jimmy Curtis Bundrum
Charge: Murder
Crime: Allegedly shot his neighbor, Kevin Finch, to death in Finch's front yard in Jacksonville Sept. 25, 2006.

Trial date: Sept. 8
Defendant: William Royneil Taylor
Charge: Murder
Crime: Allegedly shot Randy Dewayne Pearson, 23, in the chest with a small-caliber weapon at Barber Terrace Apartments on April 22, 2007. Pearson's body was found on the sidewalk in front of the apartments just a few blocks from his home. U.S. Marshals arrested Taylor in Ohio on a warrant.

Trial date: Sept. 22
Defendant: Mark Anthony Brown
Charge: Capital murder
Crime: First of three defendants in the February 8, 2005, quadruple homicide and arson that occurred at a house on County Road 49 in Cleburne County. The three men allegedly bludgeoned Lena Benefield, 88, and her sons, Reo, 69; Shable, 59; and Durward, 49, to death with a baseball bat and set their house on fire. Also charged in the case and awaiting trial are Shannon Brown and Timothy Patrick Morris.

Local insurance man indicted and arrested on theft charges

2008-07-10T09:51:00.002-05:00

Quite a few folks have been talking about this around town lately. Apparently Mr. Hurt insured quite a number of area businesses, including the company that owns The Star.

We expect to have more on this in Tuesday's paper as the story continues to develop.

For now here is the story:

Insurance agent free on bond after arrest on theft charges

Bryan case probably going to trial

2008-07-08T09:31:00.007-05:00

For anyone who has been following the Calhoun/Cleburne Circuit Court judges race, we're going into extra innings.
Ray Bryan's request for an injunction (to keep the Republican Party from sending a letter decertifying his nomination) was denied by a Jefferson County Circuit judge Monday.
The judge said in his order that there was sufficient time for a full trial before the ballots are printed. Essentially, there will not be any immediate relief for Bryan and his camp.
I've been following this for a while - doing my best to translate the legalese - here are some of the stories.
Bryan case going to trial today's story.
Judge to rule on Bryan's case by Monday 07-04-2008
State GOP Party committee upholds decertification of circuit judge nomination 07-03-2008
Election challenge hearing today: Bryan, Bankson will present their cases 07-02-2008
Jefferson judge to review Bryan case 07-01-2008
Ray Bryan sues state GOP 06-29-2008
Bryan talking with GOP, not yet taking legal action 06-26-2008

Calhoun Republican Party unhappy with state GOP officials over Bryan 06-25-2008
Bryan may lose judgeship over finance filings 06-24-2008

Pulling back the PJ

2008-07-01T11:10:00.002-05:00

Today's the day Anniston police stop patrolling the police jurisdiction area outside the city limits. We've fielded a lot of comments from folks expressing their concerns, but also their faith, regarding the Sheriff's Office inheriting the area. We have been following this for a while.

Dan writes in this morning's paper that it will affect about 14,000 residents, 150 businesses.

Here's Dan's story.

Here is a story I did back on the June 22.

The City Council began discussing the move back in March or April and moved on it fairly quickly.

Here is Megan's original story and a follow-up I did a little after.

Amber alert cancelled

2008-06-30T09:54:00.001-05:00

Alert Type: Amber Alerts
Alert Status: Cancelled/Closed
Date Closed: 6/29/2008

Treshon Williams and Antionetta Smith have been located. Amber Alert has been cancelled.

http://community.dps.alabama.gov/Pages/wfAlertFlyer.aspx?ID=f9e4f304-cf8f-498f-8096-c217beab49d8

Email sent: Sunday, June 29, 2008, 9:20:41 AM

Amber Alert for B'ham

2008-06-27T16:02:00.001-05:00

Alert Type: Amber Alerts
Alert Status: Active
Date Issued: 6/27/2008

In Birmingham:

Treshon M. Williams, one year of age, and Antoinetta Smith, sixteen years of age were last seen on Thursday, June 26,2008 at approximately 10 pm. Antoinetta was babysitting Treshon when she left with the one year old. The vehicle belonging to the one year old's mother is also missing. The vehicle is described as a maroon 1997 4-door Ford Crown Victoria, and should be displaying, Alabama tag 14127AN.

More here

Bryan may lose judgeship over finance filings

2008-06-23T15:19:00.000-05:00

Sheriff Larry Amerson gives the Calhoun County ballot box totals to Family Court Circuit Judge candidate Ray Bryan as Bryan's wife Robin looks on during the June 3 primary at the Anniston Meeting Center. Ballots are counted at the Sheriff's Department. Photo: Kevin Qualls/The Anniston Star

Local attorney Ray Bryan may not become circuit judge, despite having won the June primary election, according to state Republican Party officials.

Full Story

Don't do crack ... it will ruin a reporter's day

2008-06-17T10:34:00.003-05:00

Here at The Star we went all out for today's story about an alleged crack-cocaine ring in Anniston. It's a really interesting story that's got undercover detective work, government seizing property, phone taps and years of alleged drug dealing. Throw in Vin Diesel and some pyrotechnics and you've got a heck of a movie. To go with the story, we've got a video of the press conference, an interactive timeline with mugshots of the accused, a map of the properties the government wants to seize and court documents. It was a long day. Let us know what is most (or least) helpful.

One curious thing to watch for down the line is more charges on past violence connected to the alleged ring. The press release quotes Calhoun County Drug Task Force Commander Richard Smith as saying "(The ring) has inspired fear in our community by the use of violence in order to intimidate members of the community from reporting known activities." None of the charges or allegations in the indictment include a violent crime. When Nick talked to the authorities, Greg Borland of the state DEA said the members of the ring were linked to several area murders, but he would not specify which ones. State Attorney Alice Martin said links to murders may come out down the road as officials review wiretaps.

Connecting the ring to homicides would take this story from big to huge, in my mind. Obviously, we will follow up on that.

-aj

Gas expensive for Gadsden Police too

2008-06-16T10:51:00.003-05:00

The Gadsden Times had a story about the impact of gas prices on law enforcement. They are in the same boat as everyone else. No mention of layoffs, but they discuss ways to absorb the increased cost.

From The Gadsden Times:

By Andy Powell, Times Staff Writer
Published June 16, 2008

With a third of the year still to go, law enforcement agencies are likely to greatly surpass their budgets for fuel, and officials are looking at ways of cutting back.

Etowah County Sheriff Todd Entrekin said fuel prices have increased, but so have the department’s number of calls for assistance.

“We’ll definitely be going over budget in our fuel side,” Entrekin said.

There are some funds from positions not filled that he hopes to move around to cover fuel cost overruns to help the department make it through the year.

“It’s been a direct impact on our budget,” Entrekin said.

Full story

Three robbery attempts in area

2008-06-10T10:43:00.004-05:00

Hannah reported on three different robbery attempts in the area over the past few days.
Oxford police caught a suspect they believe was responsible for one attempt outside of the Wal-Mart.

A Hobson City man was shot in the leg early Monday morning during an attempted armed robbery, according to the Calhoun County Sheriff's office.

A man was beaten outside his home in the 2100 block of Barry Street when two men attempted to take his wallet, according to a report from the Calhoun County Sheriff's Office.

Star district manager killed in Sunday car accident

2008-06-10T10:40:00.000-05:00

A 56-year-old Oxford woman died and an Oxford man was airlifted to UAB Hospital early Sunday morning after a two-car collision near the 6100 block of U.S. 78 West.

Janice Abernathy, a district manager for The Anniston Star, was pronounced dead on the scene around 6:15 a.m. Sunday, said Calhoun County Coroner Pat Brown.

Golden Springs shooting, house fire, and more

2008-06-06T09:16:00.003-05:00

Up until Wednesday we seemed to be having a little lull in the violence lately. I'm not trying to jinx it for this month but we didn't have a single murder last month.

Hannah reported, however, on an incident Wednesday in Golden Springs.

Two Anniston women told police shots were fired at their car Wednesday night as they tried to flee a car they believed was following them.

Coming up this weekend, the City of Anniston "Good Choices" program will put on its 10th annual Stop the Violence Awareness Day.

The event will begin Saturday at 11 a.m. with a march from Zinn Park to Carver Community Center, where entertainment and food will be available. Here is Alex Scarborough-Anderson's article.

A fire destroyed a house on Mt. Gilead Road last night and one firefighter was sent to the hospital for heat exhaustion.

Hannah also reported that a hooded and gloved man reportedly robbed the Chevron station in the 1800 block of Barry Street wielding a small handgun, according to Oxford police. Here is the rest of the story.

From earlier in the week, an Anniston police report (filed Tuesday) indicated that a rape, kidnapping and robbery occurred on May 5 in the 1600 block of Cobb Avenue. Anniston Police Chief John Dryden said the case is probably not connected to a series of other rapes police believe are related.

Press Release: Deputy, former deputy arrested in Winston County

2008-06-04T16:12:00.001-05:00

Press release from the Attorney General's Office

(MONTGOMERY)— Attorney General Troy King today announced the arrests of one former and one current Winston County deputy on multiple charges, including vehicular assault, driving under the influence, and contributing to the delinquency of a child. Nathan Preston, 27, a former deputy, and Deputy William Harvey Wickwire, 33, each surrendered last night at the Winston County Jail and were released on $25,000 bond.

Attorney General King’s Office presented evidence to a Winston County grand jury on May 20 resulting in the indictments*. Former Deputy Preston is charged with one count of first-degree assault by causing serious injury to a person while he was driving under the influence of alcohol or a controlled substance. Preston also is charged with three counts of third-degree assault, one count of driving under the influence, one count of reckless driving, and one count of contributing to the delinquency of a child. Deputy Wickwire is charged with contributing to the delinquency of a child.

No further information about the investigation or about the defendants’ alleged crimes may be released at this time.

“Any time law enforcement officers are accused of criminal behavior, it is particularly disturbing to the people of Alabama and to the brave and honorable men and women in law enforcement who have dedicated themselves to uphold the laws for our protection,” said Attorney General King.

If convicted, Preston faces a penalty of two to 20 years imprisonment and a fine of up to $30,000 for the class B felony offense of vehicular assault; up to one year imprisonment and a fine of up to $6,000 for each charged of third-degree assault; up to 90 days imprisonment or a fine of up to $500 for reckless driving; and up to one year imprisonment or a fine of up to $1,200 for driving under the influence. For the charges of contributing to the delinquency of a child, Preston and Wickwire each face up to one year in the county jail and a fine of up to $500.

Attorney General King commended Assistant Attorney General Josh Bearden of his Violent Crimes Division, who is prosecuting the case, and thanked the Alabama Department of Public Safety, the Winston County Sheriff’s Office and the Hayleyville Police Department for their cooperative investigation in this matter.

*An indictment is merely an accusation. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

More on Oxford Lake

2008-05-30T17:19:00.003-05:00

I've been talking with the OPD today and it turns out they are investigating this. Last I heard they were talking with the security guard in the park to try to find out more. I talked to the victim's mother today who had a very different story than was on the police report.
Nick or I one will continue to follow the investigation.

Oxford Lake Incident - Not a Kidnapping Attempt

2008-05-29T11:34:00.005-05:00

UPDATED INFORMATION IN THE MAY 30 POST

A lot of folks have been asking about an incident at Oxford Lake on Fri. May 23. Oxford investigators gave me a call to clarify that this was not an attempted kidnapping.

The mother of a 5-year-old boy told police she and her son were at Oxford Lake May 23 in the evening. She said she looked up and her son wasn't around, according to police investigators. She and others parents looked for the child. They spotted him walking on the track/sidewalk and yelled his name, a woman the boy was walking with, apparently started pushing the boy towards the mother, said police reports.
Another person started yelling at the woman, asking what she was doing. The woman turned and walked away with her own child leaving the boy on the track, said investigators.
According to police reports, the woman he was walking with didn't run but walked away calmly.
The incident is not being investigated as an attempted kidnapping.
Police believe the child wandered out onto track without the knowledge of the parent.

Thanks to Oxford Police for the clearing it up.

-Nick

Violence of the mind

2008-05-28T17:38:00.002-05:00

I spoke today with several people in the medical field who work at RMC to gather their thoughts about recent violence.
Suffice to say, they had an interesting perspective and an admirable spirit of healing. I couldn't imagine what it must be like to have to watch violence victim after violence victim get carted through the door.
I'm planning a story based on these interviews. It will likely be themed "healing after violence" and should encompass the physical and emotional trauma involved.
What are the important perspectives in violence that I'm missing? What about productive ways of stopping the violence?

Other area news in case you missed it:

Colonial Bank in Anniston robbed early Tuesday

Child abduction attempt reported in Clay County

Etowah County man charged in deadly weekend fire

Oxford police arrest 2 on meth, other drug charges

-Nick

Truancy response

2008-05-21T14:25:00.002-05:00

A reader sent this wonderful response to our Tuesday Truancy story. This may or may not be a feasible answer - that's not really my place to say. It is, however, the type of discourse that yields positive results, especially in a judicial election year.

The reader wrote the following.

"Here's an approach we may can take:

As I'm sure you're aware, automobile insurance companies offer a discount rate for families that have their children insured with them if they make good grades in school. Why can't we do the same for our schools? If a student remains in school, offer the parents a state income tax break. Parents will soon realize that it's much more of a financially sound incentive to push their children to remain in school. If the children are truant for more than three days or drop out of school then the tax break would be negated. I think that if parents took hits in their pocketbooks they would be more responsible for their children's actions."

I invite anyone to respond to this idea.

Stop the Violence...

2008-05-20T13:24:00.008-05:00

Here are some pictures from this weekends Stop the Violence Fun Day. It really was very uplifting. Lots of folks were out enjoying the great weather.

The Stop the Violence group met again last night. Here's the story.
One of the most (potentially) important things to come out of the meeting was the announcement that the Family Links program will be applying for a Department of Justice grant called the "Weed and Seed program.

Th e grant seems like a really good fit for Anniston, combining elements of law enforcement and revitalization. The question yet to be answered is whether the essential players are willing to play along. Because it is holistic in approach, all the parts have to work together to make the whole.

Often these types of grants can come across as accusatory. Those who are already out pounding the pavement arresting the bad guys or providing services for those considered "at risk" are working as hard as they can. I'm trying to work up another article to describe the program in more detail, perhaps even visit another Weed and Seed site in Al.

LE Memorial

2008-05-15T13:46:00.001-05:00

Just a reminder:

Calhoun County Law Enforcement Memorial

Friday (May 16) at 1:00 p.m.

Anniston’s Centennial Park at the intersection of 17th and Quintard Avenue

Mess up on my part, shooting near AJ's

2008-05-15T13:36:00.003-05:00

Just needed to let everyone know that I made an error in reporting a story headlined "Son of AJ's owner charged with shooting man after argument at club."

Information that police received and reported when they arrested Jack David Stovall, Jr. on Tuesday, was apparently false.

Jack David Stovall, Jr. is not the son of the owners of AJ's as I reported. He is in fact the nephew of the club's operator Peggy Weekley as well as the buildings owner Allen J. Stovall, according to conversations I had with both of them this morning.

Allen said that Jack David Stovall, Sr. works as an employee at AJ's but has no ownership or management capacity.

I should have checked the information on the report with those involved. I have written a story correcting this error for tomorrow's paper. I hope the misinformation didn't cause undue harm. My apologies to those who felt wronged by the article.

-Nick

Violence meeting on Wednesday

2008-05-13T10:09:00.004-05:00

City officials are planning a community meeting about the sexual predator on Wednesday.
This one is going to be hosted at Refuge Full Gospel Methodist Church at 401 East 22nd St. at 6 p.m.
The mayor, city council members, police chief, and others will be hosting this one (it's not the same group as the Stop the Violence meetings.)
Here's the story, which references the incidents that precipitated the meeting.

Police started calling this assailant a "sexual predator." They believe he's been responsible for a series of at least three - up to five - rape/robberies in the last six months.

Above is a photo of the guy from a bank ATM.

Oxford Police officer honored

2008-05-13T09:35:00.003-05:00

Representatives from Oxford P.D. are headed to Washington D.C. this week to honor Lt. Dexter Holcomb who was killed on Feb. 16, 2007, after he was hit by an out-of-control school bus as he directed after-school traffic near Oxford High School.

This week Holcomb, a 20-year veteran of the Oxford police and a 22-year veteran of the Piedmont fire department, will have his name engraved into the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial.

Andy Johns wrote this story about those going.

He also covered the original incident with several stories.

We're Nick-less

2008-05-09T13:53:00.005-05:00

Okay. Nick has a few days off, so I'll get a quick post up for y'all. It seems like there have been a lot of comments about the Sheriff and the possible deputy lay-offs. All I'm going to say is that Calhoun County is better off than some. For those of us who live in Randolph, Cleburne or Clay counties there are even fewer deputies patrolling the roads.

The two biggest things since the last post both come from Randolph County, where the Roanoke mayor entered a plea yesterday on ethics charges and a former pastor pleaded guilty to rape and sodomy charges. Almost a (scary) side note was the entire emergency radio system crashing Thursday morning.

The Roanoke mayor was indicted on 26 counts (11+ felonies) in January, but after the agreement he was convicted of only two misdemeanors. His lawyer said that if you read between the lines that means the state's case wasn't as strong as prosecutors initially thought. That's lawyer speak, but I was surprised to see the charges reduced that much.

The AG's office of course said the penalty set an example. Bonner had to pay about $3,500 back to the city for the profits is alleged to have made off of the fuel sales. Bottom line-- if you're a mayor and you want to rip off your city you can get a lot more than that.

As far as the pastor story, it's the conclusion to a case we reported here last June. Sad stuff.

Aside from that, the APD has come out and called the man responsible for several rapes in Anniston a "sexual predator," an Anniston police officer is accused of killing a dog, a judge sentences a Talladega County man to death and Riverside continues to search for a police chief.

Nick will be back Monday.

Roadside memorials being removed on Birmingham interstates

2008-05-06T16:32:00.001-05:00

Associated Press

Updated 10:01 a.m.

BIRMINGHAM — State transportation officials are removing roadside memorials along interstates in the Birmingham area, saying they are dangerous to motorists.

Officials also are considering whether to remove markers on federal and state routes.

Birmingham Division Engineer Brian Davis of the Alabama Department of Transportation says he told district engineers to remove the markers on interstates. The division covers Jefferson, Shelby, Blount, St. Clair and Walker counties.

Full story

911 calls released as search continues for soldier's killer

2008-05-05T16:32:00.001-05:00

Posted: May. 2, 2008

Fayetteville, N.C. — Police released two 911 calls Friday as they continued to seek information about an April 12 armed robbery outside a nightclub that left a 22-year-old Army sergeant dead.

Bank robber busted

2008-05-01T14:52:00.007-05:00

It looks like the fella who has been robbing local banks by slipping the tellers notes, ran out of luck.
After robbing the Cheaha Bank branch in Alexandria this morning, Anniston P.D. caught up with him at Greenbriar and Quintard and took him in to custody.
Now Oxford P.D., Anniston P.D. and Calhoun County Sheriff's Office have reportedly gotten a confession out of him to three similar robberies in the past few months.

Oxford Compass Bank

Anniston Regions Bank

There's a press conference at 3:30 p.m. at the sheriff's department. More on this after that.

-Nick

Pell City chase

2008-04-30T11:56:00.002-05:00

Our sister paper is reporting this very alarming incident near Pell Cit y:

Police chase, shoot suspect
04-30-2008
By David Atchison
PELL CITY — A high-speed chase late Tuesday ended with a man being shot by police officers.

Stop the Violence, end of the race, traffic fatality

2008-04-29T11:05:00.002-05:00

Race weekend is over and done with. One traffic fatality was reported following the race, in the early morning hours on Monday. It appears that this had less to do with the race and more to do with the rainy weather.
A 23-year-old Chatom, Ala. woman named Lashawna Renee Jones, was killed and two others were injured when their vehicle left I-20 and hit a tree as they were headed eastbound at about the 170 mile marker on I-20. Candice Richardson, 21, and Austin Hall, 1, both of Deer Park, were taken to RMC.
Piedmont police also sent word that they busted a man on the 1000 block of Mack Alexander Road for making meth. DHR apparently asked police to search the house after they learned children lived at the residence.
Finally, last night was the third in a series of Stop the Violence meetings hosted by Anniston Funeral Services. The ideas were flowing and so was some criticism. Though the discussion was very civil, the group seems to be metaphorically edging their way through a packed church pew trying to get to their seat while not stepping on too many toes.
I'm working on a couple of stories hoping to explore more about the problems affecting violence instead of the symptoms.
Here are some of the past stories on the Stop the Violence campaign.
There is an unrelated anti-violence rally this weekend at Zinn Park beginning at 10 a.m.

Anniston murder #10

2008-04-24T15:48:00.004-05:00

April 23, 2008

Another murder. I thought last night was too pretty a night to go killing anybody. This one apparently began with a call Wednesday about shots fired over near 1030 Cobb Avenue around 10:40 p.m.

The police found Carnell Hall, 46, of Anniston with several gunshot wounds a short distance away over at the 1000 block of West 15th Street.

He died about an hour later in the hospital.

Our breaking news links are free so here's the story.

This makes 10 murders in the city this year and 11 total in the county.

There wasn't really anything in the police report that would indicate why it happened. Anybody know anything about it?

No other violent crime briefs today!

I followed up on the city council's proposal regarding Anniston's police jurisdiction in today's paper.

Chief John Dryden and Calhoun County Sheriff Larry Amerson both had some interesting input.
Dryden basically said they will be able to focus their efforts a bit more. Amerson said he was sort of expecting it.

The sheriff said it would be easier in the long run but there will be a real challenge in the short term.

"We will do our very best to protect the residents of those areas. We just ask for their patience while we adjust," said Amerson.

Robberies, rape, and the hit-and-run

2008-04-23T10:12:00.003-05:00

In an effort to make the police blog more "bloggy," I've been encouraged to summarize the material we report in the print version of The Star and link to the articles instead of posting the content verbatim. I'm going to do my best to continue to offer the same amount of quasi-daily information that has been provided here, but it may be a click or two away now.

Now on to today's business.

I spoke with the State Troopers yesterday. They reportedly found the vehicle they believe hit Bridget Craft, 48, while was walking on Eulaton Road back on April 18. Here's the story.

A 13-year-old girl from west Anniston also came forward this week and told police she was raped back in January by a man she met on a social networking site. This is the first of these I've seen since I've been here but I wouldn't be surprised to find that there have been others.

Finally, there were a pair of robberies - one with an arrest - in Anniston on Monday night. In one a 43-year-old man was jumped by three or four other men near Blue Mountain Road. In the other a 28-year-old was robbed by someone he knew on Old Birmingham Hwy.
Today I'm going to be looking at an Anniston City Council story from last night by Megan Nichols. Apparently the jurisdiction for Anniston Police is going to be pulled in out of the county a little bit so they can concentrate more on the city.

Anniston could cease police patrols in areas outside city limits

2008-04-23T09:30:00.001-05:00

By Megan Nichols
Staff Writer

04-23-2008

The Anniston City Council may soon pull its police services out of the city's police jurisdictions.

The action would put those areas located outside Anniston city limits under the jurisdiction of the Calhoun County Sheriff's Office.

The council voted Tuesday night to allow city attorney Polly Russell to draft an ordinance to that effect, at the request of Councilman Stan Bennett. Bennett said he had discussed the idea with the Calhoun County Commission as well as Sheriff Larry Amerson.

"Being able to devote those officers to the city itself would allow us to increase patrols and coverage of areas that may need it," Bennett said. "It isn't something that I particularly want to do, but a decision I had to make for the citizens of the city."

Release: Philadelphia, Mississippi pawn shop owner sentenced for selling eagle feathers

2008-04-23T09:25:00.001-05:00

Press Release: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Southeast Region
April 23, 2008

On April 18, 2008, a Philadelphia, Mississippi, pawn shop owner, Willis
R. McKee, pleaded guilty in U.S. District Court in Jackson to a
misdemeanor count of selling a Native American dance bustle made with
bald eagle feathers. McKee was sentenced by United States Magistrate
Judge James C. Sumner to pay fines totaling $5,050 and to serve
probation until such fines were paid. The eagle feather bustle and
other illegal wildlife items were forfeited to the U.S. Fish and
Wildlife Service.

An investigation led by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Office of
Law Enforcement documented that on October 28, 2006, McKee sold the
eagle feather bustle for $534.99, in violation of the Bald and Golden
Eagle Protection Act. The investigation also documented that McKee
offered to sell other Native American ceremonial items made with Canada
goose and turkey vulture feathers in violation of the Migratory Bird
Treaty Act. McKee had obtained the illegal items from a customer of his
pawn business.

“The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service will work closely with the state and
tribal authorities to enforce laws and regulations to prevent the
unlawful commercialization of eagles and protected migratory birds,”
said John Rawls, Special Agent with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.

This investigation was conducted by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
with assistance from the Wildlife and Parks Department and Police
Department from the Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indian Reservation, and
the Mississippi Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks. The case was prosecuted
by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Mississippi.

For more information about federal laws governing hunting migratory
birds, visit http://www.fws.gov/hunting/whatres.html

The mission of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is working with others
to conserve, protect and enhance fish, wildlife, plants and their
habitats for the continuing benefit of the American people. For more
information, visit http://www.fws.gov/southeast/ and http://www.fws.gov.

Former TCCHS coach acquitted of rape

2008-04-22T09:37:00.000-05:00

By Chris Norwood (The Daily Home)
04-22-2008

TALLADEGA COUNTY — A jury deliberated for about 3 hours Friday afternoon before acquitting former Talladega County Central High School teacher and head basketball coach Alvin Penez Taylor of one count of rape in the first degree.
Taylor was acquitted of sex abuse in the first degree by a jury in February 2006. In that case, defense attorney Clarence Dortch III argued the victim, who said Taylor had groped her at the school when she was 15 or 16, had fabricated the allegations after Taylor had her paddled for forging a hall pass.
The rape allegation, which was raised by a relative of the alleged victim in the first case, surfaced during the investigation of the sex abuse allegation.
Taylor was fired by the Talladega County Board of Education when the allegations surfaced in March 2005. Under Alabama’s tenure law, Taylor has the right to arbitration proceedings, which have been in limbo until the rape allegation was resolved.

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Concerned residents meet to discuss violence in Anniston

2008-04-22T09:35:00.001-05:00

By Megan Nichols
Staff Writer

04-22-2008

Dr. Randy Kelly speaks at Monday's 'Stop the Violence' meeting. Photo: Bill Wilson/The Anniston Star

Everyone had an opinion on how to stop violence in Anniston when area ministers and residents met with the City Council Monday night.

One resident said it has to start in the schools. Another insisted going to the streets is the only way. Others said stopping violence begins in the home.

The night's purpose was to hear ideas and opinions and figure out a way the city could put them into action, said Anniston Mayor Chip Howell.

"This is about the health of our community, from the inside out," Howell said.

Between 30 and 40 people crowded into the old council chambers at City Hall to address the issue. The Anniston area has seen 10 homicides this year, and residents and ministers said they want to work with the city to get a handle on the problem.

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Anniston man robbed on way to hotel soft drink machine

2008-04-22T09:34:00.005-05:00

By Nick Cenegy
Staff Writer

04-22-2008

A 24-year-old man living at a hotel on the 1000 block of U.S. 431 in Anniston reportedly was robbed Friday on his way to a soda machine.

The man had just left his room around 7:15 p.m. when two armed men approached him, Anniston police said.

One of the thieves pointed a handgun at him while the other went through his pockets and took money and other items, investigators said.

The thieves then fled on foot, police said.

No injuries were reported, and no arrests had been made as of Monday afternoon.

Super Value Inn robbery still under investigation

2008-04-22T09:34:00.003-05:00

By Nick Cenegy
Staff Writer

04-22-2008

Oxford police said Monday they were still searching for three men who robbed the Super Value Inn at 104 Spring Branch Road on April 14.

Police said there were few new leads in the incident.

On April 14 one man walked into the inn around 10:30 p.m. and asked the clerk for a room, Oxford police reported.

When the clerk turned to get a key, two more men walked into the business wearing knit hats over their face. One was armed with a silver handgun.

According to investigators the men made the clerk open the register and the unarmed man grabbed an undisclosed amount of money.

Clay County man recovering after being shot in dispute

2008-04-22T09:34:00.001-05:00

By Nick Cenegy
Staff Writer

04-22-2008

A 32-year-old Clay County man was in an Atlanta hospital over the weekend after he was shot during a domestic dispute at a home on White Plains Road.

Clay County Sheriffs Office received reports of a domestic situation around 10:30 p.m. Saturday night, said investigator Steve Cotney.

When deputies arrived at the 1500 block of White Plains Road, they found that Wyatt Morris, 32, had been shot in the chest, said Cotney.

After an initial investigation, Morris' girlfriend, Dee Hallman, 39, was arrested and charged with first-degree assault.

Morris was air lifted to Grady Memorial Hospital in Atlanta. He was in stable condition as of Sunday evening, Cotney said.

The sheriff's office is continuing to investigate the incident.

Quintard Avenue Wendy's robbed by pair of thieves

2008-04-22T09:33:00.002-05:00

By Nick Cenegy
Staff Writer

04-22-2008

Two men brandishing handguns robbed the Wendy's at 1501 Quintard Avenue on Saturday night.

The men — both wearing ski-masks and gloves — approached the counter around 9:50 p.m. and demanded money, Anniston police reported.

Employees complied, and the men left on foot with an undisclosed amount of cash, said investigators.

No injuries were reported in the incident.

Police had made no arrests in the case as of Monday afternoon.

Investigators said there are similarities between the incident and the April 16 robbery of the Rally's restaurant at 400 South Quintard Ave.

3 women raped, robbed, man robbed in home invasion

2008-04-22T09:33:00.001-05:00

By Nick Cenegy
Staff Writer

04-22-2008

Four armed men entered a home on the 700 block of East 22nd Street just after 10 p.m. Sunday, raped and robbed three women, and robbed a man before fleeing, Anniston police said.

Three adults and two children were in the house when the four men entered through an unlocked front door, police said.

All of the men had their faces covered and all were either wearing gloves or socks on their hands and carrying firearms. One had a handgun, the others had shotguns or rifles.

The men reportedly demanded "drugs and money," police said.

When the adults only produced money, the 55-year-old man was hit and the two women, ages 44 and 24, were raped, investigators said.

A third woman, age 41, walked into the house during the incident and was sexually abused, police said.

The children reportedly were unharmed.

Police said there is no apparent connection to an April 1 incident on the 700 block of Blue Ridge Drive in which a 21-year-old victim was raped and robbed in the early morning hours.

No arrests had been made in either case as of Monday afternoon.

Hit-and-run death still under investigation

2008-04-22T09:32:00.003-05:00

By Nick Cenegy
Staff Writer

04-22-2008

Alabama State Troopers continued Monday to search for leads in a hit-and-run accident that claimed the life of a 48-year-old Anniston woman Friday.

Vehicular homicide investigators spent time over the weekend reviewing evidence recovered from the scene that might bring them closer to finding the vehicle that struck and killed Bridget Craft, 48, of Anniston, said Jacksonville-Gadsden Post Commander Capt. John Henderson.

Troopers believe the vehicle was a red Dodge Ram four-wheel-drive truck, said Henderson. A different description reported in The Star on Sunday was incorrect.

According to reports, Craft was walking her dog around 8:30 p.m. when the dog got loose and was hit by a vehicle. When she tried to tend to her dog, Craft was struck by the Dodge Ram and the vehicle drove off, state troopers said.

Craft died from blunt-force trauma and was pronounced dead at the scene shortly after the incident, said Calhoun County Coroner Pat Brown.

Standoff with Oxford police ends peacefully Friday

2008-04-22T09:32:00.001-05:00

By Nick Cenegy
Staff Writer

04-22-2008

Oxford police defused a brief standoff with a 43-year-old man on Clearview Drive on Friday.

Investigators said the man locked himself in his house with at least one Molotov cocktail just before 2 p.m. and refused to come out.

A negotiator talked the man out, police said. According to investigators the whole situation was over in less than a half-hour.

The man was transported to a local hospital by Oxford EMS.

No injuries were reported in the incident.

Father allegedly takes baby, runs over mother

2008-04-22T09:31:00.001-05:00

By Nick Cenegy
Staff Writer

04-22-2008

A 28-year-old Anniston man took an infant from its 20-year-old mother, then allegedly ran over the Douglasville woman with a car this weekend as he fled with the child, according to Anniston police.

The incident took place hours before thousands of dollars of his tools were stolen and his desk at work was set on fire, police said.

The woman and her infant were visiting her mother at an apartment on the 1500 block of Warrior Road around 1:30 p.m. Sunday, police said.

The child's father, who police said does not have custody, came to visit and tried to leave with the child without permission, investigators said.

As he drove off, the woman chased after his car and was dragged behind the vehicle before falling down, police said.

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Man, woman beaten during confrontation

2008-04-22T09:28:00.003-05:00

By Nick Cenegy
Staff Writer

04-22-2008

A 22-year-old man and a 19-year-old woman who went to a house Saturday evening to confront a man were beaten and shot at, according to Anniston police reports.

The two went to a home on Old Birmingham Highway around 6 p.m., intending to visit a man they said was spreading rumors about the woman, investigators said.

When they arrived at the house, they began arguing with two men, one 22 years old and the other 17, police said. As the argument escalated, the two men allegedly began beating them.

The 22-year-old resident allegedly pulled out a pistol and fired downward at a porch, and then in the direction of first the man and then the woman, said investigators.

Neither the man nor the woman was struck. Both refused medical treatment for contusions and abrasions, according to police reports.

No arrests had been made in the incident as of Monday.

Oxford video store robbed Friday night

2008-04-22T09:28:00.001-05:00

By Nick Cenegy
Staff Writer

04-22-2008

Three men wearing masks robbed the Blockbuster Video store in Oxford just before closing Friday night.

Oxford police said the three men — two carrying handguns — entered the store just before 10:30 p.m. Two were wearing black ski masks; the third was wearing an orange ski mask, said police.

They approached the counter, demanded money, and fled with an undisclosed amount of cash, investigators said.

The men were seen leaving in a black Ford Crown Victoria or Mercury Marquis, headed south on Alabama 21.

No suspects were in custody Monday. No injuries were reported in the incident.

Man robs Oxford Compass Bank branch

2008-04-22T09:25:00.002-05:00

These are some of the best quality surveillance photos I've seen. Hopefully someone will recognize this guy. -aj

By Nick Cenegy
Staff Writer

04-22-2008

Bank surveillance footage shows the suspect in a Saturday morning robbery at the Compass Bank location on Quintard Avenue in Oxford. Photo: Special to The Star

A man robbed the Compass Bank location at 720 Quintard Ave. in Oxford on Saturday morning after slipping a teller a note.

Around 11:10 a.m., a man wearing a black baseball cap and a black jacket with red trim walked into the bank and gave a teller a note demanding money, reported Oxford police.

The teller gave the man an undisclosed amount of cash and the man exited by the same door through which he had entered, said investigators.

He fled northbound on foot, police said.

The incident is similar in description to an April 7 robbery of the Golden Springs branch of Regions Bank.

In that incident, a man entered the bank around 9:25 a.m. and passed the teller a note demanding money. He never showed a weapon, according to reports. He fled on foot with an undisclosed amount of cash. No injuries were reported.