Man charged in two Enterprise bank robberies

Enterprise police have arrested a 23-year-old man on charges he robbed the Community Bank and Trust bank earlier this week in Enterprise.

According to a statement from the Enterprise Police Department, police arrested Benjamin Smith, of Enterprise. The statement said the police investigation has revealed Smith as the “lone offender” in the robbery, which happened Monday morning around 10 a.m.

Police released information after the robbery that a man wore a motorcycle helmet along with a hooded sweatshirt as he entered the bank.

Police said the man then approached a teller and demanded money. The suspect did not show a firearm, but the teller was led to believe he had one tucked near his waist.

The suspect escaped with an undisclosed amount of money.

The police statement also said additional investigation led police to charge Smith with another earlier bank robbery in Enterprise, which occurred at the Citizen’s Bank branch on Rucker Boulevard in February 2010.

Police say Smith is currently held without bail at the Coffee County Jail.

A Carroll High School student was charged with felony marijuana possession on Thursday after authorities said he brought drugs to the school.

OZARK—A Carroll High School student was charged with felony marijuana possession on Thursday after authorities said he brought drugs to the school.

Ozark City Schools Superintendent Mike Lenhart confirmed a student was apprehended by authorities after bringing to school a considerable amount of marijuana, which Lenhart described as a golf-ball size amount of the drug.

Authorities said the student, who is 16, had about $40 worth of the drug in his possession. The student was charged with first-degree possession of marijuana and his case was turned over to the Department of Youth Services.

Lenhart said the student could face expulsion pending a full investigation.

“This was an isolated incident considering the amount that was brought to the school. There are occasions where students have brought drugs to school, but it is unusual for us to have a situation such as this,” he said.

No other information on the case was available Thursday because the student is a juvenile.

Inland Convenience Store located on East Broad Street was robbed by a white male

Wednesday evening November 30th 2011 at approximately 8:55 p.m. the Inland Convenience Store located on East Broad Street was robbed by a white male described as 5’ tall and weighing approximately 130 pounds.  The suspect was wearing a grey zipped up hoodie with dark pants.  The suspect has facial hair in the form of a goatee.  He never produced a weapon, but made indications he did have a weapon.  No one was injured in the robbery.  Anyone with information on this case is urged to contact Ozark Police at 774-5111 or the Wiregrass Violent Crimes and Drug Task Force at 774-0482.
Information Source: Ozark PD

Ford is recalling more than 128,000 Ford Fusion and Mercury Milan sedans from the 2010 and 2011

Ford is recalling more than 128,000 Ford Fusion and Mercury Milan sedans from the 2010 and 2011 model years because the wheels can fall off the cars.

The recall affects only cars with 17-inch steel wheels built from April 1, 2009 through April 30, 2009, and from Dec. 1, 2009 through Nov. 13, 2010.

Federal regulators say that bolts holding the wheels on can fracture, causing a vibration. If the vibration is ignored, the wheels can separate from the car.

Ford says it's not aware of any crashes or injuries caused by the problem.

Dealers will replace the lug nuts on all four wheels and check the rear disc brake surface. The recall is expected to begin around Jan. 24.

Sex offender, mother plead guilty to killing 2-year-old daughter

GASTONIA, NC (WBTV) - A registered sex offender pleaded guilty Wednesday morning to killing a 2-year-old.
Jason Michael Wells, 33, agreed to a plea deal in Gaston County Superior Court on charges of second degree murder and babysitting as a registered child sex offender.

SLIDESHOW

Wells has been sentenced to 124 to 158 months which is between 10-13 years in prison.
The child's mother, Shanna Dawn Lanham, 32, also agreed to a plea deal on the charge of second degree murder. She was sentenced to 108 to 139 months in prison.
Addision died from a sepsis infection July 21. Investigators say the girl also had a broken leg that had been untreated for more than a week.
Gaston County Police Capt. J.W. Human says investigators are awaiting a report from the North Carolina Office of the Chief Medical Examiner.
Lanham told authorities she left Addison with Wells while she was at work. They were staying at the America's Best Inn in Bessemer City.
Related article: Hearings reveal sickening details of physical, sexual abuse of toddler
Wells said the girl was unresponsive and he called Lanham to come back to the motel to check on her daughter. When Lanham arrived, she called Gaston County 911.
The girl was taken to Gaston Memorial Hospital where she died that evening.

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Lanham and Wells were both charged with involuntary manslaughter, felony child abuse, and contributing to the delinquency of a minor.
Wells was also charged with failing to notify the sheriff's department with a change of address because he is a registered sex offender, and for babysitting a minor while being a sex offender.
On Wednesday, August 28, the North Carolina Department of Corrections said Lanham's probation officer, Whit Ogg, resigned from his position.
NCDOC spokesman Keith Acree confirmed that a member of Lanham's family repeatedly reached out to Ogg via Facebook urging him to investigate the welfare of the child.
Acree, however, could not confirm other media reports which alleged that Ogg took no action to look into the matter.
Ogg was hired in October 2009 to work for the DOC in Gaston County

OZARK POLICE- WHO HAS BEEN BAD IN OZARK

DECEMBER 8, 2011 –  THURSDAY: 
@ 10:34 pm. Theft of Property 2nd. Briarhill Ct. Victim (Kevin R. Cupak) stated he gave an unknown male a ride to an unknown location.  Suspect(s) stole a weapon and a cd player from his vehicle.
@ 12:58 pm. Domestic Violence 3rd. E. Eufaula St. Victim (Chris L. Woodham) stated him and suspect (Michael S. Woodham) got into an argument. Suspect tried to choke victim. 
@ 3:53 pm. Criminal Trespass 1st. Mixon School Rd. Victim (Pamela D. Collins) stated an unknown suspect unlocked and entered her residence while she was not home. 
@ 4:14 pm. Harassment/Criminal Trespass 3rd. Miracle Finance. Victim (Linda H. Moody) stated suspect (Seth M. Shook) came to her place of employment. Suspect used obscene language towards victim, as well as, touching her thighs and waist areas.
@ 4:18 pm. Theft of Lost Property 2nd. Grocery Outlet. Victim (Nancy Y. Haddan) stated an unknown suspect removed her purse from her cart. 
@ 4:40 pm. Theft of Property 2nd. American Self Storage. Victim (Peggy A. Martin) stated suspect (Todd Helms) stole items from her storage unit while helping victim move items from one storage unit to another. 
@ 7:13 pm. Theft of Property 3rd/Criminal Trespass 3
rd. Martha Dr. Victim (Vonda I. Guinn) stated an unknown suspect came onto her
property and removed property without permission. 
@ 8:52 pm. Domestic Dispute. Highland Ave. (Jerry W. Attaway) and (Michael S. Attaway) were arguing over personal matters. 
@ 10:01 pm. Violation of Family Protection Order. N. Union Ave. Victim (Linda J. Wood) stated suspect (Jay D. Wood) keeps texting her over personal matters. Victim has a protection order against suspect. 
ARRESTS: 
Montesa Nicole Johnson – Theft of Property 3rd. 327 E. Eufaula St. 25 YOA.
Valton Donald Ward – Failing to Appear. 43 Tanglewood, Newton. 30 YOA.
Michael Shane Woodham – Domestic Violence 3rd. 505 E. Eufaula St. 33 YOA

DOTHAN MOST WANTED- Adrian Terrell Jones is WANTED as a Fugitive from Justice

The Dothan Police Department is seeking the help of our local media and community in locating a wanted fugitive whom authorities have reason to believe is in the Dothan area. Police say Adrian Terrell Jones is wanted on an outstanding fugitive from justice warrant signed in connection with the 2010 investigation of a local drug ring. Jones additionally is wanted for failure to appear in court in a felony narcotic case with the Houston County Sheriffs Office. Police have information that Jones is believed to be residing in Atlanta, Georgia but often returns to the Dothan area. The Dothan Police Department and Houston County Sheriffs Office are working together to bring Jones to justice and are asking anyone with information on the whereabouts of the suspect to call the Dothan Police Department or CrimeStoppers 334-793-7000.

·        Adrian Terrell Jones is WANTED as a Fugitive from Justice. Jones is described as a 26 year old black male, 5’08 tall and weighing 130 pounds. Jones recently sustained a gunshot wound in his back and as a result walks with a noticeable limp.

traffic signal located at the intersection of Selma Street and Foster Street is scheduled for removal.

Media Alert

December 9, 2011

The City of Dothan is advising motorists that, as the result of a recently completed engineering traffic study, the traffic signal located at the intersection of Selma Street and Foster Street is scheduled for removal.
To assist motorists and alert them of the planned removal of this device, the traffic signal will be set to “flash” operation beginning on Monday, December 12, 2011. After a period of ninety (90) days, the traffic signal will be removed. Motorists are asked to drive with extreme caution when traveling in and around this area.

                                                                  

                                                                  

Charles E. Metzger, P.E.                                        Gregory J. Benton

Assistant Public Works Director                                      Chief of Police

Va Tech shooter probably dead

BLACKSBURG, VA (RNN) - Police believe the gunman who shot a Virginia Tech campus police officer to death may have walked up on a traffic stop, killed the police officer in his cruiser and then killed himself after fleeing the scene on foot.

In a news briefing, Virginia Tech Police Department Deputy Chief Gene Deisinger said a suspicious person was spotted after the shooting by a second campus police officer. The officer said the man was "shot and killed" before he could question him.
A weapon was recovered at the scene near that shooting victim's body. That person is believed to be the gunman.

"Shortly after 12 p.m. today, a Virginia Tech officer stopped a vehicle on campus during a routine traffic stop in the Coliseum parking lot near McComas hall. During the traffic stop, the officer was shot and killed," according to a statement by Mark Owczarski, director of news and information at Virginia Tech.
The state police, FBI and a SWAT team swarmed the campus for nearly four hours searching for the person who shot the police officer in his car. The campus was placed on lockdown shortly after eye witnesses reported the shooting.
The lockdown was lifted after police declared there was no longer an imminent threat to the campus.
During the lockdown - as police, a tactical response team and search dogs searched for the unidentified shooter - students were sequestered in the basement of the student center. Police also searched nearby cars and neighborhoods for the suspect.

Montgomery County Schools were also placed on lockdown, with buses released 60 to 90 minutes late.
More shots reported in at least two more locations on campus, but police determined those were actually the noise of trash dumpsters banging together during pick-up.
One person near the performing arts center apparently surrendered to authorities, but he was not arrested.
Law enforcement blocked the back gates to the campus, and police requested any unassigned units to report to the south gate. At least 15 squad cars were reported on campus.
Finals for the students, which were supposed to start Friday, have been rescheduled for Saturday. Next week's exams will resume as scheduled on Monday.
This is not the first shooting on the Virginia Tech campus. On April 26, 2007, Seung-Hui Cho killed 32 people - five faculty members and 27 students - and wounded 25 others before committing suicide.
Cho, who was a senior, shot two people at West Ambler Johnston Hall, a dormitory before crossing campus to Norris Hall, a classroom building.
He chained the main entrance doors shut to prevent anyone from exiting the building and hindering police from entering the building. Students jumped from windows to escape the shooter.
Cho killed himself as police stormed the building.
In August, the campus was placed on lockdown after reports of a gunman were made to campus police. No gunman was ever found.
 Ironically, testimony had been scheduled today in an appeal hearing requested by the university for fines levied against it for its handling of the 2007 shooting.

Man pleads not guilty to killing radio personality Heath Jackson

COLUMBUS, GA (WTVM) - [Ricardo Strozier, 22, pleaded not guilty to murder charges Thursday. He is accused of killing local radio personality Heath Jackson.

The murder charges stem from September 2010 when police say Strozier broke into Jackson's home to burglarize it, and fatally shot him.

He's also charged with two other burglaries in August of that same year.

Thursday, the state handed over lab reports, video statements from Strozier, and a current witness list to the defense attorneys.
Also, two motions were heard about the evidence in the case.  The defense asked that no additional testing be done on evidence that would use up the entire sample.  District Attorney Julia Slater agreed and said she was not surprised.
Judge Gil McBride set up dates for the next hearing and also asked for a timeline of when the trial could begin.  Burt Baker, Strozier's attorney, said "A death penalty case normally takes at a minimum of three years before trial."

[Web Extra! DA to impose the death penalty (.pdf)]
Although Jackson's family seemed shocked that it could take two more years until trial, Baker says it could likely be 2013, or even 2014, before a jury hears this case.
"I think it would be difficult to get it trialed properly before then," explained Baker. 

Thieves can steal your Christmas from your porch

COLUMBUS, GA 
During the holidays it isn't just the Grinch who is trying to steal Christmas presents, thieves are now targeting delivery items left on your doorstep.
"It's sad to say but folks will steal Christmas right off your porch if you're not careful," said Leonard Crain with the Better Business Bureau. He advises people to use some caution when ordering things for delivery, like having a hiding place on your porch, asking a neighbor to pick up any packages, or leaving a note for the delivery person, "Ask them to leave it at customer pick-up for you, that way if you're not going to be home you can pick your package up when you get back."
If you do fall victim to someone snatching your packages off your front porch, you should act immediately with all the companies involved to replace your items. Crain said, "Notify the company, and make them aware the package was stolen or not delivered. If you feel it was stolen, make a report with the police because that will assist you with recovery you might get from the company you bought the items from."
Another step you can take is to change your shipping address to your workplace or to the home of someone who will be home.
"Do these things to be sure your package does make it to you and it arrives in time for Christmas," added Leonard Crain.
Some delivery companies are offering new options where you can log on to a website and change delivery addresses and get notified when a package is on the way.

OZARK POLICE CRIME BULLETIN - WHO HAS BEEN BAD IN OZARK

DECEMBER 7, 2011 –    WEDNESDAY: 
@  8:07 am. Domestic Dispute. Harris Rd. (Kristie A. Chambers) and (Douglas G. Davis) were arguing over personal matters. 
@ 8:43 am. Harassing Communications. Co. Rd 569. Victim (Jamie N. Pilant) stated suspect (Timothy C. Murphy) continues to harass and annoy her despite being told to stop. 
@ 9:25 am. Criminal Mischief 3rd. Hampton Place. Victim (Roy L. Robbins) stated an unknown suspect ran over his outdoor water 

JUVENILE: 
ARRESTS: 
Jacquer L. Broaden – Failure to Appear. 103 Radio Rd, Enterprise. 38 YOA.
Jeffery Sanchez Dawkins – Failure to Appear. 361 Don Circle. 33 YOA.





DECEMBER 6, 2011 –    TUESDAY: 
@ 10:30 am. Harassment. US Hwy 231 S. Victim (Adrian Locklear) stated suspect (Todd Shaule) came onto the property to collect a debt.  Suspect began arguing and using profanity towards victim over the situation. 
@ 10:30 am. Disorderly Conduct. US Hwy 231 S. Complainant (Shina L. Peters) stated suspect (Todd Schaule) came onto the property to collect a debt from an employee.  Suspect was using profanity in front of customers and did not leave the property until complainant
started to call the police. 
@ 11:30 am. Domestic Dispute. King Ave. (Melissa A. Hallford) and  (Cornelius Redding) were arguing over personal matters. 
@ 4:46 pm. Burglary 3rd/Theft of Property 2nd. Lakeview Rd. Victim (Korena J. Schwertzler) stated an unknown suspect entered her home and removed property without permission. 
@ 5:38 pm. Possession of Drug Paraphernalia/Possession of Marijuana 2
nd. American Storage.  Suspect (Brantley A. Biggs) was reported  living in a tent in the woods and was found in possession of suspected Marijuana.
@ 7:15 pm. Theft of Property 2nd. Shell Station. Complainant (Darrell D. Tyler) stated suspect (John W. Wilcox) was supposed to make a deposit for the business.  When complainant checked at a later date the bag had not been deposited. 
@ 9:48 pm. Burglary 3rd/Theft of Property 2nd. Will Logan Rd. Victim (Larry D. Epps) stated suspect (Trisha Tew) entered his home without permission and removed property.
@ 11:21 pm. Burglary 3rd/Theft of Property 3rd. Acker Ave. Victim (Sherrita Blackmon) stated she left her residence secured and returned shortly to find front and rear doors forcibly opened. A witness stated she spoke with suspect (Gary Carson) shortly after and he tried to sell her the victim’s television. 
ARRESTS: 
Brantley Aaron Biggs – Possession of Drug Paraphernalia/Possession of Marijuana 2nd. Ozark. 19 YOA.
Cornelius Kernard Cooper – Obstructing Government Operations. 216 College Ln. 24 YOA.
Seth Michael Shook – Public Intoxication. 452 Eufaula St. 22 YOA

NHS SCHOOL LOCKDOWN

As many of you have heard, there is a lockdown at NHS at this time. Occasionally, our School Resource Officers will coordinate with the K9 Unit and request a courtesy search of their school. These searches are a wonderful way to encourage students to report contraband on campus while reinforcing our zero tolerance policy for narcotics in our schools. We are proud to have proactive SRO Officers that utilize this and other effective services to ensure a drug free environment that promotes education for our children.

Armed robbery at the BP located at 2154 Denton Road

On December 6, 2011 the Dothan Police Department Communications Center received a report of an armed robbery at the BP located at 2154 Denton Road just before 10:00 p.m.  The call was relayed by a third party, the business owner, who was called by the clerk on scene. Officers responded to the business and spoke with the clerk who confirmed the business had been robbed by a white male with a rag over his face, armed with a large hunting style knife, demanding U.S. Currency. 

The clerk also advised the suspect was approximately 5’06 tall and 160 to 170 pounds, wearing a hooded jacket, black sunglasses and dark gloves. Police are asking anyone with information about the case or identity of the suspect to call the Dothan Police Department or CrimeStoppers 334-793-7000.

Gregory J. Benton

Chief of Police

Whitley Brascomb, of Lake Street was arrested and charged with Second Degree Burglary

On December 2, 2011 the Dothan Police Department responded to a domestically motivated residential burglary in the 200 block of Crossing Lane. The suspect, Whitley Brascomb, was arrested after forcing entry into the residence a short time after being involved in a verbal confrontation with the victim at a local club. Investigators say following the incident at the club, Brascomb forced entry into the home and engaged in a physical altercation with the victim which continued until patrolmen arrived moments later. The suspect was arrested and taken to the city jail.

·        Whitley Brascomb, black female, 23 years of age, of Lake Street was arrested and charged with Second Degree Burglary with a $15,000 bond.

Dothan Police made a felony arrest for narcotics following an observation made by an alert patrolman

On December 2, 2011 Dothan Police made a felony arrest for narcotics following an observation made by an alert patrolman. While on routine patrol, the officer conducted a traffic stop in the 1100 block of North Range Street after noticing a vehicle with an improper tag. The officer stated the vehicle traveled approximately one block before pulling over and when he approached the vehicle the driver seemed very nervous. A search of the vehicle was conducted after the officers’ K9 partner walked around the car alerted to the presence of narcotics. During the search, the officer located an orange pill bottle that had no label or lid and contained cocaine. Narcotics officers responded to the scene and arrested the suspect after testing the substance which tested positive for cocaine. 

·        Evester Tharp Jr., black male, 29 years of age, of May Street was arrested and charged with Unlawful Possession of a Controlled Substance with a $10,000 bond.  

Davey Gazara Cochran, of Price Street was arrested and charged with Unlawful Possession of a Controlled Substance

On December 2, 201 Dothan Police made a felony arrest for narcotics following an observation made by an alert patrolman. While on routine patrol, the officer noticed a man acting suspiciously in the 1700 block of Pryor Street. The officer stated that before he exited his vehicle he observed the suspect drop an unknown item. The officer retrieved the item, which appeared to be cocaine. Narcotics officers responded to the scene and arrested the suspect after testing the substance which tested positive for cocaine. 

 

·        Davey Gazara Cochran, black male, 46 years of age, of Price Street was arrested and charged with Unlawful Possession of a Controlled Substance with a $10,000 bond.