ENHANCED 911 ADVISORY COMMITTEE MEETING
*** Work Session***
Wednesday, March 7, 2012
2:00 P.M.
Sakado Room
Dothan Civic Center, Second Floor
ROLL: Benton___ Corbin___ Hughes___ Matthews___ Nall___ Pilcher___
Stewart___ Stokes___ Williams___
1. Communications from the Interim E-911 Systems Coordinator.
2. Update on pending E-911 legislation by Mr. Lon Jones, Enterprise E-911 Coordinator.
3. Discussion and Questions reference pending E-911 legislation.
4. Adjournment.
TheWiregrassNewsSource.Com
Friday, February 17, 2012
DOTHAN POLICE ISSUES ROAD WAY CLOSURE ADVISORY FOR FEB 18TH , 2012
The Dothan Police Department would like to issue a roadway advisory for February 18, 2012.
On February 18, 2012 from 8:00 am through approximately 12:00 pm the Southeast Alabama Community Foundation will be hosting a one half marathon fund raising event. The route for this run will occupy a number of roads in the Brentwood and Woodlands subdivisions as well as several other more heavily travelled roads.
John D. Odom Rd. from Whatley Dr. to Murphy Mill Rd .will have a reduced width northbound lane and the eastbound lane of Murphy Mill Rd. from John D. Odom Rd. to Montgomery Hwy. will be closed. These roadways will resume normal travel at approximately 9:30 am.
Dothan Police Department officers will be on hand to assist the public with necessary detour instructions. Motorists are urged to slow down, use caution and be aware of runners
Lieutenant CT David
Dothan Police Department
Traffic Division Commander
O- 334-615-3695
C- 334-726-9676
Gabe Watson Murder Trial: Scuba Diver Says He Saw Husband Hold Bride Underwater
Stanley Stutz, a Chicago emergency room doctor, was diving in Australia in 2003, near defendant Gabe Watson. He testified Thursday that he saw Watson clutching his new wife before she sank to the ocean floor, The Associated Press says.
Stutz told the Alabama courtroom that he saw the woman flailing in the water. Then, Watson swam over and wrapped his arms around her for about 10 to 30 seconds.
The prosecution argues that the defendant was restraining his bride, to murder her. Stutz, however, thought Watson was attempting to help the woman, who may have been unable to handle the rigorous dive.
"Then they split apart," Stutz said, according to The Courier-Mail. "After, he went to the surface. She sank."
Watson is charged with first-degree murder. Prosecutors in his home state say he drowned his wife on their honeymoon to collect a life insurance payout. The defense maintains that Tina, in her first open water dive, panicked and died accidentally. He served 18 months in Australia for manslaughter.
Ken Snyder, a Marine on the dive, testified earlier that he was furious that Watson left his wife in the water, according to The Birmingham News.
Snyder also testified that he didn't believe Watson's explanation that she slipped away from him, because she panicked and allegedly dislodged his mask.
"That's bull s**t," Snyder said he told Watson. "That didn't happen."
Other divers testified that Watson, a certified rescue diver, broke a basic scuba-diving rule that all novices know.
"You don't leave your buddy unless they're dead, or they're trapped and you can't get them loose without assistance," testified Doug Milsap, according to The Birmingham News. "But if you can retrieve your buddy, there's no excuse for leaving."
However, some of the divers testified that current was strong, perhaps supporting an earlier claim by Watson that Tina was struggling underwater.
The prosecution says Watson plotted his wife's death before they got married.
Snyder's wife, who was also on the dive, said he seemed "panic stricken" when she saw him on the boat after Tina drowned, according to The Courier Mail. Later, he looked like he was in shock.
The defense played portions of an interview between Watson and Australian investigators, The Birmingham News says. During the video clip, he occasionally became emotional. The defense hopes it will counter the prosecution's argument that he was a plotting killer.
SPECIAL REPORT: The search for Lori Ann Slesinski
BY:AUBURN, AL (WTVM 9)
The disappearance of Lori Ann Slesinski has been one of the most disturbing cases for the Auburn Police Department.
A missing person's case that is almost six years old.
"We were first made aware of the situation on Tuesday, June the 13th of 2006. Lori's mom came down and reported to us that she had not seen or heard from her for several days" says Auburn Assistant Police Chief Paul Register.
Register is all too familiar with this case.
He says when word about Slesinski's disappearance reached police, the investigation officially started.
"At that point we immediately began to seek out and talk with acquaintances of hers and friends that she did things with, and of course unable to locate her."
But what police did locate four days after Lori's disappearance was her 2005 Mazda Tribute burned to the frame off of Dekalb Street in Auburn.
"We did retrieve that vehicle, did and extensive examination of it, and not only us but we included the Alabama Department of Forensic Sciences and did a lot of work with that and still maintain custody of that vehicle today". We still have it, says Register.
Once the fire was extinguished investigators stated there was no evidence that anyone was inside the car when the fire started.
Which took police back to square one.
Register says, "At this point we still do not know the whereabouts of Lori. That's something we desperately want to find out for the family."
And no one is dealing with the stress of this case more than Lori's mom Arlene Slesinski.
"Not knowing is a living hell," says Slesinski,
Slesinski also says, "I have no idea. Lori had no enemies at all. I hope she's still alive. I'll put it to you that way. As a parent you will always have hope."
Captain Tom Stoffer with the Auburn Police Department says,"Her mom is handling this as any mother would that has a missing child.
He says this kind of case can be very difficult for a family to endure.
"Having three children of my own I could not imagine what Mrs. Slesinski is going through, so we want to bring closure to that family and we're going to keep our nose to the grindstone until we get the answers that we need to bring closure to this case and give the answers to Mrs. Slesinski that we feel she deserves,"says Stoffer.
"I just feel in my heart that they are trying everything in this case, that they are working on,"says Lori's mom Arlene Slesinski.
According to police, it was out-of-character for Lori to just disappear without a trace and that's where the public comes in. If you have any information you can offer police regarding this disappearance, it would be of great help to them.
"There maybe someone who have information that could be that one piece of the puzzle that makes us unable to turn the corner in this case. We just urge anyone with information, how rival they may think it is just to contact us and let us be the judge of what is important and what is not,"says Register.
Although this case is approaching its sixth year, police do not consider it a cold case.
Register says "None of our cases actually are considered that way and once our case is assigned to an investigator it remains with that investigator until such time that a conclusion is reached with it."
When News Leader 9 asked if Lori may have simply ran away from home, police were not convinced.
"Her behavioral pattern, the fact that she had a job, the fact that she maintained close contact with her family with her friends, she had just purchased a vehicle she had a pet at home that she tended to regularly. All those things considered and the fact that all of that stuff ended at one time. Would lead us to believe that it maybe something more than just a missing person's case,"says Stoffer.
"She would never do that. She would never leave her little dog that she left. We were close. If there was something bothering her I'm sure she would have told me,"says Slesinski.
According to police, the last time Lori was ever seen again was a few days before she was reported missing.
"During our investigation we determined that the last time she was seen by family or friends was that Saturday evening June 10th,"says Register.
Even though an investigator has been actively working this case since day one, investigators desperately need your help.
"We've gotten the information out there in a variety of ways. So we're just doing everything we can to make the public aware of any situation and hope that the person who may know something and not understand the significance of it may come forward and give us that piece of information that can put us over the top,"says Register.
Lori Ann Slesinski vanished when she was 24 years old.
In 2006, she was described as having blonde hair, about 5-feet-7 inches tall and weighing around 160 pounds.
If you know anything about this missing person's case you are asked to call the Auburn Tip Line at 334-246-1391 or Crime stoppers at 1-888-522-7847.
If your information can help police close this case a reward will be offered.
Nigerian underwear bomber gets life in prison
By the Associated Press
Defiantly declaring "a day of victory," a Nigerian man was given a mandatory life sentence Thursday for trying to blow up a packed jetliner with a bomb sewn into his underwear. People aboard the flight testified that the failed attack had disturbed their sleep and travels for more than two years.
Umar Farouk Abdulmutallab was the same remorseless man who four months ago pleaded guilty to all charges related to Northwest Airlines Flight 253. He seemed to relish the mandatory sentence and defended his actions as rooted in the Muslim holy book, the Quran.
"Mujahideen are proud to kill in the name of God," he said. "Today is a day of victory."
Had the bomb not fizzled, nearly 300 people aboard the flight would probably have been killed.
The case stirred renewed fears that terrorists could still bring down an American jetliner more than eight years after 9/11, and it accelerated installation of body scanners at the nation's airports.
Before Thursday's sentencing, four passengers and a crew member from the flight told U.S. District Judge Nancy Edmunds that they have struggled to live and travel normally since the incident on Christmas Day 2009.
During their remarks, Abdulmutallab appeared disinterested, rarely looking up from his seat just a few feet away.
Abdulmutallab "has never expressed doubt or regret or remorse about his mission," Edmunds said. "In contrast, he sees that mission as divinely inspired and a continuing mission."
Life in prison is a "just punishment for what he has done," the judge said. "The defendant poses a significant ongoing threat to the safety of American citizens everywhere."
Abdulmutallab, the 25-year-old, European-educated son of a wealthy banker, tried to set off the bomb minutes before the Amsterdam-to-Detroit flight landed.
The government says he first performed a cleansing ritual in the lavatory - brushing his teeth and perfuming himself - then returned to his seat. The device didn't work as planned, but it still produced smoke, flame and panic.
He was subdued by fellow passengers and quickly confessed after getting hauled off the plane. He told authorities that he trained in Yemen under the eye of Anwar al-Awlaki, a radical American-born cleric and one of the best-known al-Qaida figures.
The judge allowed prosecutors to show a video of the FBI demonstrating the power of the explosive material called PETN found in Abdulmutallab's underwear. As the video played, Abdulmutallab, who was wearing a white skull cap and oversized prison T-shirt, twice said loudly, "Allahu akbar," or God is great.
Lemare Mason, a Detroit-based flight attendant who helped put out the flames, told the judge that he suffers night sweats and his "dream job" no longer is a "joy."
Passenger Shama Chopra, founder of a Hindu temple in Montreal, left Muslim prayer beads for Abdulmutallab on the defense table after her testimony. She recalled smelling his burning flesh inside the plane's cabin, a moment "that gives me nightmares to this day."
Theophilus Maranga, a New York lawyer who was aboard the plane, said he was disgusted by Abdulmutallab's continued references to religion as justification.
"What kind of God is that? God is peace-loving," Maranga said in court, adding that he prays daily for Abdulmutallab.
Because he was a passenger, Detroit-area lawyer Kurt Haskell was allowed to publicly repeat his wild claim that the U.S. government outfitted Abdulmutallab with a defective bomb partly to force the rollout of body-imaging machines at airports.
Abdulmutallab's mentor, Al-Awlaki, and the bomb maker were killed in a U.S. drone strike in Yemen last year, just days before Abdulmutallab's trial. At the time, President Barack Obama publicly blamed al-Awlaki for the terrorism plot.
Abdulmutallab is an "unrepentant would-be mass murderer who views his crimes as divinely inspired and blessed, and who views himself as under a continuing obligation to carry out such crimes," prosecutors said in a court filing.
Nine members of Abdulmutallab's family traveled to Detroit but did not attend Thursday's hearing. They said they were grateful that no one else was seriously hurt.
In a statement, the relatives said everyone who knew Abdulmutallab thought of him as the "last person" who would attack an airliner for al-Qaida.
Anthony Chambers, an attorney assigned to help Abdulmutallab, said a mandatory life sentence was cruel and unconstitutional punishment for a crime that didn't physically hurt anyone except Abdulmutallab. The government insisted plenty of harm had been done.
"Unsuccessful terrorist attacks still engender fear in the broader public, which, after all, is one of their main objectives," prosecutors said in a court filing before sentencing.
Indeed, Alain Ghonda, a consultant from Silver Spring, Md., who was a passenger on Flight 253, said he now travels the globe with heightened awareness.
"After having that experience, you do not know who's sitting next to you," Ghonda said before Thursday's hearing. "They may look like passengers, but they might want to harm you."
Abdulmutallab's ability to defeat security in Amsterdam spurred the Transportation Security Administration to make swift changes.
The agency was using body scanners in some American cities at the time, but the attack accelerated their placement. Hundreds of the devices are now in use nationwide
Defiantly declaring "a day of victory," a Nigerian man was given a mandatory life sentence Thursday for trying to blow up a packed jetliner with a bomb sewn into his underwear. People aboard the flight testified that the failed attack had disturbed their sleep and travels for more than two years. Umar Farouk Abdulmutallab was the same remorseless man who four months ago pleaded guilty to all charges related to Northwest Airlines Flight 253. He seemed to relish the mandatory sentence and defended his actions as rooted in the Muslim holy book, the Quran.
"Mujahideen are proud to kill in the name of God," he said. "Today is a day of victory."
Had the bomb not fizzled, nearly 300 people aboard the flight would probably have been killed.
The case stirred renewed fears that terrorists could still bring down an American jetliner more than eight years after 9/11, and it accelerated installation of body scanners at the nation's airports.
Before Thursday's sentencing, four passengers and a crew member from the flight told U.S. District Judge Nancy Edmunds that they have struggled to live and travel normally since the incident on Christmas Day 2009.
During their remarks, Abdulmutallab appeared disinterested, rarely looking up from his seat just a few feet away.
Abdulmutallab "has never expressed doubt or regret or remorse about his mission," Edmunds said. "In contrast, he sees that mission as divinely inspired and a continuing mission."
Life in prison is a "just punishment for what he has done," the judge said. "The defendant poses a significant ongoing threat to the safety of American citizens everywhere."
Abdulmutallab, the 25-year-old, European-educated son of a wealthy banker, tried to set off the bomb minutes before the Amsterdam-to-Detroit flight landed.
The government says he first performed a cleansing ritual in the lavatory - brushing his teeth and perfuming himself - then returned to his seat. The device didn't work as planned, but it still produced smoke, flame and panic.
He was subdued by fellow passengers and quickly confessed after getting hauled off the plane. He told authorities that he trained in Yemen under the eye of Anwar al-Awlaki, a radical American-born cleric and one of the best-known al-Qaida figures.
The judge allowed prosecutors to show a video of the FBI demonstrating the power of the explosive material called PETN found in Abdulmutallab's underwear. As the video played, Abdulmutallab, who was wearing a white skull cap and oversized prison T-shirt, twice said loudly, "Allahu akbar," or God is great.
Lemare Mason, a Detroit-based flight attendant who helped put out the flames, told the judge that he suffers night sweats and his "dream job" no longer is a "joy."
Passenger Shama Chopra, founder of a Hindu temple in Montreal, left Muslim prayer beads for Abdulmutallab on the defense table after her testimony. She recalled smelling his burning flesh inside the plane's cabin, a moment "that gives me nightmares to this day."
Theophilus Maranga, a New York lawyer who was aboard the plane, said he was disgusted by Abdulmutallab's continued references to religion as justification.
"What kind of God is that? God is peace-loving," Maranga said in court, adding that he prays daily for Abdulmutallab.
Because he was a passenger, Detroit-area lawyer Kurt Haskell was allowed to publicly repeat his wild claim that the U.S. government outfitted Abdulmutallab with a defective bomb partly to force the rollout of body-imaging machines at airports.
Abdulmutallab's mentor, Al-Awlaki, and the bomb maker were killed in a U.S. drone strike in Yemen last year, just days before Abdulmutallab's trial. At the time, President Barack Obama publicly blamed al-Awlaki for the terrorism plot.
Abdulmutallab is an "unrepentant would-be mass murderer who views his crimes as divinely inspired and blessed, and who views himself as under a continuing obligation to carry out such crimes," prosecutors said in a court filing.
Nine members of Abdulmutallab's family traveled to Detroit but did not attend Thursday's hearing. They said they were grateful that no one else was seriously hurt.
In a statement, the relatives said everyone who knew Abdulmutallab thought of him as the "last person" who would attack an airliner for al-Qaida.
Anthony Chambers, an attorney assigned to help Abdulmutallab, said a mandatory life sentence was cruel and unconstitutional punishment for a crime that didn't physically hurt anyone except Abdulmutallab. The government insisted plenty of harm had been done.
"Unsuccessful terrorist attacks still engender fear in the broader public, which, after all, is one of their main objectives," prosecutors said in a court filing before sentencing.
Indeed, Alain Ghonda, a consultant from Silver Spring, Md., who was a passenger on Flight 253, said he now travels the globe with heightened awareness.
"After having that experience, you do not know who's sitting next to you," Ghonda said before Thursday's hearing. "They may look like passengers, but they might want to harm you."
Abdulmutallab's ability to defeat security in Amsterdam spurred the Transportation Security Administration to make swift changes.
The agency was using body scanners in some American cities at the time, but the attack accelerated their placement. Hundreds of the devices are now in use nationwide
Thursday, February 16, 2012
Texting and driving ban tops agenda in Ala. House
Proposed legislation to ban people from sending or receiving text messages while driving is in line to come up for debate on the Alabama House floor.
The bill by Republican Rep. Jim McClendon of Springville will be near the top of the work agenda when the House convenes Thursday.
The bill calls for fining drivers $25 for the first offense, $50 for the second offense and $75 the third time caught texting while driving.
Drivers would also receive one point on the driver's license for each citation. Twelve points can cause a driver to lose his or her driver's license.
Last session, the proposed texting ban passed the House and died in the Senate.
A similar bill was approved on an 8-1 vote by the Senate Judiciary Committee Wednesday.
Columbus murder suspect, Leo Scott, is dead following standoff
Police say murder suspect, Leo Scott, is dead following a standoff situation in north Columbus.
A SWAT team was trying to talk Scott, out of a home located on 54th Street and Thomason Avenue. Police were called to the home around 9:30am Thursday after receiving a call about shots fired.
Scott's father was also on the scene assisting authorities as they attempted to talk his son down.
Scott was connected to the murder of Velencia Compton, the mother of his 3-year-old son.
RELATED STORY BELOW
Columbus police are working with authorities in Beaufort County, South Carolina to find a man wanted for murder. Leo Deandre Scott, 25, is suspected of killing the mother of their three-year-old child Thursday night in Beaufort County.
Family members confirm the victim is 21-year-old Velencia Compton. Compton graduated from Carver High School in Columbus and was in the Navy in South Carolina.
Investigators say Scott took Compton's car and drove the child to Columbus.
Police found the youngster in good condition late Thursday night. They also found the car in the Walmart parking lot off Buena Vista Road.
According to police, Scott used to work in Columbus and has friends and family in the area.
Scott is described as around 5'5 and 140 pounds. If you see this man, please call 9-1-1 immediately.
Ozark Police- Who has been bad FEBRUARY 15, 2012 WEDNESDAY:
FEBRUARY 15, 2012 WEDNESDAY:
@ 2:29 am. Possession of Marijuana 2nd. US Hwy 231 & AL 123. Suspect (Joseph P. Scobie) was stopped for driving erratically. Suspect admitted to driving without a license. Suspect gave officers permission to search the vehicle where a K-9 unit found suspected marijuana.
@ 11:04 am. Criminal Mischief 3rd. County Rd 401. Victim (Keith Watson) stated an unknown suspect tried to pry open the back door to his residence. It did not appear entry had been made.
@ 2:44 pm. Theft of Property 2nd. Mildred St. Victim (Alfreda W. Speaks) stated an unknown suspect removed items from her residence without permission.
@ 4:11 pm. Apartment Fire. Harris Rd. Officers dispatched to possible structure fire. 3 apartments sustained minor smoke damage.
@ 5:10 pm. Theft of Property 3rd. Pizza Hut. Complainant (Clifton L. Keen) stated suspect/employee (Thomas H. Wilmot) was pocketing money from customers.
@ 5:27 pm. Criminal Mischief 3rd. Andrews Ave. Complainant (Douglas R. Cross) stated a disgruntled ex-employee/suspect (Ronald Thomas) threw open the door damaging the wall behind it.
7:15 pm. Domestic Dispute. Hillside Dr. (Tonya M. Campbell) and (Richard L. Campbell) were arguing over personal matters.
@ 9:08 pm. Duty Upon Striking an Unoccupied Vehicle. Kangaroo. Victim (Rhonda S. Blackmon) stated an unknown suspect struck her vehicle while it was parked in the parking lot.
ARRESTS:
Edward Scott Mcleod – Burglary 2ND/Theft of Property 2nd. 225 Harper Dr. 32 YOA.
Edward Scott Mcleod – Burglary 3rd/Theft of Property 1ST. (x2) 225 Harper Dr. 32 YOA.
Edward Scott Mcleod – Burglary 3RD/Theft of Property 2nd. 225 Harper Dr. 32 YOA.
Earnest Earl Taylor – Failure to Appear. 147 Crittendon Rd. 56 YOA.
Michael Shane Woodham – Failure to Appear. 505 Eufaula St. 33 YOA.
OZARK POLICE DEPARTMENT
DAILY BULLETIN – THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 16, 2012
@ 2:29 am. Possession of Marijuana 2nd. US Hwy 231 & AL 123. Suspect (Joseph P. Scobie) was stopped for driving erratically. Suspect admitted to driving without a license. Suspect gave officers permission to search the vehicle where a K-9 unit found suspected marijuana.
@ 11:04 am. Criminal Mischief 3rd. County Rd 401. Victim (Keith Watson) stated an unknown suspect tried to pry open the back door to his residence. It did not appear entry had been made.
@ 2:44 pm. Theft of Property 2nd. Mildred St. Victim (Alfreda W. Speaks) stated an unknown suspect removed items from her residence without permission.
@ 4:11 pm. Apartment Fire. Harris Rd. Officers dispatched to possible structure fire. 3 apartments sustained minor smoke damage.
@ 5:10 pm. Theft of Property 3rd. Pizza Hut. Complainant (Clifton L. Keen) stated suspect/employee (Thomas H. Wilmot) was pocketing money from customers.
@ 5:27 pm. Criminal Mischief 3rd. Andrews Ave. Complainant (Douglas R. Cross) stated a disgruntled ex-employee/suspect (Ronald Thomas) threw open the door damaging the wall behind it.
7:15 pm. Domestic Dispute. Hillside Dr. (Tonya M. Campbell) and (Richard L. Campbell) were arguing over personal matters.
@ 9:08 pm. Duty Upon Striking an Unoccupied Vehicle. Kangaroo. Victim (Rhonda S. Blackmon) stated an unknown suspect struck her vehicle while it was parked in the parking lot.
ARRESTS:
Edward Scott Mcleod – Burglary 2ND/Theft of Property 2nd. 225 Harper Dr. 32 YOA.
Edward Scott Mcleod – Burglary 3rd/Theft of Property 1ST. (x2) 225 Harper Dr. 32 YOA.
Edward Scott Mcleod – Burglary 3RD/Theft of Property 2nd. 225 Harper Dr. 32 YOA.
Earnest Earl Taylor – Failure to Appear. 147 Crittendon Rd. 56 YOA.
Michael Shane Woodham – Failure to Appear. 505 Eufaula St. 33 YOA.
OZARK POLICE DEPARTMENT
DAILY BULLETIN – THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 16, 2012
Ozark Police- Who has been bad
FEBRUARY 15, 2012 WEDNESDAY:
@ 2:29 am. Possession of Marijuana 2nd. US Hwy 231 & AL 123. Suspect (Joseph P. Scobie) was stopped for driving erratically. Suspect admitted to driving without a license. Suspect gave officers permission to search the vehicle where a K-9 unit found suspected marijuana.
@ 11:04 am. Criminal Mischief 3rd. County Rd 401. Victim (Keith Watson) stated an unknown suspect tried to pry open the back door to his residence. It did not appear entry had been made.
@ 2:44 pm. Theft of Property 2nd. Mildred St. Victim (Alfreda W. Speaks) stated an unknown suspect removed items from her residence without permission.
@ 4:11 pm. Apartment Fire. Harris Rd. Officers dispatched to possible structure fire. 3 apartments sustained minor smoke damage.
@ 5:09 pm. Harassment. Andrews Ave. Victim (Ronald Thomas Jr.) stated he and the suspect/employer (Douglas R. Cross) began arguing when the suspect accused him of taking money from the register. Victim stated suspect began using obscene language toward him and terminated his employment.
@ 5:10 pm. Theft of Property 3rd. Pizza Hut. Complainant (Clifton L. Keen) stated suspect/employee (Thomas H. Wilmot) was pocketing money from customers.
@ 5:27 pm. Criminal Mischief 3rd. Andrews Ave. Complainant (Douglas R. Cross) stated a disgruntled ex-employee/suspect (Ronald Thomas) threw open the door damaging the wall behind it.
7:15 pm. Domestic Dispute. Hillside Dr. (Tonya M. Campbell) and (Richard L. Campbell) were arguing over personal matters.
@ 9:08 pm. Duty Upon Striking an Unoccupied Vehicle. Kangaroo. Victim (Rhonda S. Blackmon) stated an unknown suspect struck her vehicle while it was parked in the parking lot.
ARRESTS:
Edward Scott Mcleod – Burglary 2ND/Theft of Property 2nd. 225 Harper Dr. 32 YOA.
Edward Scott Mcleod – Burglary 3rd/Theft of Property 1ST. (x2) 225 Harper Dr. 32 YOA.
Edward Scott Mcleod – Burglary 3RD/Theft of Property 2nd. 225 Harper Dr. 32 YOA.
Earnest Earl Taylor – Failure to Appear. 147 Crittendon Rd. 56 YOA.
Michael Shane Woodham – Failure to Appear. 505 Eufaula St. 33 YOA.
Wednesday, February 15, 2012
The Dothan Police Department has recently investigated a scam going on in our area.
The Dothan Police Department has recently investigated a scam going on in our area. Investigators say Stephen Brown has posed as a sales representative of an electronics and furniture company and solicited business to at least one, and possibly more locations. One victim of the scam described the transaction to police saying Brown was very convincing as a salesman and received cash from her for items she believed she was purchasing. The suspect agreed to sell the victim two televisions, two chairs and a couch requesting half of the payment at the time of the agreement. The victim paid in cash and was told her items would be delivered later that day at which time the final balance would be due, unfortunately the transaction was a scam and promised items never arrived.
Investigators are releasing this information immediately in a three fold effort. First, police want to alert the public in an effort to stop any additional scams from occurring. Second, police believe more victims of this scam may recognize the offender and come forward with their case. Third, police have signed a warrant against Brown but have not located him and are asking anyone with information about the whereabouts of the suspect to call the Dothan Police Department or CrimeStoppers 334-793-7000.
· Stephen Bernard Brown, black male, 43 years of age, of Colquitt, Georgia is WANTED for Second Degree Theft of Property. See page two for photograph.
Tuesday, February 14, 2012
COUGAR ALERT IN DALE COUNTY 68 IN SKIPPERVILLE IS A HOAX
This photo is floating around Dale County stating that a hunter caught this on his deer camera on cr 68. in Skipperville.
THIS PHOTO HAS BEEN PROVEN TO BE A HOAX,
Hackers have previously targeted Mobile County Commission's website
MOBILE, Alabama -- When a hacktivist group broke into computer servers at Dogwood Productions last week and accessed Mobile government records, it wasn’t the first time someone exploited a security hole at the company.
Mobile County’s website, which is also managed and hosted by Dogwood, has also been compromised in the past, though officials said that no sensitive information has been accessed.
The hacks appear to have been acts of digital vandalism rather than more sinister attempts to steal records or spread malicious software.
In one instance, someone broke into the county’s online calendar of events to declare it "Owned by the Kurd!sh Sniper TeaM."
In another instance, links in the calendar were changed to direct users to what appeared to be an Arabic social networking website.
A third hack inserted an anti-Semitic screed into the calendar, according to Nancy Johnson, who is in charge of the county’s communications strategy, including the website.
The hackers were able to deface the website by exploiting a security flaw in the calendar, a bit of the site developed by a third party and plugged into the larger website, said John Strope, Dogwood’s director.
In order to save time, developers often use such third-party web apps for common functions such as calendars or message boards rather than developing them from the ground up.
The shortcut can backfire, though, because hundreds or even thousands of websites might use the same web app. If a security flaw in the app is discovered, hackers can exploit the flaw to gain access to all the websites that used the app.
It can even draw hackers to websites they might have otherwise left alone.
In the case of the records stolen from the city of Mobile, it appears that hackers associated with the group Anonymous intentionally targeted Mobile in response to Alabama’s immigration law. But Mobile County’s site was probably only hit because the calendar app made it an easy target, Strope said.
When a flaw is discovered in a popular web app, hackers share the information and then use programs to sniff the Internet looking for websites that use the app, he said.
The process is akin to a car burglar walking down the street trying door handles until he finds one that’s unlocked.
So far, it seems that the security liability was limited to the calendar itself and not to the wider website.
Even if hackers were able to access the entire site, Johnson said, it is segregated from the county’s internal network and servers, which house sensitive information.
"We don’t have anything on there that can’t go public," she said.
Because the calendar was developed by a third party, Strope said, it was difficult for Dogwood to address the security flaw without jettisoning it and either finding another third-party app or developing one from scratch.
In light of the recent hacking of the city’s information, however, the county is playing it safe, shutting down the calendar app until a solution can be found, he said.
Johnson said that the county will continue to use Dogwood. "They’ve actually done a good job for us," she said.
Strope said that security risks can be mitigated but never eliminated. As soon as one security hole is patched, hackers are on to the next one, he said.
"It’s just an ongoing battle. We don’t want the perception that we are being lax on security," Strope said.
Honeymoon trial: Defense says drowning accidental
By
Defense attorneys say an Alabama man didn't do anything intentional to cause his wife's drowning death during their honeymoon in Australia eight years ago.
An attorney for Gabe Watson told jurors Tuesday that the death of 26-year-old Tina Thomas Watson was an accident caused by a "perfect storm" of events. But Brett Bloomston says the 34-year-old Watson didn't want anything bad to happen to his wife of 11 days.
Bloomston denies prosecution claims that Watson was a highly trained rescue diver who should have been able to save Tina. Instead, he says both were "very inexperienced" with scuba, and she got into trouble at a very dangerous shipwreck on the Great Barrier Reef.
Watson is on trial for capital murder. He already served 18 months in prison in Australia after pleading guilty to manslaughter.
Defense attorneys say an Alabama man didn't do anything intentional to cause his wife's drowning death during their honeymoon in Australia eight years ago.
An attorney for Gabe Watson told jurors Tuesday that the death of 26-year-old Tina Thomas Watson was an accident caused by a "perfect storm" of events. But Brett Bloomston says the 34-year-old Watson didn't want anything bad to happen to his wife of 11 days.
Bloomston denies prosecution claims that Watson was a highly trained rescue diver who should have been able to save Tina. Instead, he says both were "very inexperienced" with scuba, and she got into trouble at a very dangerous shipwreck on the Great Barrier Reef.
Watson is on trial for capital murder. He already served 18 months in prison in Australia after pleading guilty to manslaughter.
The Dothan Police Department is happy to announce five athletes from the Dothan P.A.L. (Police Athletic League) have qualified for the 2012 Olympic Team Trials in Fort Carson, Colorado!
Media Alert
February 14, 2012
The Dothan Police Department is happy to announce five athletes from the Dothan P.A.L. (Police Athletic League) have qualified for the 2012 Olympic Team Trials in Fort Carson, Colorado!
Boxers twill be matched up and begin their bouts on the 28th of February.
This is an advancing tournament, meaning everyday you win you advance to the next day. Athletes who make it to Saturday are in the Championship bout. At the completion of Saturday, winners are the Champion of the 2012 Olympic Trials and earn a spot on the 2012 Olympic Team!!!
We applaud these athletes and support their efforts. Additionally, we would like to encourage our community to stand behind this program with donations to assist with travel costs associated with the upcoming trip. Anyone wanting to donate to this worthy cause may mail or drop off checks at the Dothan Police Department. Please make all donations payable to Dothan P.A.L. (Police Athletic League). Thank you in advance for your support and congratulations to these athletes! These boxers are:
1. Luai Barakat
2011 Jr. Olympic Champion
2011 National Title Champion
2011 Alabama Golden Gloves Champion
2. Corey Lampley
2011 Tenn Champion
2nd Place National Title Champion
Note: Corey has a 10-1 record with 8 straight wins in a row.
3. Kenny Smith Junior
2011 National Title Champion
2011 Junior Olympic Runner up
2011 Golden Gloves Champion
4. Darien Troop
Qualified having over 5 bouts.
5. Jamal Flowers
Qualified having over 5 bouts.
*MEDIA NOTE: Sergeant David will be at P.A.L. with coaches and athletes at 4:00 p.m. today to assist any members of the media who would like to cover this achievement!
Gregory J. Benton
Chief of Police
Dothan Police Department responded to a report of a critical firearm assault at 3551 Napier Field Road
Press Release
February 14, 2012
On February 13, 2012 the Dothan Police Department responded to a report of a critical firearm assault at 3551 Napier Field Road. Upon arrival, police learned two men were involved in an altercation during which at least one shot had been fired. Witnesses saw the victim bleeding from the head following the altercation and feared he had been shot. Responding officers began to compile witness statements with information later provided by the victim at the hospital and came to the realization that the victim had not been shot, but had been struck in the head with a firearm during the fight causing a large laceration. During the course of the investigation, the suspect was identified as Carlenilus Sandifer. The suspect was located and arrested by investigators less than an hour after the original incident bringing closure to this case.
· Carlenilus Sandifer, black male, 21 years of age, of Kristie Road was arrested and charged with Second Degree Assault with a $15,000 bond.
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