By Rick McCann
Blue RAM Media/Gulf Coast News
Narch 7, 2026
FAIRHOPE, Ala.
The Fairhope police have release February’s statistical data showing the department’s activity.
Copyright 2026 Blue RAM Media. All rights reserved.
By Rick McCann
Blue RAM Media
March 7, 2026
MONTGOMERY, Ala. Another bill, giving law enforcement additional avenues to keep dangerous people off the street has passed as Alabama shows that it’s tough on crime.
At least three other law enforcement related bills have also passed in recent months.
SB242 passed the Alabama Legislative process on Friday, March 6th, 2026, and was sent to Governor Kay Ivey to sign.
The bill, sponsored by State Sen. Lance Bell (R-Pell City) and carried in the House by State Rep. Steve Clouse (R-Ozark) requires that commercial drivers demonstrate English proficiency and carry valid entry documents.
SB242 in many ways is similar to an existing federal requirement for English proficiency among commercial drivers and changes the law into a state statue, creating new criminal penalties for violations. Under the bill, a driver who fails an English proficiency standard and receives a traffic citation faces a $1,000 fine for the operator and $2,000 for the carrier, with fines doubling on subsequent violations.
Presenting a fraudulent foreign commercial driver license or operating without required federal entry documents are both Class D felonies, with fines applicable to both drivers and carriers.
Bell pointed to a May accident in Thomasville, where a driver on a work visa who only spoke Russian struck several cars stopped at a red light, killing two people, as evidence of the need for state-level enforcement tools.
Mark Colson, President and CEO of the Alabama Trucking Association, praised the bill’s passage.
The bill would take effect October 1, 2026, if signed.
Copyright 2026 Blue RAM Media. All rights reserved.
By Dale Hines
Blue RAM Media
March 7, 2026
ESCAMBIA, Ala. A two-vehicle crash that occurred at approximately 2:10 p.m. Thursday, March 5, 2026, has claimed the life of a Stockbridge, Ga. woman.
State troopers identified her as Jennifer H. Wisenbaugh, 55.
Wisenbaugh was critically injured when the 2001 Chevrolet Silverado pickup, in which she was a passenger, struck the 2021 Peterbilt tractor-trailer driven by Mark Henderson, 45, of Dozier.
After the initial impact, the Chevrolet left the roadway and struck a tree.
Wisenbaugh was not using a seat belt at the time of the crash and was transported to D.W. McMillian Memorial Hospital in Brewton for treatment.
While at the hospital, Wisenbaugh succumbed to her injuries and was pronounced deceased.
The driver of the Chevrolet, Chad L. Buckner, 44, of Cartersville, Ga. was not injured during the crash.
The crash occurred on Escambia County 4, near Fir Lane, approximately ten miles east of East Brewton, in Escambia County.
Troopers with the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency’s (ALEA) Highway Patrol Division continue to investigate.
Copyright 2026 Blue RAM Media. All rights reserved.
By Dale Hines
Blue RAM Media
March 7, 2026
MOBILE, AL. A Mobile woman says that she’s still in shock and demands that the police fix her home after they caused extensive damage while trying to serve someone else with an arrest warrant.
Kimberly Collins said that when she arrived home on Lincon Street in the Trinity Gardens, police pulled guns on her and told her to get back.
. Now, the homeowner says she wants the city to pay for repairs.
Mobile police confirmed that two men were arrested on drug charges and attempting to elude following the operation at the home on Lincoln Street.
Police said that the men refused to come out and the SWAT team’s armored vehicle did help to make entry to the structure.
Collins said that the machine ripped the door and frame from the house and a porch column was knocked down into the yard, glass was shattered inside the home, and she said that her car was also damaged and it was all unnecessary.
A spokesperson for the Mobile police said that officers followed protocol and their policies and procedures and declined further comment, citing the ongoing investigation.
Police arrested 22-year-old Darrell Richardson on charges of attempting to elude and first-degree possession of marijuana. Collins’ son, 25-year-old Ta’Varess Collins, was also arrested for possession of a controlled substance and attempting to elude. Collins disputes the allegation that her son tried to run.
Police have executed a warrant previously at the same address.
In 2023, her younger son, Sidney Collins, was sentenced to nearly six years in federal prison after attempting to bring a loaded gun that was illegally modified with a Glock switch into a nightclub on Dauphin Street. The 24-year-old is also one of six people charged in the February 15, 2022, drive-by shooting death of 14-year-old Daniel Blackmon on Cheshire Drive South. Collins is scheduled to go on trial for murder in less than two weeks.
Copyright 2026 Blue RAM Media. All rights reserved.
By Isabella Gomez
Blue RAM Media
March 7, 2026
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. The outdoors is calling and Alabama’s next generation of explorers is invited to answer.
Alabama State Parks has launched the new Junior Ranger Program, designed to inspire young adventurers, spark curiosity and cultivate a life-long love for conservation and stewardship of the great outdoors.
Open to children of all ages, with activities specially designed for ages 5-12, this program welcomes families, school groups, scout troops, homeschoolers and youth organizations to jump in and start exploring. No experience required. Just bring your curiosity, your sense of wonder and your love of nature.
“Our Junior Ranger Program is about more than exploring the outdoors,” Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources Commissioner Chris Blankenship said. “It’s about inspiring the next generation of conservationists. We want every child who visits an Alabama State Park to leave with a sense of wonder, a deeper appreciation for nature, and the confidence to help protect it for years to come.”
Blankenship joined State Parks leaders and Paul McCormack, president of the National Association of State Park Directors, on Tuesday at Oak Mountain State Park to formally launch the Junior Ranger Program. The program is funded through a grant from the Bronco Wild Fund, an initiative of Ford Motor Company that supports conservation, preservation and responsible enjoyment of the outdoors.
“Ford has long been committed to helping preserve public lands and promoting responsible access,” said Natalie Simon, Ford’s manager for enthusiast brand customer experiences. “Bronco Wild Fund makes good on the Ford promise to build a better world where everyone is free to move and pursue their dreams. We’re proud to support Alabama State Parks, through an America’s State Parks access grant, with creation of their Junior Ranger Program—an important educational initiative in Alabama and the local community.”
The Junior Ranger Program is available at every Alabama State Park, giving kids the chance to explore mountains, forests, lakes, rivers, beaches and breathtaking caverns across the state.
Free program booklets are available online and at park offices, nature centers, and from park naturalists. Many parks also offer guided Junior Ranger programs throughout the year, featuring immersive activities, interactive learning experiences and special events that bring Alabama’s natural beauty to life and promote environmental literacy.
This isn’t just a program, it’s a statewide adventure.
“We’re inviting kids across Alabama to step outside, get their boots dirty and discover something amazing,” Alabama State Parks Director Matthew Capps said. “The Junior Ranger Program turns every park visit into an adventure, and it makes every young explorer into a steward of our state’s incredible natural resources. Today’s junior park rangers will become tomorrow’s conservation leaders.”
Teachers and homeschool families can easily integrate the Junior Ranger Program into science, ecology, conservation and outdoor recreation curriculum.
Being a Junior Ranger means having fun and protecting the places you love.
Junior Rangers pledge to:
Respect Wildlife: Observe animals from a distance and help keep them wild and safe.
Leave No Trace: Dispose of waste properly and leave rocks, flowers, and artifacts exactly where you found them.
Stay Safe: Stick with your family and explore responsibly to protect Alabama’s natural habitats.
Download the free Junior Ranger booklet or schedule a guided field trip with a park naturalist for a hands-on, standards-aligned outdoor classroom experience. Educator resources are available, and programs can be tailored to meet specific learning goals. Program details can be found online at www.alapark.com/JuniorParkRanger.
“The Junior Ranger Program blends hands-on learning with real-world adventure,” Capps said. “It supports educators, engages families and empowers young people to understand conservation not just as a concept, but as a responsibility.”
About the Alabama State Parks Division
The Alabama State Parks is a division of the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources and maintains 21 state parks encompassing more than 50,000 acres of land and water in Alabama. The parks range from Gulf Coast beaches to Appalachian Mountains and provide opportunities and facilities from basic day-use activities to resort convention lodging, restaurants and golfing areas. These parks rely on visitor fees and the support of other partners like local communities to fund the majority of their operations. Learn more at www.alapark.com.
Outdoor Alabama
Copyright 2026 Blue RAM Media. All rights reserved.
By Dale Hines
Blue RAM Media
March 5, 2026
MOBILE, AL. Mobile police officers were involved in a police pursuit on Tuesday, March 3, 2026, at approximately 10:34 p.m.
Police said that an officer attempted to initiate a traffic stop in the area of Airport Boulevard and Hillcrest Drive, but the driver refused to stop and engaged police in a pursuit.
Other officers joined the pursuit and the driver identified as Amahree Pettaway, 19, was stopped and arrested in the 6500 block of Dickens Ferry Road.
Pettaway has been charged with:
Attempting to Elude Police-Felony
Possession of Drug Paraphernalia
Speeding
He was transported to Metro Jail where is currently being held.
A second pursuit also occurred, and police were able to make an arrest in that chase also.
Ta’Varress D Collins has been charged with Attempting to Elude Police and Possession of a Controlled Substance and is currently being held at the Mobile Metro Jail.
Copyright 2026 Blue RAM Media. All rights reserved.
By Rick McCann
Blue RAM Media
March 5, 2026
FOLEY, Ala. The Department of Human Resources and mandatory health reporters contacted the Foley Police Department recently concerned about the abuse of a child that they had contact with.
Foley police conducted their investigation and determined that the child had been physically abused.
Allyiha Presley, 28, was found to have caused injuries to a child under the age of 6, according to officials.
Court documents state Presley pushed the child down, causing a fracture to the child’s left leg.
Investigators arrested Presley and transported her to the Baldwin County Detention Center where she is being held on a $75,000 bond.
Copyright 2026 Blue RAM Media. All rights reserved.
By Rick McCann
Blue RAM Media
March 5, 2026
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. A second University of Alabama police officer has been arrested on several felonies after an investigation revealed that he used his position as a law enforcement to unlawfully access police databases and to steal cars.
Solomon Dion Moss Jr. has been charged in Jefferson County District Court with three counts of using his public office for personal gain and four counts of tampering with the Alabama Criminal Justice Information Center (ACJIC) computer system.
Another UAB police officer, Johnny Fowler IV was also arrested on similar charges.
Law enforcement began investigating the two men after receiving some information that showed fraud and other criminal activity.
According to court complaints filed Tuesday, the personal gain charges allege Moss used his position as a UAB police officer to convert ownership of a BMW 330i, a Kawasaki motorcycle, and a Buick Verano through a fraudulent abandoned title application process. The alleged offenses involving the BMW and motorcycle occurred in May 2025. The Buick Verano charge stems from an alleged incident in December 2024.
Authorities said that the four computer tampering charges allege Moss accessed confidential license plate and vehicle identification number information through the ACJIC system, a law enforcement database, without authorization between May and August of 2025. The vehicles named in those charges include the BMW 330i, the Kawasaki motorcycle, a GMC Terrain, and a Ford F-150.
UAB confirmed that both men are no longer employed by the university.
Fowler was first charged in Montgomery County after an Alabama State Trooper pulled him over Jan. 24 on I-65 after being advised someone was traveling in a stolen white Chevrolet pickup truck, according to court documents. Those documents say Fowler admitted to taking the vehicle, but do not elaborate on the circumstances.
On Jan. 29, prosecutors in Jefferson County charged Fowler with theft of property related to a Chevrolet vehicle that was stolen on Jan. 20. Fowler was booked into the Jefferson County Jail and has since bonded out.
Police are still investigating this case.
Copyright 2026 Blue RAM Media. All rights reserved.
By Rick McCann
Blue RAM Media
March 5, 2026
DAUPHIN ISLAND, Ala. On Tuesday, March 3, 2026, at approximately 11 a.m., Troopers assigned to the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency’s (ALEA) Marine Patrol Division responded to a call for service concerning a missing boater who was last seen in the area of Dauphin Island in Portersville Bay, within Mobile County.
Travis N. White, 54, of Peachtree City, Ga., was reported missing after he did not return home from a fishing trip.
The 22-ft May Craft vessel that he had been operating was located north of the Dauphin Island Bridge in a marshy area in Heron Bay on Tuesday, March 3.
ALEA Marine Patrol Troopers along with the United States Coast Guard (USCG) and Officers with the Marine Resources Division of the Alabama Department of Conversation and Natural Resources (ADCNR) immediately launched a search and rescue mission.
On Wednesday, March 4, at approximately 11:47 a.m., Mr. White’s body was located and recovered near Petit Bois Island in Mississippi.
Nothing further is available as ALEA Marine Patrol Troopers continue to investigate.
Copyright 2026 Blue RAM Media. All rights reserved.
By Rick McCann
Blue RAM Media
March 5, 2026
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. Birmingham Southern College and its 192-acre campus has been sitting empty since May 31, 2024, after 168 years of operation due to insurmountable financial debt of more than 36 million dollars.
There have been several offers to purchase the property during that time, but the property continued to sit empty until now.
The United States Coast Guard has now purchased the former Birmingham-Southern College and chosen it to be the site of a new, top-tier Coast Guard training hub that will bring recruits from across the nation to Alabama.
The project was announced on Wednesday by U.S. Senators Katie Britt (R-Montgomery), Tommy Tuberville (R-Auburn) and U.S. Rep Robert Aderholt (R-Haleyville), along with DHS Secretary Kristi Noem and USCG Commandant Admiral Kevin Lunday.
The facility will further establish Alabama as a leader in education at all levels and a great supporter of our military.
As chair of the Senate Appropriations subcommittee that funds Homeland Security, Britt drove the effort.
“This is a huge day for Birmingham, our great state, and the U.S. Coast Guard,” Senator Britt said.
“I have long been dedicated to strengthening Alabama’s military installations and the warfighters they serve. This exciting announcement further positions Alabama as a national leader in supporting our incredible U.S. Armed Forces and law enforcement personnel…Alabama stands as a proud leader in military excellence, and we’re honored to host this new training center that will help mold the next generation of Coast Guard members.”
The United States Coast Guard plays a very important role in our nation’s safety and here along the Alabama coastline providing security, search and rescue operations, law enforcement and drug interdiction.
The project has been in motion for months as the Coast Guard, under its Force Design 2028 blueprint, has pursued a major expansion of training capacity due to record-breaking recruiting numbers.
In late 2025, the Coast Guard publicly issued a nationwide request for information seeking an “additional training center” with infrastructure sized for recruit training throughput — including lodging for 1,200 recruits, extensive classroom and medical capacity, athletic facilities, and 150-250 acres of land.
“This move will save the American taxpayers hundreds of millions of dollars,” Sen. Tuberville said. “Alabama and the Coast Guard are a natural partnership. Alabama is already home to every branch of the military, and we have the infrastructure, resources, and personnel ready to make sure our United States Coast Guard continues to be elite.”
This is also a big win for the metropolitan Birmingham area as the school will bring hundreds and thousands of students and staff to the area.
Secretary of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security Kristi Noem billed today’s Birmingham announcement as proof that “this is the most exciting time to join the Coast Guard in 235 years.”
“Thanks to President Trump’s visionary leadership and historic investment in the Coast Guard, the Service is shattering records across the board — including in recruitment. Last year’s recruitment exceeded 110% of active-duty enlisted goals, and the Coast Guard is on track to add 15,000 new members by 2028,” Noem said.
“This next generation of heroes deserves training centers and support facilities worthy of their mission, and that is exactly what they are going to have in Alabama.”
The U.S. Coast Guard is breathing new life into a school that once stood tall and was not only prominent in the area but in the nation said area alumni.
BSC alum Rep. Aderholt made it clear he supports the repurposing of the campus.
“As a proud alumnus of Birmingham-Southern, it is important to me that this campus continues to serve those seeking to learn and improve their lives,” U.S. Rep. Aderholt said.
“I’m confident the United States Coast Guard will do exactly that. I want to thank Senator Britt for her partnership as we worked together to encourage the Coast Guard and the White House to ensure this campus remains an important footprint in Alabama.”
Now, this property is being repurposed for a federal mission.
USCG and DHS selected the BSC campus for the new facility, saying it far exceeded the necessary criteria.
Alabama is not only the home of USCG Sector Mobile and the USCG Aviation Training Center, but the state also hosts several premier military installations that are critical to supporting the U.S. Armed Forces. This includes Redstone Arsenal, a Federal Center of Excellence, in Huntsville, Army Aviation at Fort Rucker in the Alabama Wiregrass, Air University at Maxwell Air Force Base in Montgomery, and a major U.S. Army center at Anniston Army Depot.
“We must invest in our most valuable treasure—our people—to meet the increasingly complex maritime security challenges facing the Nation,” Adm. Kevin E. Lunday, commandant of the U.S. Coast Guard, said.
“The acquisition of the historic Birmingham-Southern College as our new training center is a critical step in our Force Design 2028 strategy, providing the right facilities necessary to grow our service and ensure the Coast Guard stands always ready.”
Alabama is the proud home to more than 26,000 service members and their families and ranks among the top states in the nation for its number of civilian veterans.
Copyright 2026 Blue RAM Media. All rights reserved.
By Rick McCann
Blue RAM Media
March 5, 2026
LOXLEY, Ala. Loxley police were called to an incident on Saturday night, February 28, 2026, at around 11 p.m. in the 14000 block of Wolf Run in the Loxley Heights community.
Police said that a woman had shot into an occupied vehicle during a confrontation with another person and then fled the area before police arrived.
Loxley police said that the woman involved has since turned herself in.
Charnele Ranee Nelson, 35, of Bay Minnette is charged with shooting into an occupied vehicle, domestic violence reckless endangerment and two additional charges of reckless endangerment.
Nelson allegedly drove from Bay Minette to Loxley, where she started arguing with her boyfriend, according to police.
Police said that the boyfriend, who they did not name, attempted to drive away along with two of his friends, Nelson fired several rounds into the vehicle and as she ran to get back into her vehicle, she accidentally shot herself in the leg and was treated at an area hospital.
When the boyfriend and two of his friends were leaving, Nelson allegedly fired several rounds into their vehicle from a 9-mm Luger. They were not hit.
Loxley arrested her and transported her to the Baldwin County Detention Center, and she has already been released on bond pending her court date.
Copyright 2026 Blue RAM Media. All rights reserved.
By Rick McCann
Blue RAM Media/Gulf Coast News
March 5, 2026
UPDATE: Foley Fire Chief Joey Darby stated that the building is a total loss and that no one was injured.
The cause of the fire is still under investigation.
FOLEY, Ala. Several fire departments responded to a structure fire early Thursday morning after several people driving by 18160 CR 12 South called 911 reporting that heavy black smoke was coming out of a building.
The Foley and Bon Secour Fire Departments were dispatched to the Big Fish Moving Company and upon arrival firefighters also spotted heavy black smoke coming out of the business but there were no obvious signs of flames.
Firefighters made access to the building at around 7:15 a.m.
At this time, we know that there was some damage but we’re waiting for the Foley Fire Chief to update us on this incident.
Copyright 2026 Blue RAM Media. All rights reserved.
By Rick McCann
Blue RAM Media
March 4, 2026
FAIRHOPE, Ala. Police officers with the Fairhope police department responded to an incident of domestic violence on March 1st, 2026, where a man was accused of strangulation among other offenses.
Israel Jafar Williams, 31, faces multiple domestic violence charges after allegedly strangling, beating and shooting a woman with a BB gun, according to a complaint filed in Baldwin County District Court.
Williams is now facing charges including domestic violence strangulation/suffocation, domestic violence second-degree assault and domestic violence third-degree that includes menacing for pointing a rifle at the victim and threatening her, placing her in fear of imminent serious physical injury.
According to the complaint, Williams placed his hands around the woman’s neck during an argument, choking her to the point she was unable to breathe.
Fairhope police also found that Williams struck the victim about the face and body with his fists and open hands, kicked her while she was on the ground and shot her four times with metal BBs from a BB gun. The complaint states the woman possibly sustained a broken wrist and a broken jaw, along with numerous contusions and abrasions.
The victim, who is not being named, also applied for a protection from abuse order against Williams.
Williams remains in the Baldwin County Detention Center.
Copyright 2026 Blue RAM Media. All rights reserved.
By Dale Hines
Blue RAM Media
March 4, 2026
MOBILE, AL. Students say that it was very scary when a man armed with a gun walked into the University of South Alabama’s dorms and held a gun to several students and on himself.
One student, who asked not to be identified said that doors are supposed to be locked but someone left them unlocked making it easy for the gunmen to enter.
University police identified that man as King Diamond, 23, who was not affiliated in anyway with USA.
Police have charged him with first-degree burglary, person forbidden from possessing a firearm, menacing and false imprisonment.
According to authorities, Diamond entered the residence hall through a student’s unlocked door. The two students he threatened ran out of the room and called police.
Police quickly responded to the area and were able to arrest Diamond.
Investigators said they quickly located and arrested Diamond.
While some students said they feel safe on campus, others called for increased patrols.
Carlene said there have been a few incidents on campus but nothing really, really bad. I do see campus police around, she said.
Authorities did not say if Diamond targeted anyone specifically or what his intentions were.
Copyright 2026 Blue RAM Media. All rights reserved.
By Isabella Gomez
Blue RAM Media
March 4, 2026
FAIRHOPE, Ala. The stretch of State Highway 181 near State Highway 104 is becoming a bit crowded as new businesses continue to pop up on both the east and west sides of the highway.
Currently a new group of businesses are in line to be approved or are starting to build including:
Jiffy Lube Oil
Express Oil Change,
Advance Auto Parts
Pelc Tire
We’ve previously announced that Wendy’s and Culver’s restaurants were also moving into the neighborhood in the area of the Rockwell Place commercial development.
Copyright 2026 Blue RAM Media. All rights reserved.
By Dale Hines
Blue RAM Media
March 4, 2026
MOBILE, AL. On Monday, March 2, 2026, at approximately 11:18 a.m., officers responded to the intersection of Valdez Drive and Skipper Drive in reference to a shooting.
When police arrived at the area, officers discovered a male victim deceased in the roadway. It was discovered he was shot while walking.
Upon further investigation, officers discovered at least two male subjects were walking in the area at the time of the shooting and immediately left the area on foot.
Mobile police were able to locate a juvenile male subject believed to have been involved in the shooting.
He was arrested Monday, and additional arrests are likely as the investigation continues.
Officers identified the victim as Laterrius Bailey, 25.
If anyone has any information that could assist in the investigation of this case, please contact the Mobile Police Department at 251-208-7211. Alternatively, you can submit an anonymous tip by texting 844-251-0644 or by visiting mobilepd.org/crimetip.
Copyright 2026 Blue RAM Media. All rights reserved.
By Rick McCann
Blue RAM Media
March 4, 2026
MOBILE COUNTY, Ala. The ICAC Unit received a Cyber Tip from The National Center for Missing and Exploited Children.
The investigation led to Terrence Kaleb Handy-Jones of Chickasaw.
On March 3, 2026, the ICAC Unit along with Special Operations, executed a search warrant at his residence.
Jones was arrested and charged with 5 counts of Unlawful Possession of Child Pornography and 5 counts of Possession with Intent to Distribute Child Pornography.
ICAC is a national network of 61 coordinated task forces, representing over 5,400 federal, state and local law enforcement agencies. These agencies are dedicated to investigating, prosecuting and developing effective responses to internet crimes against children. Educating the public through the development and delivery of public awareness and prevention programs is also one of the main important initiatives of the ICAC Task Force Program
Copyright 2026 Blue RAM Media. All rights reserved.
By Rick McCann
Blue RAM Media
March 4, 2026
BALDWIN COUNTY, Ala. During the anti-police movement that blanketed the nation just a few years ago, many police departments put extreme limits on when police officers could initiate a pursuit, allowing suspects in minor crimes, including most traffic offenses and even suspects wanted for felonies, to flee from the police and officers had to shut down all emergency equipment and not give chase.
Police pursuits are very common in the US, and in many areas, certain restrictions that were once limited when a officers could engage in a pursuit, have been removed or have become less restrictive.
Alabama is one of those states.
Protocols for initiating a pursuit are in place and often times it’s the shift supervisor or watch commander who ultimately makes the decision to continue a pursuit or to terminate it.
Annually more than 100,000 police pursuits occur nationwide, and those numbers are climbing as more drivers are refusing to pull over for law enforcement even when it’s just a minor traffic offense.
Locally, in Baldwin and Mobile Counties, we are also seeing an increase in police chases which happen almost daily, and on some days, there are multiple pursuits.
During the past five days, police have been involved in at least eight pursuits, all resulting in the arrests of the drivers.
Mobile police have been involved in at least three pursuits in recent days including a vehicle operating recklessly on Cottage Hill Road. The driver, Armando Powe, 30, was stopped and arrested and faces charges of Possession of a Controlled Substance, Attempting to Elude, No Insurance, No Child Restraint, Speeding, No Seatbelt and Having an Expired Tag.
Another pursuit in Mobile began when police tried to stop a driver for traffic infractions on Airport Blvd and the driver, later identified as Bruson Perkins, 21, engaged police in a pursuit. Perkins was caught and charged with a felony.
The Baldwin County Sheriff’s Office has also been involved in several pursuits during the past five days including one on Interstate 65 on Monday that involved a wanted fugitive. The vehicle was eventually stopped in Conecuh County and the driver, who law enforcement has not identified was arrested.
ALEA troopers have also been involved in several pursuits this week in which state troopers were assisting other law enforcement agencies.
And at least three other local police agencies have engaged in at least one pursuit each.
Allowing law enforcement to pursue a known wanted fugitive or a violator of minor traffic offenses comes with certain inherent risks but allowing them to flee police can also have its own risks and perpetuate the criminal’s activity, recklessness and even escalate their crimes knowing that the police won’t pursue them or attempt to arrest them.
Each pursuit comes with different risks, circumstances and outcomes which law enforcement takes seriously and with great due regard.
Copyright 2026 Blue RAM Media. All rights reserved.
By Rick McCann
Blue RAM Media
March 4, 2026
SEMMES, Ala. A two-vehicle motor vehicle collision involving a Semmes police officer that has resulted in a fatality has been reported in Mobile County.
The crash occurred at approximately 5:46 a.m. Wednesday, March 4, 2026, on Alabama 217 near John Paul Road.
At this time, we know that one person is deceased and that a Semmes police officer has been injured. Their names have not been released.
We do not know if the officer was on duty or if he was engaged in a law enforcement duty.
The road remains closed at this time as ALEA conducts an investigation.
Copyright 2026 Blue RAM Media. All rights reserved.
By Dale Hines
Blue RAM Media
March 4, 2026
MOBILE, AL. Two former Mobile Fire-Rescue firefighters who were arrested in October of last year for theft, have pleaded guilty of those charges.
Both Jameson Smith and Braxton Akridge were each charged with one count of organized retail theft, and 5 counts of theft of property in the 3rd degree in an incident at an area Walmart store.
In October 2025 Smith resigned from the fire department, while Akerman was terminated.
Smith entered his plea in late January just his trial set to begin, with the State agreeing to drop the organized retail theft charge, a felony, for Smith’s guilty plea in the 5 misdemeanor theft charges. He was sentenced to one year in Mobile Metro jail, which was suspended and he received probation.
The charges of organized retail theft against Akridge were also reduced to theft of property 3rd degree and he plead guilty to 6 counts of the misdemeanor theft charges. He was sentenced to 6 months in Metro, suspended for one year of probation.
They were also ordered to pay restitution to Walmart with Akeridge repaying $155.47 and Smith repaying $258.54.
The pair was accused of conspiring to steal from Walmart over a period of several months though public records do not show what they took from the store.
Copyright 2026 Blue RAM Media. All rights reserved.
© Blue RAM Media 2026. All rights reserved.
