FORT MORGAN Ala. At least two suspected drug overdoses in the overnight hours on Friday, June 20, 2025, brought emergency responders and law enforcement responding to the incidents within ninety minutes of each other.
At 1:45 a.m., the Baldwin County 911 Communications Center received a call about a young male who was very ill and felt poisoned. He told a dispatcher that he had used Methamphetamine and Marijuana/THC gummies. While the Baldwin County Sheriff’s Office, the Fort Morgan Fire Department, and an ambulance were responding, the ill person found his way into the parking area where security found him.
The emergency responders treated the patient and no arrests were made according to the Baldwin County Sheriff’s Office.
At approximately 2:55 a.m., just minutes after all emergency responders had left the Plantation Resort, another 911 call came in reporting that a young girl had overdosed and was bleeding severely.
Emergency responders were again dispatched to the address of 400 Plantation Road where they found a twenty year old female bleeding and appeared to be under the influence of narcotics. A person with the female said that the girl might have been slipped some drugs.
A medical helicopter was dispatched to transport the patient to an area trauma center.
At this time, no arrests have been made.
We have asked the management company and the Baldwin County Sheriff’s Office for more information about these incidents which appear to be connected.
Copyright 2025 Blue RAM Media. All rights reserved.
More than two dozen missing children were located in Florida during a massive, multi-agency effort that lasted three days.
As of June 18, a total of 25 kids were found across six Florida counties through the initiative, which also led to new investigative leads in several missing children cases, according to a press release from the National Child Protection Task Force (NCPTF).
The NCPTF headed the effort, which was held at the Jacksonville office of Operation Light Shine, a nonprofit “dedicated to equipping law enforcement and frontline responders with the resources, intelligence, and technology needed to combat human trafficking and child exploitation.”
Before the total count rose to 25, Kevin Branzetti, the CEO of NCPTF, reported that the first 21 kids located through the operation ranged in age from 7 to 17 years old, according to local CBS affiliate WJAX. Branzetti said that some of the kids had been missing for just over a week, while others disappeared more than 400 days before they were found, the Jacksonville outlet reported.
“The multi-agency operation involved intensive case review, investigative follow-up, and the application of advanced technology to rapidly locate children reported missing across Clay, Duval, St. Johns, Nassau, Putnam, and Flagler Counties,” the NCPTF press release read. “Throughout the three-day effort, law enforcement, child protection professionals, prosecutors, social service providers, NGOs, and private partners collaborated to review cases, uncover leads, and develop trauma-informed strategies to help each child gain long-term safety and stability once recovered.”
Operation Light Shine shared some of the specific cases that occurred thanks to the effort in an Instagram post, writing that “countless lives forever changed” and that “what we witnessed this week was extraordinary.”
Among the missing kids, the nonprofit wrote, were a “girl who had nothing, offering her only meal to the advocate who helped her,” and “teens reimagining their future — asking about GEDs, stable housing, and careers.”
The Tim Tebow Foundation also aided in the effort, along with the Clay County Sheriff’s Office and St. Johns County Sheriff’s Office. More than 70 people were involved, according to a group photo shared by several of the organizations and agencies involved.
“There’s no greater responsibility than protecting our most vulnerable – our youth – and keeping our community safe. Operations like this demonstrate the powers of working in unified action, when we all come together for a shared purpose,” said a spokesperson for the Clay County Sheriff’s Office.
Tim Tebow echoed this in an official statement: “One of our non-negotiables at the Tim Tebow Foundation is that there is power when we come together. We’re humbled to come alongside this incredible team of law enforcement, child protection agencies, experts, and partners to stand in the gap for these missing and vulnerable children.”
“Our heart is to fight for the world’s Most Vulnerable People – the real MVPs – and we’re so encouraged that we were able to be a part of impacting these lives this week,” the Tim Tebow Foundation founder finished.
Each of the 25 children located through the Florida operation, the NCPTF said, will hopefully lead to the recovery of even more missing kids throughout the state.
“Detailed results and further information on individual cases will be managed confidentially by respective law enforcement agencies to protect the privacy of the involved minors,” the press release read. “As case work continues, additional rescues are expected throughout the region.”
PENSACOLA, Fla. Authorities in Escambia County Florida are conducting several investigations after deputies fatally shot a man that they were trying to arrest.
A spokesperson for the sheriff’s department stated that they received information that a man with outstanding felony warrants had been seen in the area of the Arby’s on U.S. 98 west of Pensacola, near the Myrtle Grove community. Deputies were dispatched at around 3 p.m. to the area to try and locate the wanted person.
The Sheriff’s Office has not named the man, but family members identified him as 37-year-old Daniel Lewis Hayes. They said that he had worked at Arby’s for about 12 years, first at another location and then more recently on U.S. 98.
As three deputies pulled into the parking lot of Arby’s they saw the wanted man who then ran inside of the restaurant.
At that point, the sheriff’s department states that the man jumped the counter and got into a physical altercation with a deputy before pushing him to the ground and was resisting arrest and assaulting the deputy.
Investigators said he then grabbed a large knife and confronted three deputies, ignoring commands from the deputies to drop the knife.
Authorities said the man then charged at deputies, and that’s when the deputies opened fire.
EMS was called to the scene, but the man was deceased.
The Sheriff’s Office said Hayes was facing charges related to an incident last Friday in which he was accused of holding a screwdriver to a victim’s throat. He faced charges of domestic battery strangulation, aggravated assault, burglary, and grand theft.
Investigators said no one else was hurt during this confrontation. Per agency policy, the three deputies will be placed on paid administrative leave while the Florida Department of Law Enforcement conducts an independent investigation.
Copyright 2025 Blue RAM Media. All rights reserved.
FORT MORGAN Ala. Calls for help came across the VHF marine radio asking for anyone to respond around 5:50 p.m. Thursday night, June 19, 2025. The vessel, which was more than ten miles out of the Fort Morgan area reached the U.S. Coast Guard and explained that a large wave crashed into their 16-foot vessel and that one person on board was injured and possibly having a heart attack.
USCG Sector Mobile notified the vessel’s captain to head into the Fort Morgan Marina as they launched a response vessel to their location while the Coast Guard also notified the Fort Morgan Fire Department, Medstar, and additional resources to respond.
The Coast Guard was able to intercept the vessel with the injured person aboard and assist the male patient. USCG reported that when the wave hit the smaller boat the person fell and hit his head hard, slicing it open.
The vessel was brought into the Fort Morgan marina where medical personnel treated the person. No serious injuries were reported.
Copyright 2025 Blue RAM Media. All rights reserved.
The Metro Area Crime Suppression Unit, or MACS, has released new data.
The Alabama Law Enforcement Agency says since its formation on June 24, 2024, and through 133 days of active operations, the MACS Unit has “delivered results that reflect its commitment to public safety and its strategic approach to law enforcement.”
According to ALEA, the MACS Unit has:
Conducted 2,900 traffic stops
Served 952 arrest warrants, ranging from Failure to Appear for traffic offenses to Capital Murder
Made 414 arrests of individuals on various charges
Seized 256 firearms
Confiscated 164 machine gun conversion devices
Recovered 65 stolen vehicles
“This unit was created to meet a rising need for a focused, mobile team that could assist in taking violent offenders and illegal weapons off our streets,” said ALEA Secretary Hal Taylor. “What
the MACS Unit has achieved in a relatively short time is nothing short of extraordinary—and it would not have been possible without the steadfast support of Governor Kay Ivey and the Alabama Legislature.”
ALEA says the Alabama Legislature played a pivotal role in the success of MACS by securing essential funding for additional law enforcement officers to expand the unit statewide. Additionally, they say Governor Ivey’s recent Safe Alabama Public Safety Package has equipped MACS Officers and law enforcement across the state with stronger tools and protections to serve communities more effectively.
Key elements of the initiative include:
The Back the Blue Immunity Bill, providing enhanced legal protections for officers in the line of duty
The Inner City Gun Violence Bill, increasing penalties for repeat firearm-related offenses
The Ban on Machine Gun Conversion Devices, which directly supports the MACS Unit’s efforts to eliminate these dangerous tools from Alabama streets
“These laws reflect a deep commitment to public safety and a clear understanding of the challenges facing law enforcement today,” said Secretary Taylor. “The Governor’s and the
Legislature’s support ensures that ALEA, along with our state and local partners, have the authority and resources needed to confront violent crime head-on.”
MACS was established by ALEA in collaboration with the Alabama Attorney General’s Office, the Montgomery Police Department, the Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF).
FAIRHOPE Ala. A single-vehicle accident in Fairhope shut down North Greeno Road and seriously injured the driver of the vehicle who had slammed into a tree.
A Medstar ambulance was the first to come upon the scene and notified their dispatch for assistance.
According to authorities, the driver lost control of their vehicle at Greeno Road North and Volanta Avenue just before midnight Wednesday, June 18, 2025.
The Fairhope police and fire departments responded to the scene and found that the driver was pinned inside the vehicle. Fairhope firefighters had to use the Jaws of Life and other extrication tools to extricate the injured person from the vehicle.
A medical helicopter was also called in to airlift the person to an area trauma center.
The driver had serious injuries according to EMS.
There were no other vehicles involved.
The Fairhope Police are investigating this collision.
Copyright 2025 Blue RAM Media. All rights reserved.
MONTGOMERY, Ala. Many states nationwide, including Alabama, have enacted laws that restrict drivers from talking or texting on phones while driving. Some studies have shown that distracted drivers, including those on their phones, are responsible for more accidents than drunk drivers.
Alabama’s hands-free driving law, which passed the state Legislature in 2023 may be strengthened further to make roads safer.
The law enacted a ban on the use of mobile devices while driving as part of an effort to make Alabama’s roads safer.
Some people say that they weren’t aware of the law or that there hasn’t been enough education on the law or the dangers involved in driving while talking on the phone while others say that there’s not enough signage on state roads.
In the last year, Alabama state troopers have issued 1,900 citations statewide. Capt. Jeremy Burkett with the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency says the goal is not to give tickets but to save lives.
“It’s not that we’re trying to go out and give anybody a bunch of tickets or write a bunch of tickets. That’s not what it’s about. We’re out there trying to educate people,” said Burkett.
Michelle Lunsford, who lost her daughter Camryn Callaway seven years ago, says it’s heartbreaking for her and her family to have to go through something like that.
“She was my one and only child. And I sure do miss her,” Lunsford said.
Camryn, distracted by her phone, ran under the back side of an 18-wheeler.
Lunsford now speaks to school and church groups about the consequences of distracted driving.
“The consequence to that may be devastating to you, to a passenger or to the people around you, you know, are you willing to take that chance? Please be aware of what you’re doing when you’re driving,” said Lunsford.
Motivated by her loss, she helped push for the hands-free law.
For a first offense, the fine is $50 and one point is added. A second offense within 24 months carries a $100 fine and two points, while subsequent offenses within the same time frame result in a $150 fine and three points.
In Florida, using a handheld cell phone while driving is prohibited, requiring hands-free devices for any sustained wireless communication. First-time offenders face a non-moving violation with a $30 base fine, which can increase to around $108 with court costs. Second offenses within five years result in a moving violation with a $60 fine, plus court fees and three points on the driver’s license. In school and work zones, violations are considered moving violations from the start, incurring a $60 fine and three points.
Oregon has the strictest hands-free law in the country, fining distracted drivers up to $1,000. Oregon’s laws and harsh penalties are having an impact, preventing over 5,000 crashes, 2,880 injuries, 23 fatalities, and over $200M in economic damage in 2023.
Copyright 2025 Blue RAM Media. All rights reserved.
FOLEY Ala. Foley police officers were called to the Sweat Tire located on County Road 12 at around 7:30 a.m. Monday morning, June 9th, 2025.
When officers arrived, they met with an employee of the business who informed them that when he arrived for work, they discovered damage to the business, and multiple vehicles were unlawfully entered on the property.
Officers on the scene observed burned vehicles and equipment, cars that had clearly been rummaged through, and several stolen items, including a pickup truck.
Through surveillance footage and investigative techniques, our detectives were quickly able to determine a suspect, and just four days after the event took place, the Foley Police Department arrested Daniel Kelso (42) of Foley with two counts of Unlawful Breaking/Entering a Motor Vehicle, a Class C felony, and one count of Theft of Property 1st, a Class B felony.
With the assistance of the Mobile Police Department, the stolen vehicle was recovered in Mobile.
Foley police told us that no other people were involved, and no other arrests are expected.
Copyright 2025 Blue RAM Media. All rights reserved.
WASHINGTON (AP) — Health officials want you to think twice before buying one of those brightly colored little bottles often sold at gas stations, convenience stores and smoke shops.
Sometimes called “gas station heroin,” the products are usually marketed as energy shots or cognitive supplements but actually contain tianeptine, an unapproved drug that can be addictive and carries risks of serious side effects.
U.S. poison control centers have reported a steady rise in calls linked to the drug for more than a decade. And last month the Food and Drug Administration sent a warning to health professionals about “the magnitude of the underlying danger or these products.”
Tianeptine is approved in a number foreign countries as an antidepressant, usually as a low-dose pill taken three times a day. But it has never been approved by the FDA for any medical condition in the U.S.
Additionally, the drug cannot legally be added to foods and beverages or sold as a dietary supplement — something the FDA has repeatedly warned U.S. companies about.
Still, under-the-radar firms sell tianeptine in various formulas, often with brand names like Zaza, Tianaa, Pegasus and TD Red. Although that is technically illegal, the FDA does not preapprove ingredients added to supplements and beverages.
“It’s kind of this grey area of consumer products, or supplements, where the contents are not regulated or tested the way they would be with a medication,” said Dr. Diane Calello of the New Jersey Poison Information and Education System.
Last year, Calello and her colleagues published a study documenting a cluster of emergency calls in New Jersey tied to a flavored elixir called Neptune’s Fix. People experienced distress, rapid heartbeat, low blood pressure and seizures after drinking it. More than a dozen of the 20 patients had to be admitted for intensive care.
Many tianeptine products claim— without evidence or FDA approval— to help users treat medical conditions, including addiction, pain and depression.
In 2018, the FDA issued a warning letter to the maker of a product called Tianna, which claimed to provide “an unparalleled solution to cravings for opiates.”
While tianeptine is not an opioid, the drug binds to some of the same receptors in the brain, which can temporarily produce effects akin to oxycodone and other opioids. Tianeptine also carries some of the same physiological risks of opioids, including the potential to dangerously depress breathing.
“That’s what tends to get people into trouble,” said Dr. Hannah Hays of Nationwide Children’s Hospital in Columbus, Ohio. “They use it for opioid-like effects or to self-treat opioid withdrawal and that can lead to slow breathing and problems like that.”
People dealing with opioid addiction, pain, depression, anxiety and other conditions should see a health professional to get a prescription for FDA-approved treatments, Hays said.
Experts aren’t sure but national figures show a big rise in emergency calls involving the drug.
Calls to poison control centers increased 525% between 2018 and 2023, according to a data analysis published earlier this year. In about 40% of cases, the person had to seek medical care, with more than half of them needing critical care.
One explanation for the rise in calls is simply that more Americans are using the products.
But experts also say that the products are triggering more emergencies as they become more potent and dangerous. And the researchers in New Jersey who analyzed Neptune’s Fix found that the liquid also contained synthetic cannabis and other drugs.
“You never quite know what’s in that bottle,” Calello said. “It’s important for people to know that even if they have used a product before, they could get a bottle that contains something very different from what they’re looking for.”
Tianeptine is not included in the federal Controlled Substances Act, which bans or restricts drugs that have no medical use or have a high potential for abuse, such as heroin, LSD and PCP. But about a dozen states have passed laws prohibiting or restricting tianeptine, including Alabama, Georgia, Michigan, Minnesota, Ohio and Tennessee.
In some cases, those laws have led to more cases of withdrawal among users of tianeptine, which can be chemically addictive. But state data also shows some success in reducing harm tied to the drug.
Until recently, Alabama had the highest rate of tianeptine-related calls in the southern U.S., which increased more than 1,400% between 2018 to 2021. But after the state restricted tianeptine in 2021 calls began modestly decreasing while calls across other southern states continued to climb.
FAIRHOPE Ala. During the midst of a heavy thunder and lightning storm that rolled across the Eastern Shore Tuesday morning, a home at 701 Olive Street caught fire at around 10:47 a.m.
Firefighters from Fairhope, Daphne, Barnwell, Magnolia Springs, and several other departments along with the Fairhope police and EMS were dispatched to the home and found fire inside the structure.
A neighbor first spotted smoke coming from the home and ran next door to help get a mother and a baby out of the home.
Firefighters arrived quickly but a substantial amount of damage was done to the structure.
Fairhope Fire Chief Chris Ellis said that severe lightning was in the area at the time that the house caught fire but an investigation is underway to determine the exact cause of the fire.
Firefighters stayed on the scene to assist the homeowner to recover some items and salvage what they could.
No injuries were reported.
During this time the Fairhope Fire Department also had reports of several other fires and their mutual-aid departments assisted in responding to those.
Copyright 2025 Blue RAM Media. All rights reserved.
For the second time in six months, a joint operation between North Alabama law enforcement agencies set out to arrest sexual predators attempting to solicit minors and this time, police netted ten men who are all facing multiple charges.
The Madison County sting led to the arrest of the men who allegedly tried to solicit minors over the internet.
Over two days, the Huntsville police, in coordination with the Madison County District Attorney’s Office, arrested 10 suspects. Officers posed as minors, and the suspects-initiated contact, arranged meetings and appeared on location, hoping to exchange money or goods for sex acts.
What they found instead was law enforcement waiting to put them in handcuffs. Six of the suspects are residents of Huntsville.
The following men were arrested and face various charges related to child sexual exploitation:
Darryl Lamont Surles Jr., 33, of Toney, was arrested and charged with one count of first-degree human trafficking, one count of electronic solicitation of a child, and one count of traveling to meet a child for an unlawful sex act.
Marshae Deshawn Rivers, 33, of Huntsville, was arrested and charged with one count of first-degree human trafficking, one count of electronic solicitation of a child, one count of traveling to meet a child for an unlawful sex act, one count distribute/transmit obscene material to a child by electronic device and one count possession of controlled substance opium or derivative.
Damien Darrell Jones, 36, of Huntsville, was arrested and charged with two counts of first-degree human trafficking, two counts of electronic solicitation of a child, and one count of traveling to meet a child for an unlawful sex act.
John Wayne Erby, 59, of Holly Pond, was arrested and charged with one count of first-degree human trafficking, one count of electronic solicitation of a child, and one count of traveling to meet a child for an unlawful sex act.
Rubin Epps Banks, 44, of Madison, was arrested and charged with one count of first-degree human trafficking, one count of electronic solicitation of a child, and one count of traveling to meet a child for an unlawful sex act.
Oliver Clemente, 40, of Huntsville, was arrested and charged with one count of first-degree human trafficking, one count of electronic solicitation of a Child, and one count of traveling to meet a child for an unlawful sex act.
Jared Lavon Breach-Marrow, 29, of Huntsville, was arrested and charged with one count of first-degree human trafficking, one count of electronic solicitation of a child, and one count of traveling to meet a child for an unlawful sex act.
Jahsiem Ramiek Davis, 31, of Huntsville, was arrested and charged with one count of first-degree human trafficking, one count of electronic solicitation of a child and one count of traveling to meet a child for an unlawful sex act.
Jesus Alberto Moran-Carpio, 32, of Huntsville, was arrested and charged with one count of first-degree human trafficking, one count of electronic solicitation of a child, and one count of traveling to meet a child for an unlawful sex act.
Heriberto Priego Ramirez, 33, of Huntsville, was arrested and charged with one count of first-degree human trafficking, one count of electronic solicitation of a child, and one count of traveling to meet a child for an unlawful sex act.
In a similar operation in January, nine men faced nearly 40 charges after a two-day joint operation targeting online child predators during a Huntsville police operation.
The suspects reportedly agreed to pay for sexual acts with minors and traveled in Huntsville to designated locations, authorities said
The following suspects were arrested and charged:
Marco Elias of Gulfport, Tex. (31)
Two counts of first-degree human trafficking Two counts of electronic solicitation of a child Two counts of traveling to meet a child for an unlawful sex act
Floyd Corey Powell Jr. of Harvest (31) First-degree human trafficking Distribute/transmit obscene material to a child by an electronic device Electronic Solicitation of a Child Traveling to meet a child for an unlawful sex act
Michael Fike of Somerville (53) First-degree human trafficking Traveling to meet a child for an unlawful sex act Electronic Solicitation of a Child Shivam Patel of Muscle Shoals (23) Two counts of first-degree human trafficking Two counts of traveling to meet a child for an unlawful sex act Two counts of electronic solicitation of a child
Michael Stevens of Albertville (33) Two counts of first-degree human trafficking Two counts of traveling to meet a child for an unlawful sex act Two counts of electronic solicitation of a child
Julio Juan of Decatur (29) Traveling to meet a child for an unlawful sex act First-degree human trafficking Electronic Solicitation of a Child
Gilmar Huinac of Carthage, Mo. (45) First-degree human trafficking Traveling to meet a child for an unlawful sex act Electronic Solicitation of a Child
Elmer Sarmiento of Huntsville (32) First-degree human trafficking Traveling to meet a child for an unlawful sex act Electronic Solicitation of a Child
Bryan Nde of Huntsville (27) First-degree human trafficking Traveling to meet a child for an unlawful sex act Electronic Solicitation of a Child
According to law enforcement, more than 110 men and women have been arrested this year in Alabama on charges involving underage sexual solicitation.
Copyright 2025 Blue RAM Media. All rights reserved.
SPANISH FORT Ala. A senior citizen living on her retirement funds became the target of a Chinese national who the FBI believes is part of a national gang targeting and scamming elderly persons.
Spanish Fort police said that the man, identified as Xiahezhati Xiaokelaiti, a Chinese national with a revoked student visa contacted the woman saying that she owed money to the US government. Spanish Fort investigators said he did it in three weeks, stealing gold bars and some cash before police were notified.
Chief Barber said the woman was a retired educator and lost almost $400,000 to a scam.
“It’s life-changing when it happens to somebody like that,” said Spanish Fort Police Chief John Barber. “Somebody that’s in their retirement years and did so well to save this money. And here in just a matter of weeks, somebody has changed their life.”
He said a man posing as a U.S. Marshal preyed on this elderly woman, demanding a large sum of money.
“We have enough home-grown criminals here, and we don’t need other people coming into our country and victimizing our residents that shouldn’t even be here,” said Barber.
Investigators said Xiaokelaiti told the woman to liquidate her cash into gold bars. They said he met with her four different times at a local business to take the currency.
But eventually, the unidentified woman became suspicious of the “marshal” and called police for help.
Chief Barber said that his department teamed up with the FBI and arrested Xiakeldaiti late Friday afternoon.
Ironically, this was just two days before Elder Abuse Awareness Day, a day warning Americans about elder fraud.
Elderly people are victims of similar scams nationwide, often losing their savings and never recovering their money.
It’s not just a local problem; the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center reports victims lost a total of $219 million in gold bar scams last year.
The FBI said fraud can happen to anyone but offers some tips to help you avoid falling victim.
The FBI said you can verify contact information with the Better Business Bureau, resist the pressure to act quickly, be cautious of unsolicited phone calls or mailings, and never give unverified people your personal information.
If you believe you have been the victim of a similar scam, you should contact your local law enforcement agency or the FBI.
Copyright 2025 Blue RAM Media. All rights reserved.
MOBILE Ala. A death investigation is underway after a deceased person was found at a restaurant. Mobile Police Department officials said they are investigating the death, which they have not classified as a homicide as of yet after a deceased person was found at the Krystal’s location in the 1900 block of Government Street.
Police and emergency responders were called to the address after someone found the person.
Police stated that the person was found in a vehicle.
This is an active investigation.
Copyright 2025 Blue RAM Media. All rights reserved.
A Florida man is facing charges after he allegedly urinated on $10,000 worth of food at a Sam’s Club, according to court records.
The incident happened on May 30 at the Sam’s Club in Lady Lake, Florida, near Orlando.
According to online court records, Patrick Francis Mitchell, 70, was arrested on June 4 and charged with disorderly conduct and criminal mischief with damages over $1,000.
He entered a not guilty plea on June 10.
According to Lake County court records, Mitchell is accused of urinating on pallets containing 345 cans of Spam and 188 cans of Vienna sausages.
The entire inventory had to be thrown away, resulting in a loss estimated at $10,584.84, according to court documents.
Mitchell was reportedly caught on camera by another customer in the store, who alerted employees, as well as surveillance video.
Documents say Mitchell was in the store for an additional 10 minutes after the incident, then paid for his items at checkout and left.
He was later identified as the suspect through information linked to his Sam’s Club membership.
Online records show he is expected to appear in court again on June 30.
Copyright 2025 Blue RAM Media. All rights reserved.
MOBILE Ala. The Alabama Department of Transportation (ALDOT) will close the Bankhead and Wallace Tunnels on Interstate 10 and U.S. Highway 98 over the next few weeks to perform routine inspections. These inspections are required every two years to help ensure the safety and reliability of the tunnels.
Closures will take place overnight to minimize the impact on traffic. Please plan accordingly and use alternate routes during the scheduled times listed below.
Bankhead Tunnel
Closed from approximately 9 p.m. to 5 a.m.
Tuesday night, June 17
Wednesday night, June 18
Sunday night, June 22
Alternate routes: I-10 and I-165.
Wallace Tunnel
Closed from approximately 10 p.m. to 5 a.m.
Monday night, June 23 – Westbound closure
Tuesday night, June 24 – Westbound closure
Wednesday night, June 25 – Eastbound closure
Thursday night, June 26 – Eastbound closure
Alternate route: I-165
Detour signs will be in place during all closures to help guide motorists.
ALDOT appreciates your patience as we do this important maintenance work to keep our roads and tunnels safe.
Copyright 2025 Blue RAM Media. All rights reserved.
CHICKASAW Ala. A large raging fire has all but consumed an apartment complex Sunday night and into the early morning hours of Monday.
911 callers reported THE fire on Viaduct Road Sunday night.
Firefighters arrived to find several vacant buildings ablaze.
Multiple fire departments including Mobile Fire-Rescue, Chickasaw Fire Rescue, and Prichard Fire Rescue all responded along with EMS and police.
During the fire residents in the area also lost power but Alabama Power was dispatched to the area and replaced the transformer on a utility pole. Electricity was restored to the surrounding neighborhood before morning.
At this time the cause of the fire is under investigation.
Copyright 2025 Blue RAM Media. All rights reserved.
MOBILE, Ala. On Sunday, June 15, 2025, at approximately 5:35 p.m., the Mobile Police Department responded to Bayou Sara following a boating accident with injuries. Upon arrival, it was discovered the accident occurred several miles south of the Bayou Sara Boat Launch. An adult female was reported missing in the water.
Mobile police and fire departments initially responded to the wreck since it was within their jurisdiction and began the search, but several agencies were also called in to assist in the search.
ALEA Marine Police also responded to assist in the boating accident investigation.
The MPD Marine Unit, MPD Underwater Search and Recovery Unit, Mobile Fire-Rescue, ALEA Marine Patrol, Saraland Fire-Rescue, Daphne Search and Rescue, the MCSO Flotilla and Chickasaw Fire-Rescue conducted search efforts until approximately 1 a.m. Monday morning.
The search for the missing individual is continuing Monday morning, with the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency taking over as the lead. ALEA is also handling the accident investigation.
Copyright 2025 Blue RAM Media. All rights reserved.
BALDWIN COUNTY Ala. A murderer on the run. A Pursuit ensues on a busy Interstate and drivers are caught off guard.
Unfortunately, police pursuits are necessary and frequently are dangerous for the officers chasing the bad guy, the citizens driving on the roads, and also for the bad guy or gal themselves. Every year during police pursuits thousands of people are either injured or killed.
Through the years, devices, gadgets, and gizmos have been designed to prevent some of these injuries and deaths by using technology to track the wanted vehicle from a distance or overhead in a police helicopter and some of them work pretty well while others… not so much. One such device is called “Stop Sticks”, the world’s leading tire-deflation device which ends high-speed pursuits quickly and safely. Officers in all 50 states and around the world rely on STOP STICK to end pursuits however in recent years, there has been an increased number of officers injured and killed while deploying the “sticks”.
Now, there is a new device called the Grappler which is mounted on the front of a patrol vehicle. An officer then deploys the net and directs it onto one of the tires of a suspect’s vehicle during a pursuit. “When the net comes in contact with the tire it engages and causes the tires to stop moving and bring the moving vehicle to a halt.
This new interesting invention is helping law enforcement across the country to bring cars to a stop during chases, including in Baldwin County Alabama.
The Baldwin County Sheriff’s Office used this tool to stop a fleeing murder suspect on Interstate 65 as it entered Escambia County Alabama. A deputy was able to maneuver their patrol vehicle close enough to the fleeing suspect’s car and deployed the “Grappler”, thereby ending the pursuit and deputies were able to capture the fleeing homicide suspect.
A spokesperson for the Baldwin County Sheriff’s Office told us that the agency has purchased two of these devices but they hope to purchase several more in the future. The device has been deployed at least three times during pursuits according to the Baldwin County Sheriff’s Office.
Copyright 2025 Blue RAM Media. All rights reserved.
