MOBILE, AL. A woman that the Mobile Police Department had been looking for as a suspect in a shooting incident has turned herself into authorities.
Jamykhial Spanks, 22, surrendered on Monday, October 20, 2025.
On September 30th, 2025, officers responded to the Brill Road and Dauphin Island Parkway intersection for a report of a shooting. The victim told police that someone she knew fired a gun at her and named Spanks as the suspect.
The victim was not hit but received a minor injury due to flying debris.
Spanks was charged with shooting into an occupied vehicle, menacing, and violating probation.
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FAIRHOPE, Ala. Nationwide, “No King” protests were held over the weekend, resulting in dozens of arrests, though most events were peaceful. One of those arrests happened in Fairhope, after a woman dressed in a “Penis” costume refused to remove it when asked to do so by Fairhope police.
Lieutenant Shane Nolte of the Fairhope Police Department said that an officer asked the woman to remove the costume because it was provocative and obscene.
When the protestor, identified as Jeana Gamble, 61, refused and walked away from the officer after being told that she was under arrest, he was taken into custody and charged with disorderly conduct and resisting arrest, both misdemeanors.
Now, Gamble says that her First Amendment rights were violated and has hired an attorney.
“I was on a public street at a public protest, so I should have never been arrested for wearing the phallic costume,” she said.
Lieutenant Shane Nolte of the Fairhope Police Department defended the arrest, stating, “She crossed the line from freedom of expression to obscenity.” Officers were called about a person wearing an obscene costume and they responded and asked the person to remove it. When she refused, she was arrested. Her court date is set for Nov. 5 at 3 p.m.
Some say the arrest raises constitutional concerns.
The protest organizers released a statement condemning the arrest, saying, “Ms. Gamble was peacefully expressing her point of view on Saturday. Her violent arrest for expressing herself in ways the police found rude is indefensible, morally and legally. Public officials must take seriously their duty to uphold the First Amendment. Their complete failure to do so in this situation runs against the free expression values that created the city of Fairhope and against the liberty guarantees enshrined in Alabama law and the United States Constitution.”
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FORT MORGAN, Ala. Two people set out in a kayak early Saturday morning with the intention of reaching a drilling rig in the Mobile Bay, but after a friend had not heard from them, the friend called 911, thinking that something might be wrong.
The Baldwin County 911 Communications Center dispatched the Fort Morgan Fire Department to attempt to locate the two men at around 5:37 a.m., and within a few minutes, additional resources, including the Alabama Marine Police and the US Coast Guard, were notified of the situation.
However, the resources ended up not being needed after Fort Morgan firefighters were able to contact the men, who assured them that they were fine, and the men continued their exploration.
Many similar calls for help on the waters in our area don’t always end up this way, but our area fire departments, law enforcement, and Coast Guard members are always ready to faithfully respond as they did this time.
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Al.com MOBILE, Ala. Five years ago, the Mobile Police Department faced significant staffing shortages, low morale, and a national reevaluation of policing.
Mobile was hit hard. The department lost more than 120 officers, and hiring efforts stalled.
“We’ve seen a trend nationally where a lot of places were in crisis mode with retention and qualified personnel,” said Mobile Police Deputy Chief Matt Garrett. “That has sort of shifted and come back around.”
That shift was on display Thursday at Cottage Hill Baptist Church, where 19 new officers were sworn into the Mobile Police Department during a graduation ceremony. The class included 30 total graduates, with 11 heading to other law enforcement agencies in Mobile and Baldwin counties.
The department’s goal is to raise its force above 500 officers for the first time in years. With another academy class of 28 recruits already in progress, department leaders are optimistic.
“I would say that 10 years ago, around 2015 is when we started to see these dips and had problems with retention,” Garrett said. “For the better part of a decade, and within the past year, we’ve really seen a resurgence. For us to get over 500 is something I’m excited about and very proud.”
Mayor Sandy Stimpson acknowledged the progress in his Thursday night newsletter.
“The department is as close to full staffing as it has been in years, and that’s a testament to what our public safety leaders and the Mobile City Council have done to provide our officers with the training, equipment, and compensation they deserve,” Stimpson said.
Across the country, law enforcement recruitment has begun to rebound. Still, staffing remains a concern in many cities.
In Montgomery, the issue resurfaced after a mass shooting downtown on a Saturday night that killed two people and injured at least a dozen others. The incident prompted Gov. Kay Ivey to pledge more state law enforcement support for the city.
Earlier in 2024, the Fraternal Order of Police in Montgomery reported low morale and said the department had dropped to 290 officers, far below its budgeted strength of 490. In response, the City Council approved a 15 percent pay raise for officers, overriding a veto from Mayor Steven Reed. It is unclear whether the increase has significantly improved recruiting.
The struggles of recruiting police have been a topic of concern, as well, for Alabama Attorney General Steve Marshall. He focused on the issue during a visit to Mobile early last year at a time that Mobile was down 60 police officers from its 488 budgeted number.
In Mobile, compensation has played a key role in the department’s steady turnaround. Entry-level officers now earn $52,000 per year with no prior post-secondary education. Salaries increase with associate’s, bachelor’s, and graduate degrees.
“If you compare us with agencies within Mobile and Baldwin counties, I think you’ll find us above or right at the highest,” Garrett said.
Other changes have helped modernize the department and appeal to a younger generation of recruits.
Mobile recently dropped its long-standing ban on facial hair for male officers.
“It’s a popular thing with the generation entering the workforce to have beards,” Garrett said. “We didn’t allow beards. Many agencies are starting to allow them, so we finally gave in as well. It’s widely popular with our officers. We had to change with the times.”
The department also revised its vehicle take-home policy. Previously, officers had to live within a 25-mile radius of their precinct to keep a patrol car at home. Now, officers living in Baldwin County can take their vehicles home, making employment more accessible for those outside Mobile County.
Tony McCarron, director of recruiting for the department, said a mix of targeted outreach and support throughout the academy process has helped strengthen the pipeline.
“We are getting here more and more young people who want to make a difference in the community,” McCarron said. “They are tired of sitting behind a desk. It’s up to me to get them from Point A to Point B. My standard phrase that I like to preach all the time is that I sell opportunity. Whatever you want to make of that opportunity is up to you.”
McCarron said new hires go through a 90-day pre-hire period before the academy’s 14-week training begins. The initial phase includes physical conditioning and mental preparation. One graduate lost 40 pounds before even starting the academy.
“And he was a huge success in the academy,” McCarron said. “We like to joke with them that it’s the preseason leading up to the regular season. They are getting their butts handed to them.”
McCarron, a 36-year veteran of the department, said he intends to keep the current system in place. He anticipates support from Mayor-elect Spiro Cheriogotis, who made public safety a centerpiece of his campaign.
“We haven’t sat down and talked about policies going forward, but this has been a success,” McCarron said. “Don’t fix it if it’s not broken.”
During the graduation ceremony, McCarron described his pride in watching new officers take the oath.
“I get to watch 20 to 30 kids who come to me, who had no structure, and they were searching,” he said. “It matters to me.”
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BALDWIN COUNTY, Ala. The Baldwin County District Attorney’s Office has announced that a man previously arrested for sexually abusing a child has been found guilty.
During a court trial, Ugur Tufekcioglu, was found guilty of one count of first-degree sodomy, one count of sexual abuse of a child less than 12, and one count of second-degree sexual abuse.
Baldwin County Circuit Court Judge Byron Brackin presided over the trial.
The case was investigated by Lieutenant Paul Overstreet of theRobertsdale Police Department. This case was prosecuted by Assistant District Attorneys Kristi Hagood and Sydnee Corello. Forensic interviews for the child victim were conducted at the Baldwin County Child Advocacy Center. Additional assistance in the case was provided by Victim Service Officer Lindsey Davis, Trial Coordinator Brianna Morgan, and Investigator Tucker Davison. The Office of Prosecution Services provided the use of Platano (“Platty”), a facility dog used for reducing the stress of the victim who testified at trial. Brandilyn Lascari is Platty’s certified handler.
Sentencing for Tufekcioglu is scheduled for January 2026.
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BALDWIN COUNTY, Ala. A tractor-trailer fire is under investigation after it took multiple fire departments almost an hour to bring the blaze under control.
The fire, reported on Friday, October 10, 2025, just after 3 p.m. near CR 112, 15-mile marker.
Heavy fire was coming from the truck as firefighters arrived on the scene, according to the Styx River Fire Department. The Rosinton and Gateswood Fire Departments were also called in to fight the fire.
Substantial damage was done to the vehicle.
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The Mobile Police Department will swear in 19 new officers during an upcoming Mobile Police Academy graduation ceremony scheduled for Thursday, October 9, 2025, at 2 p.m. at Cottage Hill Baptist Church. The church is located at 4255 Cottage Hill Road.
Here is a list of the Mobile Police Academy Class #78 graduates:
Dalton Bowen
Lawerance Briggs
James Castillo
Bre’Ann Clemmons
LaTonya Darby
William Garrison
Avery Hurst
Tanner Jernigan
Steven Neal, Jr.
William Panni
Madison Portis
Cody Ratliff
Sarah Reed
Carson Richey
Tobias Robinson
Matthew Rowell
Hunter Sherwood
Dustan Vinson
Robert Wiggins
Here is a list of the Mobile Regional Academy Class #78 graduates:
Donald Boykin – Mobile County DA
Nicholas Bobick – Foley Police Dept.
Laila Boutwell – Foley Police Dept.
Alexander Smith – Foley Police Dept.
Joseph Baukert – Fairhope Police Dept.
Malek Esquible – Creola Police Dept.
Logan Lange – Gulf Shores Police Dept.
Colby Malott – Prichard Police Dept.
Benjamin Moses – Satsuma Police Dept.
Kaleb Sharpless – Silverhill Police Dept. Valerie White – University of South Alabama
Congratulations to all of the officers.
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UPDATE: Ronald Gregory Coley Jr. was arrested by US Marshals in Prichard around 2:25 p.m. on Friday.
CHICKASAW, AL. The U.S. Marshals and the Mobile County Sheriff’s Office surrounded a home on Thursday afternoon to serve felony warrants on a person inside the home.
A large law enforcement presence could be seen at 308 Myrtlewood Avenue, Chickasaw.
According to the US Marshal’s office, the wanted suspect, Ronald Gregory Coley Jr. was thought to have been barricaded inside the home.
Once law enforcement made entry into the house and searched it from top to bottom, the suspect had already fled the area.
Corey is considered to be armed and dangerous.
If anyone has information as to his whereabouts, please contact The Mobile County Sheriff’s Office, 251-574-8633.
Law enforcement said that Coley is wanted on a charge of being a felon in possession of a firearm.
Copyright 2025 Blue RAM Media. All rights reserved.
Officers on routine patrols throughout the City of Daphne during September arrested thirty-seven people for operating a motor vehicle under the influence of alcohol or narcotics.
Daphne Police Chief Brian Gulsby stated that officers are trained to watch for indicators that drivers might be driving impaired and that there was no special campaign or operation during the month, just good police work.
The following drivers were arrested:
Jonathan Bradley Depew was arrested on September 3rd, 2025
William Ross Dean was arrested on September 5th, 2025
Timothy J. Hughes was arrested on September 5th, 2025
John Alexander Schwarz was arrested on September 6, 2025
Robert Jason Rice was arrested on September 6, 2025
Daniel Ignacio Aranda Gomez was arrested on September 6, 2025
Wesley Chadwick Ballenger was arrested on September 7, 2025
Creston Rashad Washington was arrested on September 8, 2025
Henry William Pardo was arrested on September 9, 2025
Chastity Curry Sullivan was arrested on September 9, 2025
Kim Rogalin was arrested on September 10, 2025
Joel Stephen Kessler was arrested on September 13, 2025
Deshone Mantil Holloway was arrested on September 13, 2025
William Lloyd Garrison was arrested on September 13, 2025
Mariah Louise Seals was arrested on September 14, 2025
Kalisha Jacara English was arrested on September 14, 2025
Jordan Russell Blake was arrested on September 15, 2025
Jonathan Thomas Connolly was arrested on September 16, 2025
James Francis Stevens was arrested on September 17, 2025
Kamron Lamont Barnes was arrested on September 19, 2025
Brennen Richard St Pierre was arrested on September 19, 2025
Langdon Anthony Hollaway was arrested on September 20, 2025
Avula Raghunand was arrested on September 20, 2025
Christian Daniel Fischer was arrested on September 20, 2025
James Edward Stanton was arrested on September 20, 2025
Patrick Rafferty Crone was arrested on September 20, 2025
Hunter Vernell Nichols was arrested on September 21, 2025
Kedy Nohel Pineda Funez was arrested on September 21, 2025
Michael Don Austin was arrested on September 21, 2025
Chloe Elizabeth Newnam was arrested on September 21, 2025
Whitney Nicole Bell was arrested on September 23, 2025
James Kenneth Barnett was arrested on September 26, 2025
Kenneth Edward Emmons was arrested on September 27, 2025
Travis Centell Crum was arrested on September 27, 2025
Jason Joseph Miller was arrested on September 27, 2025
Cody Tremell Edwards was arrested on September 27, 2025
Michelle Patrice Dobson was arrested on September 28, 2025, and was also charged with felony possession of a controlled substance.
Heavy traffic through the city, frequent auto collisions, a heavily traveled Interstate, and a growing community all contribute to an increased need for regular traffic enforcement.
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LOXLEY, Ala. A school bus was involved in a traffic collision on Friday, September 26, 2025, at around 3:20 p.m.
The Baldwin County 911 Communication Center began receiving 911 calls of the crash at 3300 South Hickory Street near the Subway store, and some reported that students were injured.
The Loxley Police, Loxley Fire Department, and multiple ambulances were dispatched to the scene.
Police reported that one student had a head trauma injury, and a second student reported a headache, and other minor injuries were also reported.
Loxley police are investigating the accident currently.
No other details have been released.
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ELBERTA, Ala. A multi-vehicle crash involving a law enforcement officer shut down US Highway 98 near County Road 87 for several hours Tuesday evening at around 7:05 p.m.
Multiple emergency agencies responded to the scene, including the Elberta police and fire departments, ambulances, and ALEA troopers.
Several minor injuries were reported, but we’ve been told that no one was taken to the hospital by EMS.
ALEA troopers spent several hours on the scene conducting an investigation, but have not released any details at this time.
We have been told that an Elberta police car was involved in the wreck.
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MOBILE, AL. On Monday, September 22, 2025, at approximately 10:00 a.m., officers responded to a death investigation at a home in the 1300 block of E. Linwood Drive.
The Mobile Fire-Rescue was also dispatched to the scene.
Upon arrival, officers discovered a male victim deceased inside of the home.
Based on preliminary findings, police determined that it was a homicide and an investigation by the Mobile Police Homicide Unit is underway.
At this time, the victim’s family members have not been notified, and the name of the victim will not be released.
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.
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MOBILE, AL. On Friday, September 19, 2025, at approximately 3:40 pm, The Mobile County Sheriff’s Office Special Operations Unit was conducting surveillance in the area of Wilson Ave and St. Stephens Rd after being alerted of a stolen vehicle.
MCSO Deputies observed the stolen vehicle on St. Stephens Road and began to follow. Once the driver noticed he was being followed, the passengers in the back began shooting at deputy. The Deputy initiated his blue lights and a short pursuit ensued ending with all occupants in the vehicle fleeing on foot.
There were four occupants in the stolen vehicle. The driver, a 13-year-old, was detained by the Mobile Police Department. The front passenger, a 15-year-old, and a rear passenger, a 17-year-old, were detained after a short foot pursuit by MCSO. The other rear passenger, a 14-year-old juvenile, fled the scene but was later captured in another location by MCSO deputies.
It was determined that the vehicle was stolen from the Mobile Police Department jurisdiction.
The charges are as follows:
* The 13-year-old juvenile is charged with Attempted Murder of a Law Enforcement Officer, Receiving Stolen Property 1st Degree and Attempt to Elude/felony. He was transported to Strickland Youth Center.
* The 15-year-old juvenile is charged with Receiving Stolen Property 1st Degree and Attempt to Elude/misdemeanour. He was transported to Strickland Youth Center.
* The 14-year-old juvenile is charged with Assault 1st Degree, Receiving Stolen Property 1st degree, Attempt to Elude/misdemeanour, and Certain Persons forbidden to carry, Discharge gun occupied/unoccupied building/vehicle and he was transported to Strickland Youth Center.
* The 17-year-old juvenile was charged with Attempted Murder of a Law Enforcement Officer, Receiving Stolen Property 1st, Attempt to Elude/misdemeanour, Certain Persons forbidden to carry, Assault 1st, Discharge gun occupied/unoccupied Building/vehicle fand he was transported to Metro Jail and charged as an adult.
The 17-year-old is believed to have been involved with two other shootings:
* A shooting which occurred on June 4, 2025, at St. Stephens Woods Apartment
where his brother, a two-year-old, was injured (S25060060 and S25060067).
* A shooting that occurred two days before on September 16, 2025, at the Hop In
Food Store (S25090319).
Copyright 2025 Blue RAM Media. All rights reserved.
MOBILE, AL. Mobile police said that they continue to work to take drugs and guns out of the community and put criminals in jail.
A recent example of this culminated with police serving search warrants on drug houses, breaking doors down and wrapping up a three-month crackdown they call Operation Campfire.
The operation focused on the Campground Historic District and surrounding neighborhoods, an area where police say they continue to receive complaints about drug activity.
A spokesperson for the Mobile police said that they like to work with other federal law enforcement agencies such as the DEA, Homeland Security Investigations, and the ATF to go from street-level dealers and work their way up the chain as they work their way to the bigger dealers.
Where you find drugs, you’ll find guns and money, and that often means that street dealers are connected with a bigger network that often operate in multiple states.
“20% of the population commits 80% of the crime is absolutely true, particularly individuals that are involved in stuff, and obviously, we do what we can to make arrests, but even we can’t with witnesses not cooperating,” police said.
Over the course of Operation Campfire, Mobile police served 17 search arrest warrants, arresting 45 people on charges ranging from drug possession to trafficking. Officers also seized more than $12,000 in cash.
Doing these kind of busts help the community feel safer and stop the flow of gangs, drugs and guns into neighborhoods, at least for a little while.
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NEW ORLEANS, LA. A retired New Orleans Police officer entered the New Orleans Police Department headquarters and committed suicide, according to police.
Police and EMS responded to police headquarters located inside the DXC Technology building and found a man suffering from a gunshot wound.
The man, identified as a retired NOPD officer, was transported to a hospital, where he succumbed to his injuries, according to the report.
“Our department mourns the tragic loss of one of our own officers. Our officer took his life today, Superintendent Anne Kirkpatrick said.
“Police work brings with it at times and heavy burdens, and private hurts and wounds that sometimes create heavy, heavy hearts. And right now, our priority is … supporting our people.”
Kirkpatrick reminded the public and fellow officers that resources are available to help those experiencing thoughts of self-harm.
“I encourage any [officer] who is struggling, whether current or retired, to reach out. There is courage in reaching out,” Kirkpatrick said.
NOPD did not identify the officer by name.
Approximately 120 police officers commit suicide annually.
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MOBILE, Ala. On Saturday, September 13, 2025, at approximately 3:00 a.m., Mobile police officers were on patrol and attempted to initiate a traffic stop around the area of Cottage Hill Road and W. I-65 Service Road S.
The driver, later identified as JaJuan Williams, refused to stop for the police.
Police vehicles had their blue lights and sirens on, but Williams disregarded the officers and led them on a vehicle pursuit.
The vehicle was stopped a short time later in the 900 block of W. I-65 Service Road S.
JaJuan Williams, 27, was arrested and transported to Metro Jail.
Williams was charged with: USE/POSSESSION DRUG PARAPHERNALIA
PROBATION VIOLATION – MISDEMEANOR
POSSESSION CONTROLLED SUBSTANCE
TAMPERING WITH PHYSICAL EVIDENCE
ATTEMPT TO ELUDE
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MOBILE, AL. The Mobile Police Department conducted directed enforcement in and around the Central Precinct on Saturday, September 13, 2025, between the hours of 8 p.m. and 4 a.m. in the downtown area.
Officers issued 84 citations and 30 warnings to drivers. The precinct-wide enforcement was to ensure drivers in the area were in compliance with state and local traffic laws.
During the enforcement, officers checked for valid driver’s licenses, proof of insurance, and current vehicle tag registration. The largest offense was speeding, with 24 citations issued along with 4 warnings. Two arrests were made during the operation.
DAUPHIN ISLAND, AL. The story of the foxes living on Dauphin Island has received a reprieve and will continue living and doing fox things while their fate is debated in a court of law.
A Mobile judge has now issued a restraining order which states, “hands off”, for now. In legal terminology, it states “”The defendants are hereby enjoined and are ordered to stay, cease and desist from the killing, removal, relocating or in any manner disturbing any and all foxes on Dauphin Island, Alabama,” read the mayor, “whether directly or by any of its employees, agents and/or independent contractors, until if and when this court lifts this stay.”
At Monday’s city council meeting, Dauphin Island Mayor Jeff Collier informed the council by reading from the judge’s order.
Now that the matter is in litigation, the mayor says city officials have been advised to make no further comment.
“We just received this today,” he told the council, and our town attorneys have basically said that’s all we can say.”
The foxes have become celebrated by many who have been watching them on the island for years.
But other nature lovers say they pilfer nesting grounds of sea turtles and island birds, even posing a threat to migratory birds that use the island for a respite before continuing their way to and from South and Central America.
Foxes have also been known to attack pets and even humans, as well as carry rabies.
But some islanders, such as Wildlife Photographer Spence Harrison, who is a plaintiff in the court action, and a big defender of the Dauphin Island foxes said that he is encouraged by the judge’s order. He doesn’t want to see the foxes removed from the island or destroyed.
There are other predators on the island, such as feral cats, that are more of a nuisance than those foxes are Harrison said.
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