A suspect has been arrested and charged with assaulting a Florence police officer after an altercation at a local residence.

FPD released the following statement regarding the incident:

On Monday, October 7, 2024, at around 6 PM, officers responded to a residence in the 500 block of North Franklin [...]]]>

NEWS ALERT FLORENCE

A suspect has been arrested and charged with assaulting a Florence police officer after an altercation at a local residence.

FPD released the following statement regarding the incident:

On Monday, October 7, 2024, at around 6 PM, officers responded to a residence in the 500 block of North Franklin Street to assist a homeowner with an unwanted guest. Tyler Reeves was present and refused to leave. Reeves had warrants for his arrest. Officers made contact with Reeves at the front door, and he slammed the door. A short time later, Reeves opened the front door again, and officers attempted to grab him. Reeves slammed the front door. The door struck the officer’s arm, causing the glass to shatter. The officer sustained a deep laceration to his arm. Reeves was taken into custody and charged with Assault of a Police Officer and Resisting Arrest.

The officer was treated and released from the North Alabama Medical Center.

Tyler Reeves, 31, of Florence, is being held at the Lauderdale County Detention Center on a $2800 bond.

According to police, William Butler, 69, of 122 Blair Street was arrested on the scene of the incident that left one man dead.

Florence Fire Department and Shoals Ambulance arrived and started [...]]]>

FLORENCE–Police have arrested a Florence man for murder in the last night shooting death of a man on Blair Street.

According to police, William Butler, 69, of 122 Blair Street was arrested on the scene of the incident that left one man dead.

Florence Fire Department and Shoals Ambulance arrived and started medical treatment.

The fatally injured man died en route to the hospital.

Police took William Butler into custody.

Butler was transported to the Florence Police Department, where he was arrested for Murder.

Detectives worked the scene and collected evidence and talked with witnesses in the area.

The name of the victim is not being released at this time pending notification of family members.

If anyone has any information that can assist with this investigation, please contact Detective Kevin Jackson at (256) 760-6557 or text a tip to 274637 using the keyword “FPDTIP,” plus the message.

Butler is being held in the Lauderdale County Detention Center.

Do you recognize this individual? Det. Wes Shaddix of the Florence Police Department needs to talk to him about a case he is working.

If you can help identify or know his whereabouts, please call Det. Shaddix at 256-760-6465 or text a tip to 274637 using the keyword “FPDTIP” plus your message.

FLORENCE–The Florence Police Department is seeking help from the public in identifying this gentleman.

He is wanted for questioning. If you have any information regarding his identity and/or whereabouts, please contact the Florence Police Department at 256-768-2764 or text a tip to 274637 using keyword “FPDTIP” plus your message.

Rose Holt

FLORENCE– Police have provided ShoalsInsider.com with an update on the ongoing dog bite case from this past Friday on Bayless Avenue that has left a woman hospitalized.

Rose Holt remains in the hospital after she was mauled Friday while watering her plants in her front yard on Bayless Avenue. She is [...]]]>

Rose Holt

FLORENCE– Police have provided ShoalsInsider.com with an update on the ongoing dog bite case from this past Friday on Bayless Avenue that has left a woman hospitalized.

Rose Holt remains in the hospital after she was mauled Friday while watering her plants in her front yard on Bayless Avenue. She is expected to remain there for at least a few more days.

Regarding the dog bite, a dangerous dog investigation has been initiated pursuant to “Emily’s Law.” Emily’s law was passed during the 2018 legislative session and provides a path to deeming a dog as ‘dangerous.’ The new law went into effect on June 1st according to authorities.

The law lays out a clear path for citizen’s, Animal Control Officers, and Law Enforcement to thoroughly investigate allegations and bring owners before the court to answer for the actions of their animals. Under the law, the animal(s) will remain under the control of Animal Services, either at the shelter or a licensed veterinarian, until the case is heard by the court.

At the hearing the judge has two options; 1- Confirm, based on the investigation, that the animal is dangerous or 2- Conclude that the circumstances do not meet the law in terms of dangerous behavior.

If the court determines that the dog(s) are dangerous then the owner has two options; 1- release the dog(s) to the custody of Animal Services for the dog(s) to be humanely euthanized or request to take the dog(s) back. If the owner fights to retain possession of the animals then he/she must provide the following:

The dog must be spayed or neutered.
The dog must be microchipped.
The dog must be kept in a locked pen that not only has four sides but a top and a concrete bottom (or fencing that extends at least 2 feet into the ground).
The owner must pay an annual $100 dangerous-dog registration fee.
The owner must secure a $100,000 surety bond that provides coverage for dog bites, injuries, or death caused by the dog.
If during, or prior to, the case going to court the owner signs a release to Animal Services the case stops and the animals are humanely euthanized. This set of events does not preclude the victim(s) from seeking a civil claim against the dog owner.

Under the new law, criminal charges apply only after the dog(s) have been deemed dangerous and attacks or if the investigation proves that the owner had prior knowledge of the dangerous propensity of the animal, yet demonstrated a reckless disregard of the propensities under the circumstances. We hope to answer both of those questions throughout this investigation. Once the investigation is complete the finding will be presented to the court for review and additional action may be taken based on the court’s findings.

This specific case involves two dogs, one of the animals is in the custody of the Florence/Lauderdale Animal Shelter. The second animal which was shot during the attack by a bystander has been transported outside Lauderdale county for treatment and efforts will be made to transfer that animal to animal control custody upon completion of treatment.

Police tell ShoalsInsider.com they are aggressively pursuing this case in conjunction with Animal Services and will update appropriately as the case moves forward.

This case is believed to be the first case in the state levied as a result of Emily’s Law.

FLORENCE–Police are questioning a “person of interest” in an early morning shooting that left one dead and one man injured.

Police Detective Greg Cobb tells ShoalsInsider.com that at approximately 2:40 am, this morning, a UNA Police patrol unit heard gunshots coming from the Westmorland and Long Ln area.

Cobb said,”When officers arrived they found [...]]]>

FLORENCE–Police are questioning a “person of interest” in an early morning shooting that left one dead and one man injured.

Police Detective Greg Cobb tells ShoalsInsider.com that at approximately 2:40 am, this morning, a UNA Police patrol unit heard gunshots coming from the Westmorland and Long Ln area.

Cobb said,”When officers arrived they found an African-American man that had been shot lying in the street,”

“Officers applied medical aid and he was transported to ECM where he was pronounced dead on arrival. One other person was shot and had been transported to ECM via private vehicle before officers arrived,” said Cobb.

A third person was transported to the Police Department and is being questioned by detectives.

Police are working the crime scene at this time. The name of the deceased will be released as soon as the next of kin have been released.

If you, or anyone you know, has any information that can assist with this investigation, please contact FPD Detective Bureau at (256) 768-2764 or text a tip to 274637 using keyword “FPDTIP”, plus the message.

Jeff Roland

ShoalsInsider.com – Keeping You Informed

FLORENCE–Authorities are investigating the murder of a Florence woman at 308 Magnolia Street. According to investigators, the female has been identified as Judy Staten, 38, from Florence.

Police say Staten was shot one time. “Her body has been taken to the Department of Forensic Science for an autopsy,” said Florence Detective Greg Cobb.

Investigators [...]]]>

FLORENCE–Authorities are investigating the murder of a Florence woman at 308 Magnolia Street. According to investigators, the female has been identified as Judy Staten, 38, from Florence.

Police say Staten was shot one time.  “Her body has been taken to the Department of Forensic Science for an autopsy,” said Florence Detective Greg Cobb.

Investigators are currently talking with witnesses and family members to establish a timeline of events.

Police do not have anyone in custody.

Police are asking for anyone that has any information to come forward. You may contact Florence Police at 256-760-6610 or text a tip to 274637 using keyword FPDTIP plus your message.

Jeff Roland

ShoalsInsider.com – Keeping You Informed

Chuck Hearn receiving award

FLORENCE- Congratulations to Detective Chuck Hearn of the Florence Police Department and the Lauderdale County Drug Task Force. Detective Hearn was awarded the Richard B. Biddle Award for Law Enforcement Excellence by the Florence and Greater Shoals Rotary Clubs.

Elaine Augustine receiving recognition for her volunteer service to the Florence Police Department

FLORENCE–Two Florence citizens received recognition last night for service to the Florence Police Department. Elaine Augustine was recognized as being a driving force behind the Handgun Safety classes taught by FPD and Dan Taylor was recognized for his countless hours [...]]]>

Elaine Augustine receiving recognition for her volunteer service to the Florence Police Department

FLORENCE–Two Florence citizens received recognition last night for service to the Florence Police Department. Elaine Augustine was recognized as being a driving force behind the Handgun Safety classes taught by FPD and Dan Taylor was recognized for his countless hours of volunteer work with the FPD Training Division and Training Center.

The Shoals Insider salutes these two citizens for helping make Florence a better place to live.

Dan Taylor posing with his award

Byron L. Windham

FLORENCE–Byron L. Windham, 59, of 405 W. Tombigbee Street, was arrested Tuesday following a reported weekend burglary in the 200 block of Spring Street.

On Saturday, 05/13/17, officers responded to a reported burglary in the 200 block of Spring Street. Officers arrived and began investigating the burglary.

During that investigation, [...]]]>

Byron L. Windham

FLORENCE–Byron L. Windham, 59, of 405 W. Tombigbee Street, was arrested Tuesday following a reported weekend burglary in the 200 block of Spring Street.

On Saturday, 05/13/17, officers responded to a reported burglary in the 200 block of Spring Street. Officers arrived and began investigating the burglary.

During that investigation, it was learned that surveillance video had captured the burglary and theft. According to investigators, Windham was identified from the video and shown burglarizing a garage on the property. Several pieces of lawn care equipment were reportedly taken during the burglary. Windham was located by Detective Alex Guynn Tuesday and subsequently charged with Burglary 3^rd degree and Theft of Property 4^th .degree.

Windham was booked into the Lauderdale County Detention Center on bond totaling $3,500.00.