Florence police – Shoals Insider

1 DEAD, 1 INJURED IN FLORENCE CRASH

Staff — Sun, 16 Jun 2019 00:16:56 +0000

FLORENCE- Police and emergency personnel responded to a fatal crash on Gresham Road, near the intersection of Seville Street, on Saturday.

Florence Police tell ShoalsInsider.com both drivers were transported to North Alabama Medical Center where one of the drivers died as a result of their injuries.

The victim’s names have yet to be released pending family notification.

Police continue to investigate the crash.

ShoalsInsider.com – Keeping You Informed

DO YOU KNOW THIS WOMAN? A CASH REWARD IS BEING OFFERED

Staff — Fri, 16 Nov 2018 16:52:14 +0000

FLORENCE– Florence police are searching for a suspect in a theft case they are working. Investigators have released surveillance video in hopes of identifying her.

This person went shopping with someone else’s money. Florence police say the lady seen here spent more than $350 at the Hough Road Walmart in late October.

According to investigators, she used a stolen check from Colbert County to pay for it. Police believe the check was taken from a vehicle a week earlier.

If you can identify the suspect contact the Shoals Area Crime Stoppers. There are two easy ways which will keep your identity anonymous. To speak with an operator, dial (256)386-8685. A detailed text message can be sent to 274637 (CRIMES). No matter the avenue you choose, you will be eligible for a cash reward.

Florence man arrested after concerned citizen called police

Staff — Thu, 10 Aug 2017 20:09:43 +0000

David Baskins

FLORENCE–Police arrested a Florence man on multiple new charges and outstanding warrants after a concerned citizen made a call to the police department.

David A. Baskins, 22, of Florence, was arrested on warrants for Breaking and Entering a Vehicle and Theft of Property. During the arrest, officers reportedly found illegal drugs.

Baskins was stopped overnight in the Seven Points area of Florence, due to a complaint from a citizen. The warrants for Baskins are from him breaking into two vehicles in the downtown Florence Area.

According to authorities, Baskins has been arrested on two counts of Breaking and Entering a Vehicle, Unlawful Possession of a Controlled Substance, Theft of Property 3rd, and Theft of Property 4th,

He is currently in the Lauderdale County Detention Center on a $9,000 bond.

ShoalsInsider.com

Woman arrested for exploitation of the elderly

Staff — Mon, 13 Mar 2017 14:25:01 +0000

McKeller

FLORENCE-Authorities have arrested Cynthia McKeller, 46, of Harvest in a financial exploitation case. She was arrested on Friday. McKeller was charged with Financial Exploitation of an Elderly Person 1st degree, and Theft of Property 1st degree.

According to police, McKeller was the responsible person for an elderly man who was seeking long-term treatment for an injury. McKeller is accused of using her authority to take nearly $6,000 from the man for her own personal gain. The case spans a period of 6 months while McKeller was responsible for the man’s finances and well-being. McKeller was released after posting bond in the amount of $7,500.

Florence man arrested on domestic violence charges

Staff — Wed, 18 Jan 2017 16:59:34 +0000

Darnell Long

FLORENCE–Authorities have arrested Darnell Long on a list of charges involving a domestic altercation.

Late Tuesday evening, shortly before midnight, officers responded to a 911 call in the 200 block of Madison Ave. Upon arrival, officers met a female who appeared shaken. Mr. Long was also present at the residence. While attempting to determine the nature of the 911 call it was found that Mr. Long and the female had been in a domestic incident, during which Mr. Long is accused of strangling the female and taking her phone to prevent her from contacting police for help. Mr. Long was taken into custody after becoming disorderly and resisting his lawful arrest. He was transported to the LCDC without incident and charged with Domestic Violence Strangulation, Interference with an Emergency Call, Domestic Violence 3rd, Disorderly Conduct, and Resisting Arrest. He is currently being held on bond totaling $9,000.00.

Mom leaves kids home alone gets DUI

Staff — Mon, 09 Jan 2017 16:56:59 +0000

April Johnson

Ms. Johnson was arrested on 01-07-17 and charged with DUI. During that encounter, she said nothing about having any children. The following afternoon, 0-07-17 at 4:30 in the afternoon officers were notified that Johnson told jailers that two small children were at her home alone. Officer responded to the home and found two small children in the home, alone. It appears that Ms. Johnson drove while drunk, leaving her children alone at home without supervision. DHR was contacted and the children were released to family members.

According to Investigator Brad Holmes, “It’s scary to think what might have happened to the children had the jailers not found out that children were alone in their home,” ”

“The weather this weekend was brutally cold and these children were left to fend for themselves after the mother used poor judgement. We are thankful that the situation ended with the children being found safe,” said Holmes.

The children, in this case, were ages 3 and 6.

Johnson remains in jail on bond totaling $2,000.00.

Dangerous Home Invader on the Loose in Florence

H. Wayne Nix — Tue, 24 May 2016 15:55:50 +0000

Daniel Chance Odom

WANTED – The Florence Police Department and U.S. Marshal Gulf Coast Fugitive Task Force is searching for Daniel Chance Odom, 37, of Florence.

Police say he is a suspect in a May 11th home invasion on Edgewood Drive. Investigators say he has arrest warrants for robbery and burglary.

Call the Shoals Area Crime Stoppers tip line at 256-386-8685 if you know his location.

More Updates as they happen.

Florence Police Looking for Mother’s Day Bandit

H. Wayne Nix — Fri, 13 May 2016 00:20:26 +0000

CRIME OF THE WEEK: Florence Police are searching for a man who racked up quite a shopping bill on Mother’s Day. The bad thing is, he probably wasn’t shopping for his mom, nor was he shopping on his own dime.

In surveillance video the suspect is seen strolling into Walmart on Hough Road like he has no care in the world. Police said he had just stolen a credit card from a purse at Payless Shoes in Florence Mall and went to do some shopping of his own.

In his first trip to Walmart, investigators said he and three women purchased lots of prepaid phone cards. He then went to a convenience store and purchased cartons of cigarettes.

The bandit then returned to Walmart and purchased the same items before the credit card was shut down. Investigators hope you can help identify him or the women he was with.

If you recognize any of these people, don’t hesitate to call or text the Shoals Area Crime Stoppers tip line. Each caller is kept anonymous and eligible for cash rewards.

The tip line is (256)386-8685. You can also text your tip to 274637 (CRIMES), in the message type tip1293 and your information.

Petting Zoo Cancels Further Shows

H. Wayne Nix — Tue, 03 May 2016 20:41:35 +0000

Daryl V. Raymond Jr. Of Stockholm, Maine. Picture courtesy of Shoalanda Speaks.

Jungle Safari Petting Zoo, which recently had an employee arrested for several counts of child molestation, has closed.

Daryl Raymond, 48, was arrested and now sits in jail without possiblity of bond, for his alleged crime.

Robert Engesser, owner of the zoo, that they have temporarily stopped all shows and will not travel to other cities.
Raymond is said to have worked at the zoo for 3 years doing seasonal work for 3 months at a time. The owner says previously that he had no direct contact with children. He did other jobs around the zoo, according to owner Robert Engesser.
Engesser claims that background checks were performed. A search of the National Sex offender Registry doesn’t show up the name Daryl Raymond.

Women Wanted for Theft in Florence

H. Wayne Nix — Thu, 21 Apr 2016 20:46:11 +0000

Do you recognize these women? If so you can help the Florence Police by giving them a call. They are wanted for theft at a business in Florence.

Call Detective Wes Gargis at 256-760-6595.

You can also send a text tip to 274637 be sure to use the keyword “FPDTIP” in your message.