On Thursday, May 16, 2013 MOBILE COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE was called to a home where an elderly man, BYRD BUNKLEY, JR., was being cared for by his sister YOLANDA THURMAN.   A family member of BYRD BUNKLEY went by to check on him and discovered his living conditions and contacted the County EMS.  When EMS arrived at the home, YOLANDA THURMAN would not allow them inside her home.  EMS contacted the MOBILE COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE.  When deputies arrived at the home, they found MR. BUNKLEY to have bed sores, severe malnutrition and a foul odor coming from the bedroom.   He was taken to a local hospital where medical staff says he could have died if deputies had not arrived.  “The home was in such poor condition and MR. BUNKLEY was laying in his own feces with bed sores all over his body,” said Lt. Paul Burch.  ” I do believe we saved his life”.

BYRD BUNKLEY does have some metal and physical disabilities and needs 24 hour care.  YOLANDA THURMAN is being charged with ELDERLY ABUSE AND NEGLECT, a class B Felony.

THE MOBILE COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE held their Annual Awards Banquet Thursday, May 16, 2013.  The following people received awards;

DEPUTIES -  Awarded during 2012 by Crichton Optimist Club

SERGEANT RASSIE SMITH, III

DETECTIVE LAUNDUKE BAGSBY

DEPUTY JAMES WATSON

DEPUTY JAMES GAZZIER

DEPUTY RICHARD REHWINKEL (2 MONTHS)

DETECTIVE BRADLEY GRANDQUEST

DEPUTY ALLEN CARPENTER

DEPUTY CHEDEREICK THOMAS

DETECTIVE TERRI HALL

DEPUTY RONALD MOODY

DEPUTY ANDREW PEAK

CORRECTIONS OFFICERS – Awarded during 2012 by the Crichton Optimist Club

CO RODERICK LANG

CO SHIRLEY EMANUEL

CO NATASHA WOLFE

CO MICHELLE HASTON

CO KATRINA EPPS

CO HELENE POLING

CO CORPORAL LATISHA HAMILTON

CO CORPORAL LESLEY THOMPSON

CO ARCHIE NILES

CO ETHEL JACKSON

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UNIT AWARDS – Presented by the Sheriff to a Unit or various Unit’s deserving special recognition for an outstanding RECOGNITION

NARCOTICS AND VICE UNIT

PISTOL PERMITS

COMMUNICATIONS

SHERIFF’S FLOTILLA

METRO JAIL TRANSPORTATION

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SHERIFF’S COMMENDATION – This is awarded to a member who while serving in an official capacity performs his duties in an outstanding manner.

LEE BISHOP

DONNELL CARTER AND MI-KALE BURRELL

TUNGLIA HAWKINS

SGT. MICHEAL SCOTT

NATASHA WOLFE

DEPUTY BRADLEY HARDEE

DEPUTY JOHN CASSIDY

CORPORAL ANDREW PEAK

DEPUTY BRYANT MYLES

DEPUTY JOSHUA RHODES

DANIEL HOLIFIELD

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AWARD OF EXECELLENCE – This is given to a member who while serving in his/her official capacity contributes to a valuable accomplishment that demonstrates special faithfulness, attention to duty or a highly creditable and unusual accomplishment gaining credit to themselves and the Mobile County Sheriff’s Office.

 SGT. ERNEST GOODE and LT. TIMOTHY DEMINGS

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MERITORIOUS SERVICE – Awarded to a member of the Mobile County Sheriff’s Office who while serving in his official capacity, as perceived by the average reasonable Deputy or Corrections Officer is involved:

An act of grave personal danger

An act that was in the intelligent performance of duty

An act not caused primarily by his or her own negligence or misconduct

An act that does not bring discredit upon him/herself or the Mobile County Sheriff’s Office.

CORPORAL JOSEPH PICA

DEPUTY JOSHUA RHODES

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COMBAT CROSS – Awarded to a member of the Mobile County Sheriff’s Office who while serving in his official capacity distinguished himself by an act of extraordinary heroism while engaged in personal combat with an armed adversary at imminent personal risk to life.

 SGT. JASON ARENDALL

On February 3, 2012, Officer STEVEN GREEN was stabbed at the METRO JAIL BY suspect Lawrence Wallace.  After a vehicle pursuit the suspect fled on foot and crawled under a house located on Daytona Drive.  Wallace was armed with two handguns that he took from the officer’s vehicle. 

 When Sgt. Arendall arrived on the scene he evaluated the situation and made the decision to put his K9 ORRY UNDER THE HOUSE IN AN ATTEMPT TO APPREHEND THE SUSPECT.  Sgt. Arendall also crawled under the house to locate the suspects whereabouts and to control his K9.  While Sgt. Arendall was under the house, k9 ORRY located the suspect hiding under the concrete steps.

 Sgt. Arendall’s actions showed self-sacrifice in the face of grave danger that could have resulted in the loss of his own life in order to protect the lives of HIS fellow law enforcement officers as well as the public.  Sgt. Jason Arendall congratulations for being awarded THE MOBILE COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE COMBAT CROSS.

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CITIZEN OF THE YEAR – Awarded to a citizen, not an employee, of the Mobile County Sheriff’s Office who performs an act or acts that provide significant assistance to the Mobile County Sheriff’s Office.

 RICHARD NAMAN

Mr. Richard Naman has been a member of the MCSO FLOTILLA since 2005.  Richard is considered the “GO TO GUY” whenever there is an event put on or sponsored by the Mobile County Sheriff’s Office.  He is always volunteering his services which include FOOD, COOKING THE FOOD, MONEY AND HIS VALUABLE TIME. 

 When Flotilla is called out, Richard is the first to respond and the last to leave no matter what type of call out or detail it may be.  His standard reply is “where do I need to go”? 

 To put into words how valuable RICHARD NAMAN is to The Mobile County Sheriff’s Office is just not possible.  However, we can let you know how much we appreciate all of the hard work you have provided our office and the citizens of Mobile County by awarding you MCSO DITIZEN OF THE YEAR.

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CIVILIAN EMPLOYEE OF THE YEAR – Awarded to a member of the Mobile County Sheriff’s Office, who while serving in his official capacity is distinguished by consistent, outstanding explemary service to the Mobile County Sheriff’s Office.

 LARKISHA WRIGHT

 Larkisha Wright is a valuable asset to Administrative Services.  Larkisha is timely and efficient in everything that she does.  Larkisha is one of the few employees that have responsibilities for both MCSO and MCMJ.  Larkisha’s regular duties include; Transcriptions for IAD, Case preparation and tracking on disciplinary cases, Communication of and filing of Legal Memos, Maintaining the IAD database, Assist in the creation of new departmental forms and Sheriff’s Directives and assist with organizing special projects…such as Executive meetings, Dignitary Visits, etc…

 Larkisha is always willing to assist on department projects and most of these projects are beyond her normal duties.  Some of the many projects include; Executive Day, Awards Committee and Banquet, Boy Scout Skeet Shoot.  She also assists with Human Resource Department as time permits.

 Congratulations Larkisha for doing your job well and going beyond your duties to make the Sheriff’s Office look good in our community.

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CORRECTIONS OFFICER OF THE YEAR

 ARCHIE NILES

Corrections Officer Archie Niles always goes above and beyond the call of duty without being asked.  He is a leader among his peers and excelled in our METRO JAIL MANAGEMENT TRAINING CLASS.   He has also been in the top tier for all Physical Requirements.  As a leader, he demands respect, is fair and always firm.  He treats inmates, peers and staff with the utmost respect.

 CO Archie Niles is a scholar when it comes to Metro Jail’s Policy and Procedures.  He is presently assigned to the Docket Area.  Because of his acute attention to detail, he has found marijuana, knives, cocaine, loaded .22 caliber handgun and numerous other items identified as contraband on incoming inmates in the intake Receiving Area.  This allows additional charges to be placed on the inmate showing others currently incarcerated that we will not allow contraband in our Jail. 

 CO Archie Niles, because you serve with HONOR, INTEGRITY AND SERVICE while providing CARE, CUSTODY AND CONTROL, You are selected as THE MOBILE COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE CORRECTIONS OFFICER OF THE YEAR.

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DEPUTY OF THE YEAR

SGT. JASON ARENDALL

Sgt. Jason Arendall has been instrumental in establishing a K-9 unit under Special Operations.  He has researched departments across the country to organize an operational plan that would not only benefit the sheriff’s Office with additional K-9 coverage, but save our office valuable tax dollars by providing additional patrol coverage and assist other specialized units such as Criminal Investigation and Narcotics Division.

When Sgt. Arendall was in patrol, he was responsible for the supervision of the Directed Patrol units.  During this time, the directed units maintained a high warrant arrest count.  He and his unit were also able to locate numerous wanted suspects for Criminal Investigation and Youth Investigation Divisions.  Sgt. Arendall also utilized the directed units in problem areas such as complaints of high drug activity; speeding and suspicious activity that often resulted in an arrest.

Sgt. Arendall has repeatedly proven himself not only in crisis situations, but also in the day-to-day operations of the sheriff’s Office.  Sgt. Jason Arendall congratulations for being selected as THE MOBILE COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE DEPUTY OF THE YEAR.

On May 11, 2013, THE MOBILE COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE was called to the scene of a robbery that took place at EXXON STATION, 2450 SNOW ROAD.  The suspect was said to have been wearing a WHITE SACK WITH A SCARECROW FACE DRAWN ON IT.  The suspect entered the station at approximately 1:30 am, pointed a black handgun at the clerk and asked for all the money in cash drawer.  The suspect was described as 200 lbs and 5’10, wearing a scarecrow mask, gray shirt, jeans and sneakers.  A Security Camera from the store shows the suspect leaving in a FOUR DOOR PONTIAC GRAND AM/GRAND PRIX, GOLD IN COLOR, TINTED WINDOWS AND SUNROOF.

If anyone has any information about this crime or the person in this video, please contact THE MOBILE COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE, 574-8633.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

MOBILE COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE arrested DERICK JACKSON and LARRY FORD on charges of trafficking marijuana, possession controlled substance and use/possession drug paraphernalia.  Deputies seized twenty pounds of marijuana, synthetic spice and $900.00 cash.

Earlier in the week MCSO received information from Dothan Police Department about JACKSON and FORD participating in trafficking marijuana. 

MCSO followed the men to PEACH PLACE APARTMENTS on Jeff Hamilton Road.  FORD left the apartments to return the rental car with JACKSON following in another vehicle.

MCSO deputies were able to stop the rental car that FORD was driving however JACKSON fled in his vehicle.  MCSO k-9 UNIT was called to the scene and captured the suspect in a wooded area off Grelot Road.  JACKSON sustained several bites and was treated and released to Metro Jail.

The perpetrators left the scene prior to deputies’ arrival.
At approximately 0140 hours this same date, deputies conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle for a traffic violation. The vehicle was occupied by four black males, all of whom fit the descriptions given by the victims.
The subjects were identified as:
B/M Larry Broadnax Dob 10/30/1987
B/M Jeffrey Cook Dob 04/03/1985
B/M Demario Shavers Dob 09/24/1993
B/M Allan Walker Dob 11/02/1987
A search of the vehicle revealed two shotguns with ammunition
All four subjects were subsequently charged with Burglary 1st Degree, Assault 2nd Degree, and Assault 3rd Degree.
Also Cook subject was found to be in possession of crack cocaine and had several active warrants through MPD.

Additional charges my be forthcoming as the investigation continues.

On 04/27/13 at 2155 hours Deputies responded to Sandy’s Package Store located at 9196 Irvington BLB Hwy for a commercial robbery. The owner of the store reported that an unknown white male entered the store armed with a rifle and took currency from the register. The victim reported that he fired at the subject and that he believed that he shot the subject. The subject left the scene in a white Dodge Charger.

On 04/27/13 at 2222 hours Deputies responded to 9148 Two Mile Road for one-shot. When Deputies arrived on scene they found a white Dodge Charger parked in the yard and a white male (Charles Steele 11/06/78) suffering from a gunshot wound to his torso. Steele would not tell Deputies how he was shot or who shot him. Steele was transported to USA Medical Center.

Steele was positively identified as the robber. A search Steele’s residence revealed all of the currency that was stolen and the rifle that was used to commit the robbery was located and seized.

Steele will be arrested for Robbery First Degree when he is released from the hospital.

MOBILE COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE AND WALGREENS will Host Drug Take-Back Day Events Throughout Mobile to Help Community Safely Discard of Unused, Unwanted Medications

 To help prevent the misuse or abuse of unused and unwanted medications, THE MOBILE COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE and WALGREENS (NYSE, Nasdaq: WAG) will host Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Prescription Drug Take-Back Day events at two stores in Mobile. Community residents can participate in this service for free.

The events will be held from 9 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. on Saturday, April 27, at two Walgreens locations in Mobile, including

• 5705 Cottage Hill Road, intersection of Cottage Hill and Knollwood

• 3948 Airport Boulevard, intersection of Airport and McGregor

Consumers are encouraged to safely and legally dispose of any unwanted or expired medications.  Law enforcement will also be present to accept any controlled substance medications dropped off for disposal.

“One of the most common questions our pharmacists receive surrounds how to safely dispose of unused or expired medications,” said Walgreens community leader Karen Meyer.  “This is an easy way to help keep unused or unwanted medications out of the hands of those who could be accidentally harmed.”

Sites will accept tablets, capsules, and all other solid dosage forms of unwanted medication.  Those disposing of medications may black out personal identification on prescription bottles or empty bottles into bins provided at the event.  To learn more about the DEA’s National Prescription Drug Take-Back Day program, visit http://www.awarerx.org.

         MOBILE COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE has a program OPERATION MEDICINE CABINET that runs all year and is available 24 hours a day for your convenience.  To learn more about this program visit http://www.mobileso.com/operation-medicine-cabinet/.

TODAY, APRIL 18, 2013, The Marshall Fugitive Task Force went to serve a felony warrant to EMILY PENNINGTON, residing at 1267 Carlton Acres East, Mobile.  While attempting to locate PENNINGTON the Marshall’s located an active meth lab.  US Marshalls contacted THE MOBILE COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE NARCOTICS UNIT to dismantle the lab.  “Active Meth labs are dangerous and explosive enough but we also found that the cook had lithium strips soaking in Coleman fuel,” said an undercover narcotic deputy.  ” To make matters worse, this was all cooking on the second floor directly above two handicapped adults who were asleep in their beds.”

MOBILE COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE arrested  MICHAEL EDWARD PAULINI, Manufacturing 1st Degree, Trafficking (Meth);  ELIZABETH WEAVER BYRD,  Violation of Probation warrant and 3 warrants from Creola PD;   CRANDLE EUGENE PYLANT, Child Support warrant and a warrant with Mt. Vernon PD.   KIMBERLY STEWARTis the home owner and caregiver to the handicapped adults.  The fugutive, EMILY PENNINGTON, was not home during the arrest and she is the daughter of KIMBERLY STEWART.   The investigation is ongoing and further arrest are pending.