State Troopers investigated 19 traffic fatalities during the recent Christmas and New Year's holiday period. The Alabama Law Enforcement Agency says the traffic deaths occurred between December 19th and January 2nd. Troopers said alcohol was a factor in five of the crashes and only four of the 19 individuals were wearing seatbelts.
Body Cameras
Law enforcement agencies across Alabama have begun equipping officers with high tech body cameras. An article in today's Montgomery Advertiser states that area police agencies in Montgomery, Montgomery County, Prattville and Selma have placed order or have already purchased body cameras. Law enforcement officials predict high tech body cameras will be a valuable tool for documenting and reviewing incidents involving police officers.
Chainsaw Chase
Police in west Alabama say robbery suspects threw chainsaws at police who chased their getaway van on Highway 80 from Demopolis to Selma. Demopolis Police Chief Tommie Reese says an officer was on patrol early Thursday morning and heard a John Deere store alarm going off. Reese says the officer saw a white van fleeing the store's parking lot. Reese says the high speed pursuit ended in Selma and a 57-year old Birmingham man, identified as Audre Hendon, was arrested on charges of burglary, receiving stolen property and other offenses. Hendon is being held in the Marengo County Jail. A second suspect eluded capture.
Gymnastics Competition
Hundreds of gymnasts will showcase their talents this weekend in Montgomery. The annual National Gymnastics Judges Cup gets underway today at 5 p.m. at the Multiplex at Cramton Bowl. Montgomery city officials say up to 800 gymnasts from 25 states are expected to participate. The competition is the largest gymnastics meet in the southeast.