Montgomery Police have stepped up patrols following a rash of home burglaries and automobile break-ins in several local neighborhoods that includes the Cloverdale area. Interim Police Chief John Brown said Taiwan Jerome Lee was arrested Wednesday and was charged with four armed robberies. He is being held on at $270,000 bond. Chief Brown says he is confident more arrests will be made.
Reward Money
The reward money now totals $11,000 for information leading authorities to the suspect who gunned down a liquor store clerk this summer. Central Alabama CrimeStoppers announced the additional bounty Thursday. Montgomery Police and the FBI have been investigating the robbery-murder of 26-year-old Rahulkumar Patel. The victim was slain July 12th at the Troy Highway Package Store. Anyone with information is urged to call CrimeStoppers at 215-STOP, the Secret Witness Line at 262-4000 or the FBI's Montgomery Office at 263-1691.
Governor Calls for Resignation
The governor and first lady have joined a growing number of Alabama politicians calling for a Montgomery federal judge who was charged with domestic battery to resign. Governor Robert Bentley and first lady Dianne Bentley tells Al.com they think Mark Fuller should resign because he hasn't set an example as a leader. The calls for Fuller's resignation come amid increasing attention on domestic violence after several high-profile cases involving NFL players.
Publishing Blocked
A Birmingham judge is siding with Alabama Gas Corporation and blocking a Montgomery newspaper from publishing information about the utility's safety plan for gas lines. The judge granted a request by Alagasco to temporarily prevent the Montgomery Advertiser from using information it says it received from the Alabama Public Service Commission. Circuit Judge Robert Vance said he will hold a hearing Monday on whether his order should stand. The newspaper said the ban is unconstitutional prior restraint.