Police and public school officials in Montgomery say that an investigation is ongoing into an alleged sexual assault of a 13-year-old child. The incident was reported last week at Capital Heights School. A legal advocate for the boy's family, Karen Jones, spoke out at last night's Montgomery school board meeting claiming the case has been mishandled. Jones was escorted from the meeting by security when she began giving the names of MPS employees she believed were at fault for a lack of security and flow of information to the family. For their part, police have released a statement, saying an investigation into the alleged rape is underway, but that preliminary evidence gathered doesn't support the allegation. It has also been reported that a rape kit has been sent to the state's forensic labs for testing.
Rape Accusation
Authorities say a former Alabama State Trooper accused of rape has been arrested and fired. Alabama Law Enforcement spokesman Sgt. Steve Jarrett says 36-year-old Samuel H. McHenry II was arrested Tuesday on rape and sodomy charges. A statement from the agency reports that he's accused of engaging in criminal activity while he was on duty. Authorities say McHenry was taken to the Butler County Jail in Greenville. Jarrett says additional information is not being released.
Active Shooter Exercises
The Alabama Law Enforcement Agency wants to reassure state residents that officers are receiving state of the art training in active shooter scenarios. Members of the media were invited this week to observe exercises inside a simulator where more than 10,000 Alabama officers have been trained. Training Advisor Michael Mosley says the simulators provide a life-like experience. Director of the Alabama Department of Public Safety, Col. John Richardson says the simulator is a low-cost and efficient training method. It is located at the Montgomery County Sheriff's Office firing range.
Highway 14 Close to Truckers
A part of Highway 14 in Prattville city limits will be prohibited to truckers beginning January 1st. City leaders say they've received at least 100 complaints from residents this year alone about the truck noise. Prattville Police Chief Mark Thompson says there have also been speeding violations on McQueen-Smith Road. Prattville was able to enforce the change because of the Alabama Department of Transportation has given Highway 14 over to the city. Mayor Bill Gillespie says Highway 14 will soon become an extension of Fairview Avenue, meaning Fairview Avenue will start from Interstate 65 to Highway 31 in Prattville.