Gun violence at two separate businesses sent dozens of people scurrying for safety late Wednesday morning and last night. The first shooting occurred about 11 a.m. outside a Pure Service station near the intersection of Upper Wetumpka Road and Fairground Road. Montgomery Police said two men exchanged gunfire, there were no injuries. One male suspect was apprehended a second gun-toting male remains at large. The search for the gunman prompted authorities to place three elementary schools on soft lockdown.
A second shootout happened around 7 p.m. outside a Wal-Mart store on the Eastern Boulevard. According to Montgomery Police, several people got into an argument inside the Wal-Mart, the dispute moved outside and gunfire erupted. Police said a man and a woman were shot. The male's injury was described as life threatening, the female suffered a non-life threatening injury. No arrests were made.
Legal Counsel
The family of a Montgomery teenager who died in the city jail has hired an attorney. At a news conference Wednesday, attorney Julian McPhillips said he is conducting an inquiry into the death of 19-year-old Tony Lewis. McPhillips said Lewis' family, believes his death is suspicious. McPhillips also said he expects to file a wrongful death claim against the city on behalf of the family. The State Bureau of Investigation are investigating the inmate's death.
Health Insurance
The number of Alabamians picking a health insurance plan in federal marketplace is about triple the rate from a year ago. The Department of Health and Human Services announced that more than 126,000 Alabamians had picked a plan by January 9th. That compares to nearly 44,000 who had selected a plan through the end of January 2014. The enrollment period opened in mid-November and closes February 15th.
Price Retires
Montgomery County Circuit Judge Charles Price was honored by friends and colleagues Wednesday. The longtime jurist will retire on Friday after serving 31 years on the bench. The Montgomery Association of Justice has established a Leadership Award in Price's name. J. R. Gaines will replace Judge Price. He will be sworn in at 9 a.m. Monday.