Alabama State Troopers say seven people have died in traffic crashes caused by icy conditions that left thousands of drivers stranded across the state. Troopers say a Montgomery man was killed Thursday morning in a single-vehicle crash in Chilton County. Troopers say 43-year-old Desi Patterson of Montgomery died when the vehicle he was driving slid out of control on an icy road and crashed into a tree. The deadly wreck occurred about 5 a.m. Thursday on U.S. 82, four miles west of Billingsley.
Blame Game
Governor Robert Bentley says people shouldn't be playing the blame game for the epic ice storm that caught Birmingham off guard, stranding motorists on interstates and students in schools. Bentley said schools and emergency officials made plans off forecasts that predicted the worst of the weather would hit about 100 miles south of Alabama's largest city. The governor says there was little warning before the swift-moving storm slapped Jefferson and Shelby counties. The governor said people should not be blaming meteorologists either.
AU Student
Authorities don't suspect foul play in the death of an Auburn University student found dead at an apartment. Lee County Coroner Bill Harris says the student didn't have any known medical problems, and an autopsy is being performed. Roommates found the 20-year-old man unresponsive in his apartment Thursday afternoon. The student's name has not been released.
Administrative Leave
A Montgomery police officer was placed on administrative duties after he struck a fleeing suspect with a police cruiser. MPD said it happened early Thursday morning near Highland Avenue following an attempted traffic stop. Authorities said officers tried to stop the driver after observing a traffic violation. The suspect bailed out of the vehicle and was struck on the leg. The Alabama Bureau of Investigation is conducting an inquiry.