Sgt. Al Fryer

The Pensacola Police Department will lose more than a century of law enforcement experience when four officers retire on Tuesday (Nov. 12).

            Sgt. Al Fryer II, 53, leaves the department after 30 years. He was hired July 5, 1983. Among his assignments have been Uniform Patrol, TAC, Investigations, K-9, and Traffic.

            Officer Tom Bacon, 65, is retiring after 25 years with the department. He was hired August 22, 1988. Among his assignments have been Uniform Patrol, TAC, Investigations, and Cordova Mall.

            Officer Clay Pyle, 52, is retiring after 29 years with the PPD. He was hired July 30, 1984. Among his assignments have been Uniform Patrol, TAC, Investigations, School Resource Officer, Traffic, and Community Relations.

            Officer Wayland Mann, 54, is retiring after 31 years with the department. He was hired April 5, 1982. Among his assignments have been Uniform Patrol, Community Relations where he was a D.A.R.E. Officer, TAC, and Cordova Mall.

            A retirement reception for all four officers is scheduled from 2 to 3:30 p.m. Tuesday at the Bayview Senior Center, 2000 E. Lloyd St.  It is open to the public. 

Officer Tom Bacon

Officer Clay Pyle

Officer Wayland Mann

 

            Pensacola Police are continuing their investigation into a shooting incident that resulted in the deaths of two males Wednesday night in the 1900 block of Cypress Street.

            “At this time, it is believed both victims were shooting at each other,” said Chief Chip W. Simmons. “We are still piecing together the details of how and why.”

            Police responded to the 1900 block of Cypress Street after receiving a complaint of shots being fired in the area. The incident occurred around 11:27 p.m. Wednesday.

            When officers arrived at Pace Boulevard and Cypress Street, they found Kristopher Washington, 23, dead at the scene with a gunshot wound to the chest.  Minutes later, a blue Saturn Vue arrived at Sacred Heart Hospital with a second male gunshot victim identified as Airvae Hunter, 18.

            It is believed that both shootings occurred in the same vehicle Airvae Hunter was driven to the hospital in. Airvae Hunter’s brother, Terracus Hunter, 22, pulled Washington out of the vehicle and drove his brother to Sacred Hospital.

            A motive for the exchange of gunfire between Airvae Hunter and Washington remains under investigation.Both guns have been recovered.

            The Gun Crimes Response Team is assisting with the investigation.

            Anyone having information regarding the incident is asked to call the Pensacola Police Department at (850) 435-1900.

           Officer Greg Gordon was returning home around 1:45 a.m. when he saw three males walking through the parking lot of his apartment complex.

            Believing their actions might be suspicious, Officer Gordon contacted the PPD and Escambia County Sheriff’s Office while continuing to watch the three males. One of the males climbed to a second floor balcony, and began removing objects. When Officer Gordon confronted the male, the other two suspects fled.

            Just before he leaped from the balcony, the male threw an object that struck Officer Gordon in the face. Officer Gordon then deployed his Taser, which struck the male as he was running; however, he refused to stop.

            Officer Gordon continued chasing the male until he took him into custody. While being questioned by Officer Gordon, the male provided information on the other two males, who were also taken into custody.

            Because of his exemplary investigative skills and proactive police work, Officer Greg Gordon was named Officer of the Month for October 2013.

             An armed robber fled from a convenience store with an undisclosed amount of money, and remained on the lam for approximately two hours before he was taken into custody.

            The suspect was spotted soon after the incident riding a bicycle near B and Government streets, but he jumped off the bike and fled. When a K-9 was not available for a track, officers began a foot search of the area.

            During the search, an officer spotted the suspect running west on Main Street from D Street. Officer Matt Coverdale recalled a male who lived in the 700 block of South E Street and matched the suspect’s description.

            When Officer Coverdale and another officer went to the residence, the suspect’s father said he was inside, crying and had already admitted to robbing the convenience store and discarding the firearm.

            Because of his efforts on this incident, Officer Matt Coverdale was named Officer of the Month for November 2013.

Sgt. Matt Coverdale

             The Pensacola Police Department’s newest supervisor will receive his gold badge on Thursday (Dec. 5).

            The badge pinning for Sgt. Matthew Coverdale is scheduled for 2 p.m. in the department’s training room. The event is open to the public.

            Coverdale, 35, was hired by the department as a police officer on August 23, 2004. Among his assignments have been Uniform Patrol Division, Criminal Investigations Division and the Vice and Narcotics Unit.

            He currently is assigned to Uniform Patrol as a field training officer, and he will remain in patrol as a supervisor upon his promotion.

A monument dedicated to Purple Heart recipients has been damaged at Veterans Memorial Park.

“I cannot believe that someone would damage a monument…let alone one that is dedicated to someone who was injured or killed in service to our country,” said Chief Chip W. Simmons. “This is just hard to fathom, and we’re going to do everything we can to find those responsible.”

The marble monument is located at the center of the park at 10^th Avenue and Romana Street on the west side of The Wall South. It had been pushed off its base and was lying partially on the ground.

Officers James Hendry and Liz Hunter were dispatched to the park just after 8 a.m. today.

A City Parks employee told the officers the last time he saw the monument in its original condition was November 27. He said he discovered the damage Monday and contacted police this morning.

The city employee told police a man who frequents the park said he saw four males with short hair cuts push the monument over. Police were not contacted at that time.

Anyone having information on the incident is asked to contact the Pensacola Police Department at 435 – 1900.

Rewards are being offered for the arrest and conviction of the person/persons responsible for recent vandalism of a Purple Heart monument at Veterans Memorial Park.

“This is low, pitiful and cowardly,” said Attorney Joe Zarzaur, whose law firm is offering a $1,000 reward. “Pick another thing to desecrate. Pick a blank wall. I don’t think downtown should stand for this. We should stick together and show we’re not going to tolerate it.”

Zarzaur has challenged other law firms and businesses to contribute toward the reward. As of this morning, Attorney Gene Mitchell’s law firm also is offering a $500 reward.

A report on the damaged monument dedicated to Purple Heart recipients was filed with police on Tuesday (Dec. 3).

 Meanwhile, police are continuing their investigation into the vandalism.

“I cannot believe that someone would damage a monument…let alone one that is dedicated to someone who was injured or killed in service to our country,” said Chief Chip W. Simmons. “This is just hard to fathom, and we’re going to do everything we can to find those responsible.”

The marble monument is located at the center of the park at 10^th Avenue and Romana Street on the west side of The Wall South. It had been pushed off its base and was lying partially on the ground.

Officers were dispatched to the park just after 8 a.m. Tuesday.

A City Parks employee told police the last time he saw the monument in its original condition was November 27. He said he discovered the damage Monday and contacted police Tuesday morning.

The city employee told police a man who frequents the park said he saw four males with short hair cuts push the monument over. Police were not contacted at that time.

Anyone having information on the incident is asked to contact the Pensacola Police Department at 435 – 1900.

             Mothers Against Drunk Driving and law enforcement agencies are hoping people will see red this holiday season as a reminder not to drink and drive.

            MADD Northwest Florida has given approximately 300 red ribbons to the Pensacola Police Department to be given away to motorists to display on their cars during the holiday season.

            MADD’s Tie One On for Safety red ribbon campaign is in its 27^th year. By displaying the red ribbon on vehicles, drivers are to be encouraged to plan ahead and designate a non-drinking driver.

            “MADD Northwest Florida knows that it takes more than just a few people making safe choices, so we urge our local residents to lead by example and spread the message of planning ahead for a designated non-drinking driver,” said Marylin Dorsey of MADD Northwest Florida. “We’re honored to join with our local law enforcement agencies to Tie One On for Safety and to help make our communities safer during the holiday season and year round.”

            The ribbons are available at no charge around-the-clock from the Desk Sergeant’s Office at the Pensacola Police Department, 711 N. Hayne St.

             Pensacola Police are investigating a shooting that occurred Tuesday night and injured two males.

            The incident occurred around 10:45 p.m. at 711 Underwood Avenue. Upon arrival, officers found an 18-year-old male in a parking lot and found a gun shot wound near his left elbow and a bullet hole in his pants near his right hip.

            The male told police he was randomly shot while walking through the complex. He was taken to a local hospital for treatment. The second male, also 18, was taken to a local hospital for treatment of a gunshot wound in his buttocks.

            While a motive for the incident remains under investigation, it may have been drug related.         

            Anyone having information on the incident is asked to contact the Pensacola Police Department at 435 – 1900.

From February 1998 until November 2013, one of the voices callers to the Pensacola Police Department’s Criminal Investigations Division were apt to hear answer the phone belonged to Sherry Kennedy.

But that all changed when Kennedy, 69, retired November 30.

Kennedy began her career with the City of Pensacola on April 10, 1989 as a clerk in the Treasury Department. She transferred to Inspections in October 1992 and to the Pensacola Police Department in March 1995. Among her assignments at the PPD were in Property Management and as an Administrative Accounts Clerk in Investigations.

Sherry Kennedy

WANTED PERSON

Diquan Adams

D.O.B.: 8/16/94

Race/Sex: Black/Male

Ht/Wt: 5’10”/200 lbs.

Hair/Eyes: Black/Brown

L.K.A.:  1407 N. 8^th Ave.

Diquan Adams has two active warrants for burglary and larceny with the Pensacola Police Department.  Both burglaries occurred in October 2013.  One was reported in the 1200 block of Dunmire Street and the other in the 4700 block of Terrasanta in Pensacola.

            One man has been arrested and additional arrests are possible as Pensacola Police continue their investigation into a shooting incident that occurred December 10.

            Cameron Irby, 19, of 3341 Holt Circle, Pensacola was arrested around 4 p.m. today. He was charged with two counts of attempted murder and two counts of aggravated assault.

            The incident occurred around 10:45 p.m. Tuesday at 711 Underwood Avenue. Upon arrival, officers found an 18-year-old male in a parking lot. The male had a gun shot wound near his left elbow.

            The male told police he was randomly shot while walking through the complex. He was taken to a local hospital for treatment. A second male, also 18, was taken to a local hospital for treatment of a gunshot wound in his buttocks.

            Capt. David Alexander said the motive for the shootings remains under investigation, but they are believed to have occurred during a drug deal.

            Anyone having information on the incident is asked to contact the Pensacola Police Department at 435 – 1900.

              Traffic is being diverted from the 17^th Avenue/Bayfront Parkway area this morning as Pensacola Police investigate an incident.

            Motorists are encouraged to avoid the area, and should anticipate delays.

            The area may reopen around 10 a.m.; a press release will be issued when it does.

             A Pensacola Police officer is on paid administrative leave after an officer involved  shooting this morning.

            The incident occurred around 5:30 a.m. near the intersection of 17^th Avenue and Bayfront Parkway.

            Officers saw William Goodman, 17, of Gulf Breeze driving a 2009 Corvette recklessly at a high rate of speed several times this morning prior to the incident. Goodman fled from officers at speeds nearing 100 mph, and officers twice cancelled pursuits.

            Around 5:30 this morning, officers were able to block the vehicle Goodman was driving in an attempt to take him into custody at the intersection of 17^th Avenue and Bayfront Parkway. However, once boxed in, Goodman repeatedly rammed police vehicles in an attempt to escape. During this attempt, he ran over Sgt. Steve Bauer’s right leg.

            At that point, Officer Chad Willhite fired into the vehicle and struck Goodman. Goodman was taken to a local hospital for treatment and died a short time later.

            A handwritten note from Goodman to his parents was found at his home.

            Goodman was scheduled for a court appearance in late January 2014 related to a March 30 incident in Santa RosaCounty where he was charged with one count of vehicular homicide and one count of reckless driving resulting in serious injury.

            The Florida Department of Law Enforcement is handling the investigation per standard procedure. Any additional information will have to be released by that agency.

             Pensacola Police are searching for a man wanted on a sexual battery charge on a child under 12 years of age.

            Russell Adam Cannon, a.k.a. “Adam” Cannon, 31, of the 800 block of Dorothy Avenue, Pensacola is wanted in connection with the incident that occurred in October.                          

            Cannon is a white male with brown hair and brown eyes. He’s 6 feet 2 and approximately 170 pounds. Because Cannon is considered violent, people are urged to use caution around him and should contact law enforcement officers if he is seen.

            Anyone having information on his location is asked to contact Detective Shannan Briarton at 435 – 1978 or via email at Sbriarton@cityofpensacola.com or the Pensacola Police Department at 435 – 1900.

Russell Cannon

WANTED PERSON

Russell Adam Cannon

 A.K.A.: Adam CannonRace/Sex: White/Male

D.O.B.: 8/9/82

Hair/Eyes: Brown/Brown

Ht./Wt.: 6’2”; 170 lbs.

WARRANT: 

SEXUAL ASSAULT (BY 18 YOA OLDER SEX BATTERY VICT UNDER 12 YOA) (1 CT)

Cannon has an active warrant in connection with a sex offense incident that occurred in October 2013 in the Pensacola area.  People should use caution with regard to Cannon.

Anyone having information on the subject’s location is asked to contact the Pensacola Police Department at (850) 435-1900 or via Facebook. Tips can also be made to Crime Stoppers at 433-STOP, or you can also text Crime Stoppers by typing the tip in the body of the text after entering 274637 (CRIMES).

             A man wanted in connection with a sexual battery on a child has been arrested.

            Russell Adam Cannon, a.k.a. “Adam” Cannon, 31, of Pensacola was arrested Tuesday night and charged with sexual battery on a victim under 12 years of age.

            The incident occurred in October. Police were contacted after the four-year-old girl told a relative Cannon had put his hand inside her panties.

            Cannon also was arrested in 1999 for having sex with a 12 year old female.

            At this time, police have not identified any additional victims.

Russell Cannon

WANTED PERSON

Kenneth Juaqeal Stallworth

Race/Sex: Black/Male

D.O.B.: 7/11/94

Hair/Eyes: Black/Brown

Ht./Wt.: 5’8”; 150 lbs.

                                                                           L.K.A.: 1309 Belair Rd.

WARRANT 1 (REFPPD OFFENSE 13-10844): 

VEHICLE THEFT (GRAND THEFT OF MOTOR VEHICLE) (1 CT)

 WARRANT 2 (REFPPD OFFENSE 13-10835): 

BURGLARY (UNOCCUPIED CONVEYANCE UNARMED) (1 CT)

LARCENY (GRAND THEFT 300 LESS THAN 5K DOLS) (1 CT)

 WARRANT 3 (REFPPD OFFENSE 13-10831): 

BURGLARY (UNOCCUPIED CONVEYANCE UNARMED) (1 CT)

LARCENY (PETIT THEFT 1^ST DEGREE 100 LESS 300 DOLS) (1 CT)

Stallworth has active warrants in connection with a vehicle theft as well as two vehicle burglaries that occurred in October 2013 in the area of Underwood Drive.  People are advised to use caution with regard to Stallworth.

         The Pensacola Police Department’s annual crime report has been submitted to the Florida Department of Law Enforcement and it shows an overall 14 percent reduction of the city’s crime rate compared with 2012.

            This represents the department’s largest annual crime reduction in over 14 years, said Chief Chip W. Simmons.

            “Not only does this show a decrease in violent and non-violent crimes within city limits, but also it reflects the outstanding work done on a daily basis by our officers,” Simmons said.

            FDLE will review, record and release the department’s report with those from other law enforcement agencies statewide within the next few months.

            “This annual submission continues the reductions reported on the semi-annual report submitted to FDLE in July 2013. I believe the figures indicate we have had some successes with regard to some of the initiatives we have implemented,” Simmons said.

            “Numbers are meaningless if you’re the actual victim of a crime, but these numbers are good news and a positive trend,” Simmons said.

            Among the initiatives are concentrated patrols in specific areas to address problems such as burglaries and drugs, a partnership with other law enforcement agencies on the Gun Crime Response Team and utilization of overtime to combat emerging crime trends.

            The department’s Uniform Crime Report for the past two years shows:

            – There were 389 violent crimes reported within city limits in 2013 compared with 473 in 2012, resulting in an 18 percent reduction.

            – There were 2,613 non-violent crimes reported within city limits in 2013 compared with 3,032 in 2012, resulting in a 14 percent reduction.

            – There were 319 residential burglaries reported within city limits in 2013 compared with 525 in 2012, resulting in a 39 percent reduction.

            – The department investigated three homicides in 2013 compared with seven in 2012.

            Additionally, there were 3,351 arrests made in 2013 compared with 3,149 in 2012, resulting in a six percent increase in arrests.

            These numbers are based on the 2012 population for the City of Pensacola.

Zybria Grimsley

            Pensacola Police are searching for a young girl who left home Friday night and hasn’t been seen since.

            Zybria Takayla Grimsley 12, of the 600 block of Berkley Drive, Pensacola, was last seen around 8:30 p.m. Friday, said Detective Lisa Alverson. A relative called police shortly after she left home.

            She was wearing multi-colored  pajama pants, a long-sleeved yellow shirt, and a black and blue jacket.

            Grimsley is a black female with brown eyes and long black hair. She is five feet tall and weighs approximately 75 pounds. Alverson said family members told police she is autistic.

            Anyone having information on her location is asked to contact Detective Lisa Alverson at 435 – 1971 or the Pensacola Police Department at 435 – 1900.