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PAGE 5 November 2026 E-Edition
Fort Payne Police Department Report The following crime report was provided by the Fort Payne Police Department. All persons are presumed innocent until his or her guilt is established beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law. October 5, 2026 Incidents • Four Arrests • Prenita Denay Hickman, age 54 of Fort Payne, was arrested on a Warrant for Outside Agency • Robert Devon Goforth, age 32 of Fort Payne, was arrested on a Warrant for Theft of Property • Christy Nichole Green, age 47 of Fort Payne, was arrested for Shoplifting • One Accident with One Injury •
cracking down on illegal trucking operators and signed updated boater safety laws. Under Governor Ivey’s direction, ALEA has cracked down on illegal and unqualified commercial drivers through targeted enforcement, English-language proficiency requirements and a partnership with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). Since October 2025, ALEA’s Motor Carrier Safety Unit has assisted ICE with the detention of 624 individuals for immigration violations encountered during commercial vehicle enforcement. Troopers have also issued 1,110 English-language proficiency violations since January 1, 2025. Governor Ivey built on those efforts by signing the Highway Safety and Fairness Act, strengthening requirements for commercial drivers and marking the presentation of fraudulent foreign commercial driver licenses a criminal offense. ALEA’s work has also contributed to progress on Alabama’s highways. In 2025, troopers investigated crashes resulting in 520 traffic fatalities, down from 566 in 2024 and the lowest since 2021. Alabama recorded 106 commercial motor vehicle fatalities in 2025, also the lowest annual total since 2021. In 2026, commercial vehicle fatalities are down 24 percent compared to the same period last year. Under Governor Ivey’s leadership, ALEA has modernized its decade-old driver's license system through LEADS and launched CodeRED, a high-speed notification system for missing person alerts. ALEA also became the first state police agency to certify all sworn officers through KultureCity’s Sensory-Inclusive Training, helping officers better serve individuals with sensory needs. The recent graduation added 44 new troopers to the public safety workforce Governor Ivey has worked to strengthen throughout her Administration. “These are the final troopers I will send into service as governor, and I am proud to leave them with stronger laws, better support and a clear charge to protect the people of Alabama,” added Governor Ivey. Ensuring public safety will remain a top priority for the final months of the governor’s tenure. An accident occurred at Jennings Road SE and Dogtown Road SE, Kathy Jane Christensen, age 67 of Fort Payne, driving a 2016 Ford Escape, left the roadway and stuck an embankment. Christensen was transported to Dekalb Regional. October 13, 2026 No Incidents and Two Arrests • Christian Focsa, age 46 of Fort Payne, was arrested for Public Intoxication • Jacorey Keshun James, age 22 of Vredenburgh, Al, was arrested for DUI Three Accidents with One Injury • An accident occurred at Greenhill Blvd NW and Tate Road NW, Cy Broyles Traylor, age 19 of Fort Payne, driving a 2008 Chevrolet Silverado, struck Deborah D Head, age 71 of Fort Payne, driving a 2022 Honda Pilot. Deborah Head then struck Ethan Alan Payton, age 26 of Collinsville, driving a 2014 Toyota Camry. Head was transported to Dekalb Regional by Dekalb Ambulance Service. October 14, 2026 Incidents • Criminal Mischief – Occurred at 48th Street NE, asphalt was damaged, valued at $300.00 • Fraudulent Use of a Debit Card – Occurred at 403 13th Street NW, charges of $1904.08 were made without authorization One Arrest • Larry Wayne Brown, age 69 of Fyffe, was arrested for Driving Under the Influence of a Controlled Substance Three Accidents with No Injuries October 15, 2026 Incidents • Theft of Property – Occurred at Wal-Mart, miscellaneous items were taken, valued at $533.95 • Criminal Mischief – Occurred at 73 Green Valley Circle NE, paint was damaged on a 2015 Chevrolet Suburban from eggs thrown at it, value unknown Two Arrests • Rustin Michael Kruckenberg, age 39 of Fort Payne, was arrested for Domestic Violence • Terry Lynn Chapman, age 57 of Cedar Bluff, was arrested on a Warrant for Failure to Appear Four Accidents with One Injury • An accident occurred at Sanders Ave SE and Logan Street SE, a 17 year old juvenile female of Valley Head, driving a 2015 Mazda CX9, struck Alejandra Avalos, age 19 of Fort Payne, driving a 2019 Nissan Sentra. The Sentra then struck Brian Shawn Patrie, age 61 of Fort Payne, driving a 1994 Ford Aerostar. Avalos was transported to Dekalb Regional.
Theft of Property – Occurred at 2009 Watkins Ave NE, Alabama license plate 28c1mm was taken, valued at $100.00 Three Arrests • Denise Marie Boman, age 48 of Fort Payne, was arrested for Public Intoxication and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia • Harley Dewayne Jones, age 27 of Henagar, was arrested for Domestic Violence • Kaleel Howard Coleman, age 31 of Lithonia, GA, was arrested for Forgery, Escape, Criminal Mischief and Attempting to Elude Six Accidents with Two Injuries • An accident occurred at Greenhill Blvd NW and 49th Street NW, Claude A Britt Jr, age 83 of Flat Rock, driving a 1992 Chevrolet S10, struck Esteban Daniel Alonzo, age 19 of Fort Payne, driving a 2004 Ford F150, Britt was transported to Dekalb Regional by Dekalb Ambulance Service. • An accident occurred at Glenn Blvd SW and I-59, Terry Leonard Gant, age 58 of Fyffe, driving a 2017 Ford F150 struck Alice Harris Holmes, age 79 of Boaz, driving a 2015 Chevrolet. Holmes was transported to Dekalb Regional by Dekalb Ambulance Service. October 6, 2026 No Incidents and Two Arrests • Kaleel Howard Coleman, age 31 of Lithonia, GA, was arrested for Escape • Zackery Mason Talkington, age 18 of Fyffe, was arrested for Driving Under the Influence of Controlled Substance and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia Three Accidents with No Injuries October 7, 2026 Incidents • Damaged Property – Occurred at 1357 Old Water Works Road SW, a bumper on 2025 GMC Canyon was damaged, valued at $500.00 • Criminal Mischief – Occurred at 1357 Godfrey Ave NE, a door was damaged, valued at $250.00 One Arrest • Harley Chase Craig, age 19 of Fyffe, was arrested for Fraudulent Use of a Credit/Debit Card at 9:07 am Two Accidents with No Injuries October 8, 2026 Incidents • Shoplifting – Occurred at Wal-Mart, miscellaneous merchandise was taken, valued at $280.26 Alabama Governor Kay Ivey recently hosted a graduation reception honoring 44 Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA) trooper trainees, the final trooper class of her Administration. She also highlighted the investments and public safety measures helping Alabama law enforcement protect communities across the state. The reception continued a tradition Governor Ivey has maintained during this second term, recognizing incoming troopers as they prepare to begin their service. Class 2026-B graduated on Wednesday, October 28, 2026, at the Montgomery Performing Arts Centre. The total number of ALEA trooper trainees who have graduated during her Administration is now 504. “With troopers as fine as Alabama’s, criminals ought to be looking over their shoulders,” said Governor Ivey. “These men and women have worked hard to earn their badges, and I am proud to see them ready to get lawbreakers off our streets and behind bars. Here in Alabama, we believe in tough-on-crime common sense, and with these new troopers joining our ranks, I have great confidence that the fight for a safer Alabama and a more secure future remains strong.” Members of Class 2026-B completed months of rigorous training to prepare for the demands of law enforcement. Training began May 18 for uncertified candidates, while additional candidates who already held law enforcement certification joined on August 24. The graduating class will serve across all seven ALEA troops statewide, with four graduates assigned to Marine Patrol and one assigned to Protective Services. “For nearly a decade, I have had the distinct honor of serving under the leadership of Governor Kay Ivey and witnessing firsthand her unwavering dedication to the men and women of Alabama law enforcement,” said ALEA Secretary Hal Taylor. “Since entrusting me with the responsibility of leading ALEA in 2017, Governor Ivey has remained steadfast in her commitment to strengthening our Agency, supporting our personnel and advancing public safety for all who live, work and travel throughout Alabama. The 44 ALEA Troopers graduating this week
Justin Gregory Johnson, age 40 of Auburn, was arrested for Driving Under the Influence of Controlled Substances Two Accidents with No Injuries October 9, 2026 No Incidents and Three Arrests • William Tony Walker Jr, age 48 of Gadsden, was arrested for Disorderly Conduct • William Denny Powell, age 46 of Ider, was arrested on Four Felony Warrants for Outside Agency • Juan Jesus Picomio Lopez, age 19 of Blountsville, was arrested for Underage Consumption of Alcohol One Accident with No Injuries October 10, 2026 No Incidents Two Arrests • William Newton Johnson, age 68 of Cullman, was arrested for DUI • Joanna Marie Nash, age 34 of Fort Payne, was arrested on Four Charges of Endangering the Welfare of a Child No Accidents October 11, 2026 Incidents • Theft of Property – Occurred at 2001 Glenn Blvd SW, a Galaxy S23U was taken, valued at $1379.99 • Theft of Property – Occurred at 2701 Greenhill Blvd NW, miscellaneous items were taken, valued at $13.00 Three Arrests • Maurice Fitzgerald Johnson, age 30 of Birmingham, was arrested on a Warrant for Failure to Appear • Tazan Zanbol Edwards III, age 41 of Fort Payne, was arrested for DUI • Michael Christopher Bailey, age 52 of Section, was arrested for Criminal Trespass One Accident with No Injuries October 12, 2026 Incidents • Damaged Property – Occurred at 1377 Airport Road W, a door and paint were damaged on a 2007 Chevrolet Silverado 1500, valued at $500.00 One Arrest • Heath Damon McElrath JR, age 24 of Fort Payne, was arrested for Domestic Violence represent far more than the next generation of law enforcement officers; they are a testament to that shared commitment and are part of a lasting legacy of service, sacrifice and dedication to protecting the people of Alabama for generations to come.” Governor Ivey has made recruiting and retaining qualified law enforcement officers a central part of her public safety agenda. Starting annual pay for an ALEA trooper trainee has increased from $35,589.60 in 2017 to $57,861.60. Governor Ivey also signed Senate Bill 68, expanding State Police Tier 1 retirement benefits to eligible ALEA personnel and strengthening retirement opportunities for law enforcement. Those investments have accompanied her sustained effort to strengthen Alabama’s public safety laws. Through the Safe Alabama package and other legislation, Governor Ivey has: • Expanded legal protections for law enforcement • Established scholarships for law enforcement families • Enhanced penalties for felons with firearms • Increased penalties for attempting to elude law enforcement • Additional measures expanded Aniah’s Law, strengthened supervision of high-risk juveniles, banned dangerous machine gun conversion devices and made Alabama’s wiretap statute permanent. Governor Ivey also established and supported additional funding for the Metro Area Crime Suppression Unit (MACS), reinforcing efforts to combat crime in the Capital City. “My message to anyone up to no good in Alabama is simple: We will find you, catch you and lock you up,” said Governor Ivey. “Our troopers have a tough job, and they need a governor who will stand firmly behind them. I have been proud to do just that – always having their backs – and the work we have done together is helping protect our families, strengthen communities and make Alabama a safer place to call home.” That commitment extends to Alabama’s roads and waterways. Governor Ivey enacted a highway safety law
Alabama Governor Kay Ivey Honors Final Trooper Class of Her Administration
Courtesy of Alabama Governor's Office
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