The Sports Ledger www.TheSportsLedger.com “Safe Roads. Safe Waters. Safe Fourth.” As Alabamians prepare to celebrate the 250th Anniversary of America’s independence, the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA) is urging all travelers to prioritize safety on both roadways and waterways during what is expected to be one of the busiest Fourth of July holiday periods in history. This year’s celebration carries added significance as communities across the nation honor America’s 250th birthday. With increased travel, gatherings and recreational activity expected statewide, ALEA Troopers and Special Agents will be highly visible and actively engaged in enforcement and public safety operations throughout the holiday period. “Independence Day is one of the most meaningful celebrations of our nation’s history, and this year’s 250th anniversary makes it even more special,” said ALEA Secretary Hal Taylor. “As families come together across Alabama to celebrate, we want everyone to enjoy the holiday safely and responsibly. One poor decision, whether behind the wheel or behind the helm, can quickly turn a celebration into tragedy. Our message is simple: celebrate freedom but do so responsibly.” ALEA will participate in the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” enforcement campaign, with Troopers focusing on dangerous and deadly driving behaviors, including impaired driving, speeding, distracted driving, aggressive driving and seat belt violations. Increased patrols will be deployed statewide to help ensure safe travel during peak holiday periods. In addition to roadway enforcement, ALEA’s Marine Patrol Division will partner with the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (ADCNR) to promote boating safety and conduct heightened waterway enforcement as part of Operation Dry Water, the national campaign aimed at preventing boating under the influence (BUI). “Alabama’s lakes, rivers and coastal waters will see heavy traffic during the Fourth of July holiday, especially as we celebrate this historic milestone for our nation,” said Colonel Jonathan Archer, Director of ALEA’s Department of Public Safety (DPS). “ALEA Troopers will be out in full force working alongside our partners to enforce BUI laws, educate the public and ensure everyone can safely enjoy Alabama’s waterways.” ALEA encourages all Alabamians and visitors to follow these critical safety guidelines throughout the holiday: Roadway Safety Tips • Never drive impaired, do not get behind the wheel if you have consumed alcohol or drugs • Always designate a sober driver or arrange alternate transportation • Buckle up every trip, every time • Obey posted speed limits and traffic laws • Avoid distractions and stay focused on the roadway • Expect increased traffic and plan travel accordingly Boating Safety Tips • Never operate a vessel while impaired • Always wear a U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jacket • Ensure required safety equipment is on board and functional • File a float plan and share your itinerary • Monitor weather conditions and adjust plans as needed • Maintain a proper lookout and operate at safe speeds As the nation marks 250 years of independence, ALEA is reminding everyone that the safest way to honor the holiday is by making responsible decisions that protect lives. “Safe Roads. Safe Waters. Safe Fourth.” is more than a message, it is a commitment to ensuring that every celebration ends the same way it begins: safely, responsibly and at home with family and friends. Domestic Incident Involving Juvenile The Etowah County Sheriff's Office is Investigating a Domestic Incident that Involves a Juvenile. According to Etowah County Sheriff Jonathon Horton, a Gadsden man has been arrested for Child Abuse. The Etowah County Sheriff's Office has completed an extensive investigation into a reported domestic altercation involving a juvenile and an adult family member that occurred in May 2026. Franklin Turner Jr., of Gadsden, was arrested on child abuse charges after a domestic incident, stated Investigator Brandi Simmons. Investigators conducted an extensive investigation after receiving a report of a domestic incident involving a juvenile. Throughout the investigation, Sheriff's Office investigators worked closely with the James M. Barrie Center and the Alabama Department of Human Resources. Multiple interviews were conducted, medical records were reviewed, and all available evidence was examined. Based on the findings of the investigation, criminal charges were subsequently filed. Sheriff Johnathon Horton stated, "Any case involving the safety and well-being of a child is taken seriously by this office. Our investigators worked diligently to gather all available evidence and ensure a thorough, impartial investigation. We remain committed to protecting children and holding individuals accountable when the facts support criminal charges." Mr. Turner has been arrested and released from the Etowah County Detention Center on a $10,000 bond. Due to the involvement of a juvenile, no additional details were released by authorities.
Alabama Ledger www.AlabamaLedger.com
PAGE 5 July 2026 E-Edition
Fort Payne Police 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. June 12, 2026 Incidents • June 19, 2026 No Incidents Two Arrests • Eulalia Andres Tomas, age 39 of Fort Payne, was arrested for Attempting to Elude a Police Officer, Resisting Arrest, DUI and a Warrant for Outside Agency •
Roberto Diego Pascule, age 42 of Fort Payne, was arrested for Attempting to Elude a Police Officer and Resisting Arrest No Accidents June 20, 2026 Jovanni DeJesus Galnarez, age 21 of Fort Payne, was arrested for Domestic Violence, Attempting to Elude Law Enforcement and Public Intoxication • Gregory Joseph Izaiah Beavers, age 19 of Rainsville, was arrested for Underage Purchase/Consumption of Alcohol • No Incidents Five Arrests • Micah Bernell Dukes, age 19 of Rainsville, was arrested for Underage Purchase/Consumption of Alcohol • A 16 year old juvenile male of Henagar was arrested for Underage Purchase/Consumption of Alcohol • Darrell Edward Butler, age 44 of Pisgah, was arrested for Contributing to the Delinquency of Minors No Accidents June 21, 2026 Incidents • Theft of Property – Occurred at 412 Glenn Blvd SW, a 2017 Dodge Challenger was damaged, valued at $3000.00 Six Arrests • Christopher Tyric Eason III, age 18 of Sylacauga, was arrested for Attempted Theft of Property, Criminal Mischief and Attempting to Elude a Police Officer • A 17 year old juvenile male of Childersburg was arrested for Attempted Theft of Property and Criminal Mischief • Te’Marriea LaQuaveon Ball, age 19 of Sylacauga, was arrested for Attempted Theft of Property, Criminal Mischief, Obstructing Governmental Operation and Resisting Arrest • Cecoya Sharmyne Keith, age 20 of Childersburg, was arrested for Attempted Theft of Property • Remy Aymar McNeal, age 18 of Sylacauga, was arrested for Theft of Property, Criminal Mischief and Attempting to Elude a Police Officer • Marquel D Lawless, age 32 of Fort Payne, was arrested for Domestic Violence and Interference with a Domestic Violence Emergency Call Two Accidents with No Injuries June 22, 2026 Incidents • Duty Upon Striking an Unoccupied Vehicle – Occurred at 2001 Glenn Blvd SW, a bumper on a 2018 Honda Accord was damaged, valued at $500.00 No Arrests Two Accidents with One Injury • An accident occurred at Clark Ave NE and 10th Street NE, Garry Paul Haney, age 67 of Fort Payne, driving a 2008 BMW 328, left the roadway, struck a fence and a house. Haney was transported to Dekalb Regional by Dekalb Ambulance Service. June 23, 2026 • No Incidents, No Arrests, No Accidents June 24, 2026 No Incidents • Damaged Property – Occurred at 1805 Howell Drive NE, a fence was damaged, valued at $10,000 • Fraudulent Use of a Credit/Debit Card – Occurred at 4456 Flint Drive NE, charges of $264.47 were made without authorization Three Arrests • Timothy Lee Smith, age 18 of Fort Payne, was arrested for Underage Consumption of Alcohol • Jesse Wayne Bone, age 20 of Mentone, was arrested for Underage Consumption of Alcohol • Anthony Wayne Sims, age 19 of Rainsville, was arrested for Underage Consumption of Alcohol One Accident with One Injury • An accident occurred at Airport Road W and Old Water Works Road SW, Kase Lee Bailey, age 18 of Fort Payne, riding a 2021 Suzuki GSF, struck Amanda Leigh Jones, age 39 of Lakeland, FL, driving a 2021 Nissan June 25, 2026 Incidents • Leaving the Scene of an Accident – Occurred at 1015 Gault Ave S, a fence and wall were damaged, valued at $5000.00 No Arrest Three Accidents with One Injury • An accident occurred at 1st Street W and Grand Ave W, Glenn Everett Hansen II, age 36 of Fort Payne, driving a 2021 GMC Yukon, struck Arelly Rodriguez Cornejo, age 21 of Collinsville, driving a 2019 Toyota C-HR. Cornejo was transported to Dekalb Regional by Dekalb Ambulance Service.
Damaged Property – Occurred at 1613 Glenn Blvd SW, a quarter panel on a 2016 Toyota RAV was damaged, valued at $1000.00 No Arrests and One Accident with No Injuries June 13, 2026 An accident occurred at 8th Street SE and Godfrey Ave SE, Dianthe Latrice Bell, age 55 of Fort Payne, driving a 2012 Hyundai, left the roadway and struck mailboxes, a car and a power pole. Bell was transported to Dekalb Regional by Ambulance. June 14, 2026 Incidents • Theft of Property – Occurred at Wal-Mart, miscellaneous items were taken, valued at $36.42 One Arrest • Landon Scott Stamey, age 30 of Rainsville, was arrested for Theft of Property One Accident with No Injuries June 15, 2026 Incidents • No Incidents and No Arrests Two Accidents with One Injury • Theft of Property – Occurred at Wal-Mart, miscellaneous items were taken, valued at $25.56 • Theft of Property – Occurred at Wal-Mart, miscellaneous items were taken, valued at $13.41 • Criminal Mischief – Occurred at 3616 Gault Ave N, a storage door was damaged, valued at $1000.00 Four Arrests • Kayden Christopher Petty, age 18 of Collinsville, was arrested for Theft of Property • Mary Theresa Galloway, age 55 of Fort Payne, was arrested on a Warrant for Outside Agency • Presley Makayla Williamson, age 28 of Sylvania, was arrested for Theft of Property • Barry Phillip Satterfield, age 62 of Fort Payne, was arrested for Public Lewdness Three Accidents with No Injuries June 16, 2026 No Incidents Three Arrests • Bernie Gerald Anderson, age 72 of Valley Head, was arrested for DUI • Melissa Missy Greene, age 52 of Fort Payne, was arrested for Two Counts of Domestic Violence • Jydon Miguel Cameron, age 26 of Fort Payne, was arrested for Resisting Arrest No Accidents June 17, 2026 No Incidents • Theft of Services – Occurred at 3408 Grand Ave SW, work on a 2024 Chevrolet Malibu was not paid for, valued at $1283.70 • Criminal Mischief – Occurred at 3625 Gault Ave S, a commercial bay door was damaged, valued at $2500.00 • Damaged Property – Occurred at 101 Dogwood Circle NW, a rear window on a 2022 KIA Telluride was damaged, valued at $400.00 Two Arrests • Kenneth Michael Edwards, age 55 of Fort Payne, was arrested on a Warrant for Outside Agency • John Paul Malott III, age 39 of Henagar, was arrested on a Warrant for Theft of Property One Accident with No Injuries June 18, 2026 No Incidents • Theft of Property – Occurred at Wal-Mart, a power card was taken, valued at $16.33 • Theft of Property – Occurred at Wal-Mart, two t-shirts were taken, valued at $16.86 • Burglary and Theft of Property – Occurred at 1516 Sylvania Road NW, a window was damaged and $510.00 was taken in currency One Arrest • Perry Caleb Lashaun, age 25 of Bastrop, LA, was arrested for Theft of Property Two Accidents with Five Injuries • An accident occurred at Desoto Pkwy NE and Womack Drive NE, Landon Levi Martin, age 18 of Section, driving a 1994 Jeep Cherokee, struck Richard Scott Cross, age 27 of Palm Harbor, FL, driving a 2020 GMC Sierra. Martin, passenger Nicholas Daylen McCarty, age 18 of Rainsville, Cross and passenger Virginia Marie Wills of Palm Harbor, FL, were transported to Dekalb Regional by Dekalb Ambulance Service. • An accident occurred at I -59 and Greenhill Blvd NW, Jackey Wayne McDill, age 66 of Crossville, driving a 2004 Lexus E33, left the roadway and overturned. Passenger Jeffrey Brian Self, age 66 of Albertville, was transported to Gadsden Regional by Dekalb Ambulance Service. Two die in crash A single-vehicle crash on Monday, June 22, has claimed two lives. According to Alabama State Troopers, Andrew H. Barron, 26, of Snead, was fatally injured when the 2004 Nissan Sentra he was driving left the roadway and struck a tree. James L. Barron, 54, of Maylene, who was a passenger in the Nissan, was ejected, and was also fatally injured. Andrew H. Barron and James L. Barron were both pronounced deceased at the scene. The crash occurred on Little Cove Road near Bristow Cove Road, approximately 10 miles southeast of Walnut Grove, in Etowah County. Nothing further is available as Troopers with the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency’s (ALEA) Highway Patrol Division continue to investigate.
NFHS Board of Directors president Ron Nocetti (Left) of California presents Steve Savarese with the Class of 2026 NFHS National High School Hall of Class award. Read more at www.thesportsledger.com.
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