Last Updated:May 07. 2008 9:26PM
Published: May 08. 2008 3:30AM

HALEYVILLE

Two arrested in armed robbery

Two men have been arrested in connection with the armed robbery of Whitman's Serice Station.

William Bacon Phelps, 24, of 257 Winston 85, Haleyville, and John Tyler Anderson, 21, 380 Winston 402, Haleyville, were charged with first-degree robbery.

They are accused of robbery the business Saturday. Haleyville Police Chief Kyle Reogas said Phelps was arrested Monday, and Anderson was arrested Tuesday.

The chief said a masked man walked into the business just before 5:30 a.m. Saturday and told the clerk to give him all the money.

"He also wanted money from the safe, and when the clerk told the robber there wasn't a safe, she said the robber left on foot," Reogas said.

Reogas said Jasper police assisted in the investigation.

The two are being held in the Winston County Jail on $500,000 bond each.

ALLSBORO

Fire destroys Colbert home

A house on Stateline Road in western Colbert County was destroyed by fire Wednesday morning.

Cherokee Fire Chief Chuck Lansdell said flames "had broken through the wall of the house" when firefighters arrived just after 9 a.m.

"The fire was coming through that north wall, and there wasn't a lot anyone could do at that point," he said. "With the fire, smoke and water damage, it was a total loss."

He said no one was at home when the fire started.

Firefighters from Barton and Riverton Rose Trail aided Cherokee.

Lansdell said it has not been determined what started the fire, but it appeared to be electrical in nature.

CHEROKEE

Woman slightly injured in wreck

A 76-year-old Cherokee woman was slightly injured when her car ran into the side of People's Drug and Variety on U.S. 72.

Emergency personnel at the scene said the woman was taken to Helen Keller Hospital.

The accident occurred just before 4 p.m. Wednesday.

Cherokee police officer Thomas Marshall said according to witnesses, it appeared the lady was having some type of medical problem that caused her to ram her car into the building.

The window of the store was knocked out and part of the wall was damaged.

FRANKLIN COUNTY

Man arrested on drug charges

An ongoing investigation into illegal drug activity has led to the arrest of a Franklin County man.

David Odis Hicks, 49, 5391 Franklin 48, just outside of Russellville in the Tharptown community, was arrested Tuesday.

Hicks was charged with first-degree manufacturing a controlled substance (methamphetamine), unlawful possession of a controlled substance, unlawful possession of drug paraphernalia and certain persons prohibited to carry a firearm.

Franklin County Sheriff Larry Plott said Hicks had been under investigation for some time, and Tuesday, while questioning him at his residence, he was seen trying to drop meth from his hand onto the ground.

Authorities then searched his residence and found 20 grams of meth and evidence of a meth lab.

Officials found chemicals inside and outside the residence that are used in the manufacturing process.

They also found five handguns inside the house.

Hicks is being held in the Franklin County Jail without bail.

LAUDERDALE COUNTY

Rape suspect in custody

A Lauderdale County man, wanted for second-degree rape, has been arrested in Birmingham.

Michael Brian Owens, 22, Killen, was arrested by Birmingham authorities and is now in the Lauderdale County Detention.

Cheif investigator Travis Clemmons, of the Lauderdale County Sheriff's Office, said Owens was wanted in connection with an incident that occurred Dec. 25, 2007, involving a 13-year-old female at a residence on Lauderdale 283.

Reports indicate Owens also has outstanding charges of second-degree possession of a forged instrument and third-degree theft of property pending.

SHEFFIELD

Day burglary being investigated

Authorities are asking for the public's help in trying to develop information into a burglary that occurred at a Darby Avenue residence.

Sheffield police say during the burglary, which took place two weeks ago, more than $15,000 in jewelry was taken along with silverware, plates, dishes, spoons and a silver pitcher.

"They knew what they were looking for," Sgt. Steve Guthrie said. "They left the costume jewelry."

Guthrie said the burglaries gained access to the residence by forcing their way through a basement door.

"Since it was during the day, we're hoping someone saw something that will help us develop leads into the case," Guthrie said.

Anyone with information is asked to call police at 383-1771 or CrimeStoppers at 386-8685.

ARRESTS

Lauderdale District Attorney

Charles David Hill, 34, 1205 12th Ave., Sheffield; grand jury indictment for felony driving under the influence.

Danny Joe Cole, 34, 140 Bonner St., Phil Campbell; grand jury indictments for second-degree theft of property and second-degree possession of a forged instrument.

Rhonda Renee Phillips, 36, 5142 Jackson Cemetery Road, Cypress Inn, Tenn.; grand jury indictments for two counts of second-degree theft of property.

Wendell R. Hopkins, 44, 602 W. Sixth St., Sheffield; grand jury indictments for three counts of second-degree possession of a forged instrument.

Sheena Suzette Foster, 22, 1301 Hermitage Drive, Florence; grand jury indictments for second-degree assault and reckless endangerment.

Byron Joe Michael, 23, 221 W. Alabama St., Florence; grand jury indictments for second-degree possession of a forged instrument and second-degree theft of property.

Daniel Ward Moss, 67, 616 Jennings Drive, Florence; grand jury indictments for first-degree theft of services and negotiating a worthless negotiable instrument.

Tosha Jean Ward, 31, Lot 102. Woodland Hills, Florence; grand jury indictments for second-degree burglary and third-degree theft of property.

Cynthia Dawn Lewter, 28, 222 Barnett Road, Rogersville; grand jury indictments for second-degree theft of property, second-degree receiving stolen property and negotiating a worthless negotiable instrument.

Josyln Nicole Garrison, 30, 819 Broad St., Phil Campbell; grand jury indictment for first-degree theft of property.

Matthew Edward Mittag, 24, 5089 Lauderdale 36, Killen, grand jury indictments for second-degree theft of property and second-degree receiving stolen property.

Eric Deray McLemore, 24, 8450 Upper Snake Road, Athens; grand jury indictments for two counts of second-degree assault and reckless endangerment.