Ex-chief jailed

FLORENCE - Former Florence police Chief Rick Thompson is back in jail after his bond was revoked following his arrest for driving while under the influence.

Lauderdale County sheriff's deputies arrested the 57-year-old Thompson late Wednesday after a bond revocation hearing conducted by Circuit Judge Mike Suttle.

Reports indicate Thompson was involved in a one-car accident about 7 p.m. Tuesday on Tuscaloosa Street. Authorities said his car struck a utility pole.

Officials said Thompson refused to take a breath alcohol test at the scene but was taken to Eliza Coffee Memorial Hospital to be treated for minor injuries.

Lauderdale County District Attorney Chris Connolly said his office petitioned for the bond revocation after obtaining medical records that indicated Thompson was under the influence.

Thompson was out on bail of $20,000 after he was arrested Friday for second-degree attempted arson and disorderly conduct.

As a part of his bond agreement, Thompson was ordered to wear a GPS ankle monitor, not be around his estranged wife's house or work area, and not commit any new criminal offenses.

Connolly said Thompson is being held without bail. He said it is likely he will have a hearing today to determine if a bond will be set on the new charge.

Thompson was arrested at his estranged wife's residence on Arlington Boulevard, Florence, on June 13, after police were asked by his wife to check on Thompson. Thompson was accused of threatening to harm his estranged wife, himself and to burn down the house.

When officers arrived at the residence, sources said Thompson poured gasoline on the carport but did not ignite it.

Thompson resigned as police chief in May 1996 after pleading guilty to two counts of civil rights violations. The plea came at the conclusion of a FBI investigation into allegations of corruption and civil rights violation.

He pleaded guilty to violating the civil rights of two robbery suspects involved in a drugstore robbery in October 1991. He was sentenced in federal court to 18 months probation and fined $50.

Tom Smith can be reached at 740-5757 or tom.smith@TimesDaily.com.