Police Reports

Wetumpka Police Department

JAN. 8

• Domestic violence was reported on U.S. Highway 231.

Tallassee Police Department

JAN. 12

• A suspicious vehicle was reported on Freeman Avenue.

• A suspicious vehicle was reported on Washington Avenue.

• Trees were reported in the roadway on Lower Tuskegee Road.

• Utility poles were reported in the roadway on Wall Street.

• The roadway was reported blocked on Second Avenue.

• Assistance was given to a motorist on Friendship Road.

• Unauthorized use of a vehicle was reported on Gilmer Parkway.

• A reckless driver was reported on James Street.

• Animal control was requested on Gilmer Avenue.

• A domestic dispute was reported on Sims Avenue.

• A white male was arrested on Barnett Boulevard.

• A private property motor vehicle accident was reported on Gilmer Avenue.

• A Black male was arrested during a domestic dispute on Second Avenue.

• A suicidal subject was reported on Wall Street.

• A Black male was arrested during a suspicious person call on Gilmer Avenue.

• A juvenile complaint was reported on Peachtree Street.

JAN. 11

• A welfare check was conducted on Gilmer Avenue.

• A noise complaint was reported on Doman Avenue.

• Fraudulent use of a debit or credit card was reported on Old Bridge Street.

• Breaking and entering a vehicle was reported on Barnett Boulevard.

• Trespassing was reported on Gilmer Avenue.

• Theft was reported on

PATH Continued from A1

Jordan Avenue.

• A suspicious person was reported on Gilmer Avenue.

• A suspicious vehicle was reported on North Ann Avenue.

• Public lewdness was reported on Freeman Avenue.

• An animal complaint was reported on Weldons Drive.

• A noise complaint was reported on East Patton Street.

• An animal complaint was reported on South Dubois Street.

• Public lewdness was reported on Powers Extension.

• A disorderly person was reported on Gilmer Avenue.

• An animal complaint was reported on Powers Avenue.

• An animal complaint was reported on Fourth Street.

JAN. 10

• Assistance was given to a citizen on Gilmer Avenue.

• Assistance was given during a medical call on Barnett Boulevard.

• A domestic incident was reported on Gilmer Avenue.

• A motor vehicle accident was reported on Gilmer Avenue.

JAN. 9

• A verbal altercation was reported on Peachtree Street.

• A disorderly person was reported on Central Boulevard.

• Assistance was given to another agency on Gilmer Avenue.

• A welfare check was con- textual evidence, it is plausible that winds were stronger,” the report reads. “However, with only manufactured homes in the path, there appear to be no damage indicators that will allow a higher rating.”

Residential structure damage intensified as the tornado neared the Autauga and Elmore County line where site-built homes sustained majority or entire roof removal along County Road 68 E near Poplar Springs Road.

“Similar residential structure damage was observed in northwest Elmore County as the tornado neared areas west of the Coosa River,” The report continued. “The tornado then crossed the Coosa River, affecting Neely Road on the west bank and Kelly Road on the east bank, as well as nearby roads.”

The tornado continued to uproot trees and damage structures as it crossed Grays Ferry Road on the northeast side of Titus. According to the NWS, the volume of snapped pine trees increased “notably.” Countless trees were snapped and uprooted as the tornado moved northeastward toward the Elmore and Coosa County line at Highway 231.

“Structural damage continued to consist of roof uplift or removal and damage from wind-blown debris and fallen trees. Radar showed a debris ball in southern Coosa County which match ground observation of a truly ducted on Gammils Store Road.

• Trespassing was reported on Wall Street.

• A motor vehicle accident with no injuries was reported on Little Road.

• A suspicious vehicle was reported on Hudson Place.

JAN. 8

• Reckless driving was reported on Highway 229.

• Theft was reported on Sims Avenue.

• A private property accident was reported on Gilmer Avenue.

• Trespassing was reported on Little Road.

• Gunfire was reported on Gen. Chappy James Street.

• Assistance was given to a motorist on Upper River Road.

• A welfare check was conducted on Upper River Road.

• Assistance was given to a motorist on Highway 229.

• Assistance was given during a medical call on East Patton Street.

• Suspicious activity was reported on Ashurst Avenue.

• Assistance was given to a citizen on First Avenue.

JAN. 7

• A domestic dispute was reported on Powers Avenue.

• A juvenile complaint was filed on Rickey Lane.

• A welfare check was conducted on Jacob Court.

• A noise complaint was reported on Magnolia Street.

• A noise complaint was reported on Magnolia Street.

• Assistance was given to a citizen on Jordan Avenue.

• A civil disturbance was extensive area of snapped pine trees at and on either side (downstream and upstream) of the southern portion of McKissick Road, located between the communities of Speed and Equality,” the damage report stated.

The volume of snapped trees was enough to assign an EF-3 rating for this segment of the tornado’s path. Additional “significant damage” occurred along County Road 18 where vehicles were moved or flipped, numerous trees were snapped, and sitebuilt homes were heavily damaged with one destroyed. This was another area assigned EF-3 intensity.

The tornado continued northeastward toward the Coosa and Tallapoosa County line where additional timber damage was noted.

The tornado briefly weakened as it approached Cedar Creek Road and Elkahatchee Road.

Timber was snapped and uprooted consistent with EF-1 damage. The tornado continued northeast crossing Highway 63 S approaching the Wind Creek State Park area.

The tornado then moved toward Coven Abbett Road and then Elbert Road. Several homes sustained damage here, some significant with roofs blown off, boat houses destroyed, and adjacent significant timber damage as dozens of large hardwood trees were snapped and uprooted.

Elbert Drive, Loblolly Lane and Elbert Road were impacted. The tornado then crossed the northern section of Lake Martin before reported on on Barnett Boulevard.

• A welfare check was conducted on Gilmer Avenue.

• A domestic dispute was reported on Carr Circle.

• A domestic dispute was reported on Gilmer Avenue.

• A white male was arrested during a domestic dispute call on Little Road.

• Suspicious activity was reported on Wall Street.

• Trespassing was reported on Monroe Street.

JAN. 6

• A suspicious vehicle was reported on Roosevelt Street.

• A suspicious vehicle was reported on Softball Way.

• A white male was arrested during a civil disturbance call on Gilmer Avenue.

• A white male was arrested on Gilmer Avenue.

• Debris was reported in the roadway on Notasulga Road.

• Assistance was given during a medical call on West Main Street.

JAN. 5 impacting additional lakefront homes. Numerous homes were damaged on River Run Road and the adjacent side streets. Some homes sustained “significant damage” with entire roofs blown away and exterior walls collapsed or removed. At least two homes were shifted from their foundation. so appropriate volunteer resources are in place to accept it.

• A white male was arrested on Barnett Boulevard.

• A suspicious vehicle was reported on East Roosevelt Street.

• A traffic accident with no injuries was reported on Little Road.

• Assistance was given to a motorist on Gilmer Avenue.

• Trespassing was reported on Delta Road.

• Menacing was reported on South Tallassee Drive.

• A traffic accident with no injuries was reported on Friendship Road.

“The high-end EF-2 damage here could be partly due to the interaction of the tornado with the lake surface, as well as the exposed nature of these homes since most structures inland seemed to be “sheltered” from adjacent heavily wooded areas,” the damage report stated.

The tornado also damaged homes along Lake Ridge Drive.

The tornado continued northeast causing pockets of EF-1 timber damage as it crossed U.S. Highway 280. The tornado then moved across the rest of Tallapoosa County causing mainly varying degrees of timber damage in the EF-0 to EF-1 range, including the Sessions area.

The tornado continued northeast into Chambers County causing additional swaths of mainly timber damage in the EF-0 to EF-1 range. The tornado began its final weakening stage as it neared Highway 77, dissipating shortly after crossing County Road 114 at around 02:08 p.m.

The report states the tornado was consistently on the ground for 76.67 miles with a maximum width of 1,500 yards. The tornado reached maximum wind speeds of at least 150 mph. The storm is responsible for seven deaths and 16 injuries. All of the fatalities occurred in Autauga County.

Operating hours for the donation drop-off location is Monday through Saturday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Questions related to the donation dropoff location should contact 804-305-6471.

Any item donated should be in new packaging when possible.

THE DROP-OFF LOCATION WILL NOT ACCEPT THE FOLLOWING:

Shoes, used clothing, used beds or bedding, expired food, chocolate, used appliances and used furniture.

THE LOCATION WILL ACCEPT THE FOLLOWING:

Socks of all sizes, t-shirts of all sizes, underwear all sizes (male and female), towels and washcloths, sheets and blankets, pillows and pillowcases, hairbrushes and combs, feminine hygiene items, bar soap, shower gel, lotion, disposable razors, shaving crème, Q-tips, shampoo and conditioner, baby diapers all sizes, baby wipes, Lysol spray, household cleaning supplies, trash bags all sizes, first aid kits, batteries all sizes, work gloves all sizes, baggies all sizes, brooms, mops, dustpans, shovels, rakes, washing detergent or pods, fabric softener sheets, dish liquid, dishwasher pods, over the counter meds (not expired): Neosporin, band aids, Tylenol, Advil, aspirin, coolers, paper plates, foam or plastic disposable cups, plasticware (forks, knives, spoons), paper towels, toilet paper, non-perishable food (not expired):, crackers (all kinds), boxed macaroni and cheese, peanut butter, jelly, dry beans, rice, canned vegetables, fruits, and soups, spaghetti sauce in jar or can, pasta, salt and pepper, sugar, coffee, dry creamer, tea bags, cookies (no chocolate), pop tarts, granola bars, Gatorade (all flavors) and bottled water.

Points of distribution in the Lightwood and Titus communities of Elmore County are being finalized to serve as donation pickup locations for affected residents of Autauga, Coosa and Elmore Counties. Those locations and operating hours will be announced soon.

According to the Coosa County EMA, Elmore and Autauga counties are helping Coosa County with recovery efforts.

A Volunteer Reception Center (VRC) has been established in Autauga County to provide volunteer coordination for those in need due to the severe weather.

The VRC will begin operations on Monday January 16, and be in operation until Wednesday January 18. Individuals desiring to volunteer should call 2-1-1 or go to First Baptist Church Posey Crossroads, 576 County Road 40 W, Prattville.

Operating hours for the VRC on Monday and Tuesday will be 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Wednesday from 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.

“Coosa County is very appreciative for the generosity that Elmore County and Autauga County are giving to Coosa County residents affected by the tornado,” a statement from Coosa County said. “All three counties have had tremendous losses and all counties coming together, working together and helping each other is exactly what neighbors should do.” the civic center is free.

In Coosa County, BridgeWays has been made aware of several families who will need gently used clothes from their community clothing closet. They are currently “critically low” on clothes for boys ages three to 12.

If you are able to donate, please leave bags of clothing on the front porch at the BridgeWays Program Center, 9922 Hwy 231, Rockford.

For Tallapoosa County, Lake Martin Area United Way is collecting monetary donations to assist in the recovery efforts. Donations can be made online via the PayPal Giving Fund or the donate link on their website here: https://www.unitedwaylakemartin.org/tornado-relief-jan-2023.

They can also take check or cash donations at their office at 17 Main Street, Alexander City or mail donations to P.O. Box 876, Alexander City, AL 35011. When sending checks, make sure to include “Tornado Relief” in the memo line. United Way is not currently accepting in-kind donations of food, water, clothing, etc.

Salvation Army in Alexander City is taking donations for the tornado victims in Coosa and Tallapoosa County.

Items currently needed: Canned meats, peanut butter, crackers, toiletries, blankets, jackets, underwear of all genders and sizes, clothing of all genders and sizes and socks of all genders and sizes.

Salvation Army is also taking up monetary donations to assist with hotel stays.

Monetary donations can be brought by the service center or mailed to 6800 Highway 280, Alexander City, AL, 35010.

“This is an excellent opportunity to hear about how scientists have proven the facts about the impact and research related to the crater,” Tankersley said.

The guided tours of the rim occur on Saturday, Feb. 25. The two hour tours are scheduled to leave from Trinity Episcopal Church across from Winn Dixie on U.S. Highway 231 at 8:25 a.m., 9:55 a.m., 11:45 a.m. and 1:15 p.m.

“We will have either a student or volunteer geologist on each van to answer questions.

Costs for the guided tours are $25 for adults and $15 for children and students up to age 18.

Payments for guided tours can be sent to 408 S. Main Street with checks made payable to the Wetumpka Crater Commision.

Everyone is asked to be at Trinity Episcopal Church 20 to 30 minutes ahead of time for registration.

“There is some walking on the tours,” Tankersley said. “Please wear comfortable walking shoes. Reservations are not confirmed until payment of the fee and rain does not cancel the tour.”

Van space is limited and must be reserved by Feb. 16.

The crater was created about 85 million years ago, when a very large meteor hit near where the city of Wetumpka is today. The blast created an almost five mile wide crater that can still be seen today. This crater can be viewed from several places.

Chairman Tippy Hunter, General Manager Kaitlin Fleming, Managing Editor

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