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Man shoots at FPD officer
Thames, 34, was involved in 2-state, high speed chase
Published Tuesday, December 30, 2008
Courtesy photo
Michael “Red” Thames
A Florala man has been charged with the attempted murder of a law enforcement officer following a weekend incident in which he is accused of shooting at a police officer while fleeing a traffic stop.
Michael “Red” Thames, 34, was jailed Monday on charges of attempted murder of a law enforcement officer and shooting into an occupied vehicle after he allegedly led a Florala police officer on a two-state, high-speed pursuit Saturday.
Florala Chief Sonny Bedsole said officer John Davis attempted to pull Thames over for a minor traffic infraction before the pursuit began.
“It was about 8:45 p.m. Saturday and Officer Davis went to make a traffic stop on a Chevrolet Z71 because the driver was spinning the tires on the vehicle,” Bedsole said. “That was when the pursuit ensued and it was a high speed chase that led out of Florala on Still Pond Road. It was then Officer Davis called out a shot had been fired at the patrol car.”
Bedsole said the pursuit continued out County Road 4, or the Wing Highway, and over into Florida near Laurel Hill. Davis terminated the pursuit once he lost sight of the vehicle, Bedsole said.
“Once the pursuit ended, the car was examined and the mark on the windshield indicated it had been struck by an object,” Bedsole said.
Sunday, the car was sent to the Alabama Department of Forensic Science in Montgomery where tests indicated lead fragments were embedded in the windshield, he said. On the same morning, Thames turned himself in to the Florala Police Department and was issued a host of traffic citations.
By Monday, a warrant was obtained for Thames’ arrest based on the information received from the ADFS, Bedsole said.
“There was a statement made by Thames where he apologized to Officer Davis (for fleeing) because he thought that (Davis) was a trooper,” Bedsole said. “He said he had to pay several hundred dollars in fines and openly admitted he was fleeing from the officer. Additionally, he admitted he’d had a six pack of beer, but at this time, we don’t believe alcohol was a factor in the incident.”
Bedsole said a meeting was scheduled between himself, agents with the 22nd Circuit Drug Task Force and Thames, at which Thames was taken into custody.
Currently, he is being held in the Covington County Jail on a $300,000 bond.
“(The Florala Police Department is) going to handle things professionally and with respect, but public safety is our primary mission,” Bedsole said. “It is of paramount importance to us in Florala, and we will not tolerate anyone firing a weapon at a police officer or any of our citizens.”
The case is still under investigation by the FPD, DTF, ADFS and the Andalusia Police Department.
Comments
Posted by rabbit2300 (anonymous) on December 31, 2008 at 1:25 a.m. (Suggest removal)
welcome back to the wild west glad he was caught.
Posted by patwilliam (anonymous) on December 31, 2008 at 9:57 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Whew! I'm glad noone was hurt. I thought officers weren't supposed to chase you anymore?
Posted by Conin1 (anonymous) on December 31, 2008 at 10:24 a.m. (Suggest removal)
What if this guy had just robbed, raped, or murdered someone's family? What would the public say then if he had not been pursued? "Whew, cops not doing their jobs again. Why did they not chase and catch him?"
Pursuits are neccessary in the police buisness. Cops very seldom know who they are chasing or why the person is running until the pursuit is ended. They could have just robbed, raped, or murdered a member of your family and that is why they are running.
Just keep that in mind when you say cops shouldn't chase anyone who flees.
Posted by rabbit2300 (anonymous) on December 31, 2008 at 3:03 p.m. (Suggest removal)
not chase some one that is like saying i thought if the bad guy told them to leave them alone the police had to just walk away.
Posted by swswilliam (anonymous) on January 1, 2009 at 9:57 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Well, if you live in Florala, you know Red and you know that he's been an "outrun the law" kinda guy before he even had a legal driver's license. Yeah, he could have stopped at the next house and gunned down an entire family, but I'd lay odds that given 2 or 3 hours, possibly even 12, he would have gone straight back to his mother's house where he lives. I truly do not believe it was necessary to chase him. I choose to believe they were erring on the side of caution, rather than just adding a little excitement to their boring night of driving from redlight to redlight.
Hopefully his family will not bail him out. They've tried to help him too many times to count and it hasn't worked. Sorry, family, but he needs that tough love known as jail.
Posted by sickntired (anonymous) on January 1, 2009 at 1:13 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I fully agree swswilliam.. it's time for the days of old to pass. Red has been a nuisance longer than I can remember, his crimes becoming increasing more shocking. He shot at an officer? Come on people, wake up. He deserves to be chased, caught, locked up, and maybe even forgotten about.
Posted by lizzy36455 (anonymous) on January 1, 2009 at 1:27 p.m.
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Posted by admin23 (anonymous) on January 1, 2009 at 4:22 p.m. (Suggest removal)
As a sister I can understand wanting to defend your brother. However, there comes a time in everyone's life where they must grow up and handle what they have done on their own. Forensics will prove if he is innocent or guilty. Had it been the other way around and you had enough evidence to show that the officer shot at your brother's windshield you would be raising all kinds of cane at the paper wanting it printed and out there. So, be thankful that he wasn't the one shot at. I hate it for your family that you've had to go through such hard times with your brother but you should continue to support him to change his life and become a better person, maybe then he wouldn't be known as an outlaw? Also, a pursuit is necessary. If not, would everyone not attempt to outrun the law? I mean really if you knew you wouldn't have to stop for a ticket you could just keep going and they couldn't pursue you, you're telling me you'd pull over anyway? If you said yes, you're an upstanding citizen but I seriuosly doubt that anyone would.
Posted by countrygirlbybirth (anonymous) on January 1, 2009 at 7:02 p.m.
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Posted by truebeliever (anonymous) on January 1, 2009 at 9:02 p.m. (Suggest removal)
It sounds to me like Red may have a mental illness that no one has detected, maybe he needs to see a psychiatrist or something and get some help, if his family really cares about him, after years of running from the law and getting in trouble and causing mayhem, why not get him some needed help????? Before something bad happens to him OR someone else. He could be bipolar or God knows what else. If he is doing these things someone is going to end up getting hurt, Put him in searcys before its to late. If that was my brother I would be on the phone YESTERDAY getting all the help available. I wouldnt be taking up for him, saying yeah he's just the type that runs from the law...the graveyards full of that type..dont let your brother be one of them...GET HIM SOME HELP.
Posted by mommy (anonymous) on January 1, 2009 at 9:47 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I guess over the years there's has been alot's, okay and yes its time to grow up and stop at 34, but some people are alway's kid's at heart. Red's thing riding the dirt roads spinning up a few rocks, being a wild country boy driving fast has gone on for year's. YES its true Red need's to slow down. out running the cops and being slapped on the hand never gets ANYONE anywhere's in life sooner or later it will catch UP. But a traffic ticket, no driver's license, tinted windows, no insurance OKAY but ATTEMPTED MURDER????? Red went in willing the day after the chase and said IM sorry for out running you, WHY not get him then it doesn't make since???? The slap on the hand once again, and then released, so up and decided 72 hours later this??????? No one can judge on this ONLY GOD knows.
Posted by autie1119 (anonymous) on January 1, 2009 at 10:38 p.m. (Suggest removal)
If anyone knows Red I do. I lived with Red for eight years and the mother of his son. Am I embarrassed by that? No. I love my son and Red is a part of that. As far as Red not being there for Drew, he has always been there for Drew. Does that mean he always set the best examples? No. But there is not a day that he does not call him, come see him, or see if there is anything Drew needs. No I don't agree with how Red lives his life. I told Red a few days ago he will have to answer for things he has done. He was not always good to me. If anyone should hate Red it should be me, but I forgave Red a long time ago. Just because Red has not chosen to grow up in ways does not mean he is not a good father. Will Drew suffer for decisions Red has chosen? Yes, but it does not make him love him less it only makes him stronger. Drew and I both talk to his dad about the way he lives his life and we are constantly praying for him, but sometimes it is in a persons own time or the Lords time when things happen. Would Drew love to see his dad change his ways? Yes, but Drew knows that will happen when the time comes. All we can do is continue to pray for him. It is in the Lords hands now. I told Drew maybe this is the Lords way of helping Red turn his life around. If he spends time in prison that is only a minute amount of time compared to eternity and I'm pretty sure Red is not where he needs to be with the Lord. So if out of all this he finds his salvation then it is worth it. Clay has been there for Drew and I thank him for that, but he will never take the place of his dad. Should the police have pursued him, I don't think so. The officer knew who it was and had only pulled him over numerous times already within the month and he knew he would be back in town. So is risking other peoples lives necessary? I don't think so. They have only did this with Red how many times? They know by now exactly what Red would have done. Do I think Red shot at the police? No I do not. Red out running the law, yes, drinking and driving, yes, driving with no drivers license, only for about nineteen years, but shooting at the cops, no don't think so. I want even waste my time to tell you why I don't believe it because all of you already have your mind made up about what you believe. I will be the first to say Red needs some help to turn his life around. He has to decide that is what he wants and do his part, but he will have to have help. If that be him spending time in prison, rehab, encouragement from his family and friends, or continuous praying I am all for whatever will help him because I believe anyone can change. You may think I am bias because he is my childs father, but again I know Red and I know he does have a inner goodness about himself that he has not figured out how to show. He is so use to this bad boy image he doesn't know any other way to act. Do I think Red should suffer the consequences for his actions? By all means, but that is not for us to decide or judge.
Posted by katelynnkatelynn (anonymous) on January 1, 2009 at 10:39 p.m. (Suggest removal)
All I can say is thank God no one was hurt. When i read or hear of something like this I allways think of the other people on the road moore so the new youg drivers .
Posted by truebeliever (anonymous) on January 1, 2009 at 11:01 p.m. (Suggest removal)
So its ok for him to drink and drive?..oooook...thats really scary to even hear someone say that, because if i knew someone was out drinking and driving i would call the law MYSELF on them!!...other peoples lives are at risk here ya know.
Posted by kelly446290 (anonymous) on January 1, 2009 at 11:05 p.m. (Suggest removal)
i agree with drews mother no one can judge but god and no one knows but him. i might not have spent years with red but spending the last eight months with him i have grown to know him very well..is red a bad person ?? no he is not he might have done things in his life that was not right but everyone does. i know deep down in my heart that this is all wrong and that what they are charging him for is false.no one needs to say that he got what he deserves because he out ran a cop. and as for being a good father? omg i saw him with his son every day and no matter what he needed red was there to give it to him. he was always great to drew. so before you judge him please just know him and if you really dont you have no reason to say the bad things you say. i hope he is home soon because he does not deserve to be there.
Posted by admin23 (anonymous) on January 2, 2009 at 7:02 a.m. (Suggest removal)
It's always interesting the quote that is used "it's not fair to judge","let God be the judge"....my question then is should we all just do whatever we want and hang on until the good Lord takes us home to worry about consequences of our actions?
Posted by concerned (anonymous) on January 2, 2009 at 7:58 a.m. (Suggest removal)
"RED THAMES", who is this guy? The mayor, the riches man in town, an undercover FBI. Why all the publicity? WHO IS HE, for everybody to be protecting him? He is just A man that broke the law! What about the couple that wrecked the next day that was out running the law? What would the world be saying today if "RED THAMES" had lost control and wrecked, would it have been the officers fault that his son doesn't have a father. I think not! And the mans SON, for GODS sake leave the boy out of it. What about the wife and family of the Officer that was chasing him. Their husband and father was in just as much danger as "RED THAMES", and the man was doing his job, trying to serve and protect "YOU" the ones complaining. All of you that are protecting "RED THAMES" do you feel the same way about the couple, that had something to hide, that wrecked while out running the law . What if your child had been in the wrong place at the wrong time and got involved in that crash. I really would like to met this "RED THAMES" guy and get his autograph, he MUST be SOMEBODY really important. Keep up the good work, Officer Davis, and all the officers that enforce the law. May GOD be with you and protect you. And may you ALWAYS go home to your family at the end of your shift of protecting ME.
Posted by southernbell (anonymous) on January 2, 2009 at 8:59 a.m. (Suggest removal)
FIRST OF ALL I DIDN'T SEE WHERE AUTIE1119 SAID NO ONE CAN JUDGE BUT GOD. SHE SIMPLY STATED THAT IT'S NOT OUR PLACE TO JUDGE HIM. SO AS FOR ADMIN23, SHOULD WE HANG ON UNTIL THE GOOD LORD TAKES US, IF YOU HAD ANY KNOWLEDGE YOU WOULD KNOW THE GOOD LORD PUNISHES US HERE ON EARTH FOR OUR ACTIONS. SO NO, WE DON'T HAVE TO WAIT UNTIL THE GOOD LORD TAKES US TO SUFFER THE CONSEQUENCES FOR OUR ACTIONS. AND SOUNDS LIKE TO ME I WON'T BE SEEING YOU THERE.
Posted by truebeliever (anonymous) on January 2, 2009 at 9:05 a.m. (Suggest removal)
I think "Red" is a joke thats got away with to much for to long...kinda like a mayberry movie with otis in it. Its time he gets whats coming.
You just dont go around breaking the law and getting by with it.
Posted by autie1119 (anonymous) on January 2, 2009 at 9:26 a.m. (Suggest removal)
FOR THE COMMENT LEFT BY TRUEBELIEVER, JUST ANOTHER EXAMPLE OF TALKING WHEN YOU DON'T KNOW WHAT YOUR TALKING ABOUT. IF YOU READ THE COMMENT I MADE I STATED, DO I BELIEVE RED SHOT AT THE POLICE? NO. DO I BELIEVE HE OUT RAN THE LAW, WAS DRIVING DRUNK, OR DRIVING WITHOUT DRIVERS LICENSE? YES. I DON'T BELIEVE ANYWHERE DID I SAY IT WAS OK TO DRIVE DRUNK. I AM A FIRM BELIEVER IN NOT DRIVING WHILE DRINKING. ALTHOUGH I KNOW OF NUMEROUS TIMES RED HAS BEEN PULLED OVER DRIVING DRUNK AND WAS ALLOWED TO LEAVE DRIVING DRUNK SO MAKE SURE YOU COMMEND THOSE OFFICERS. TO CONCERNED, WAS I CONCERNED ABOUT THE COUPLE THE DAY AFTER? MATTER OF FACT I WAS. I DON'T WISH ANYTHING LIKE THAT ON ANYONE. BUT I WAS MORE CONCERNED FOR MY CHURCH MEMBERS WHO WERE LEAVING CHURCH AND THE OFFICER THAT CAME BY DOING AT LEAST 120 TO A ACCIDENT THAT HAD ALREADY TAKEN PLACE. SO ARE PURSUITS NECCESSARY? YES, BUT NOT ON ALL OCCASSIONS. I HAVE THE UPMOST RESPECT FOR POLICE OFFICERS OR AT LEAST THE ONES WHO ARE REALLY HERE TO SERVE AND PROTECT. NO RESPECT FOR THE ONES WHO PUTS THERE BADGE ON AND HAS A POWER TRIP. SOME SAY RED IS LIKE HE IS BECAUSE HIS FAMILY ALWAYS GOT HIM OUT OF TROUBLE, WELL THEY WERE NOT THE ONLY ONES THAT GOT HIM OFF THE HOOK. LETS JUST SAY SOME OF THE OFFICERS DON'T DESERVE THE RESPECT.
Posted by alhm (anonymous) on January 2, 2009 at 9:46 a.m. (Suggest removal)
This is stupid. First of all southernbell, not everyone holds the same beliefs as you, that doens't mean that they are going to hell. It's people like you that feel like you are saving God some time by letting all of us know which of us are "getting in". Get a life.
Second, I agree with truebeliever 100%. It's sad that when the person accused is someone you know you'll go to the ends of the earth defending them and saying the job the police did was of course the wrong thing to do. This guy needs help and I agree that he may have a mental illness that is being missed. Police officers are trianed to do their job. They may very well be on a power trip, I myself hope that it kicks in if someone breaks into my house one night, tries to hurt me or my baby, I hope that they send me the guy on the power trip.
I wish Andalusia Star News would stop posting stories about Florala. I would like to think Andalusia has something better going on then this guy.
Posted by concerned (anonymous) on January 2, 2009 at 10:05 a.m. (Suggest removal)
THANK YOU, alhm, this is stupid. That is what I was trying to say. Let it go. Don't you people know that there is more important things going on than "RED". He is feeding off all this publicity. It is not Andalusia Star News, it is US. We are doing this, we are keeping it going. We can go to any other story and post comments, but we chose to post here. Also, alhm, I'm with you I hope if I ever need an Officer the one on the power trip is the one to have on your side.
Posted by lookeyhere (anonymous) on January 2, 2009 at 10:33 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Well it seems to me the guy has been nothing but a burden to law enforcement and his family. Sounds like he has had way to many breaks in life.
Posted by floralasdrama (anonymous) on January 2, 2009 at 10:53 a.m. (Suggest removal)
WELL, THERE HAS BEEN ENOUGH ABOUT ALL THIS DRAMA!! I HOPE EVERYONE CAN SLEEP GOOD KNOWING THAT THIS MAN IS OFF THE STREETS!!
I HOPE THAT THIS IS THE BEGINING OF A NEW START FOR FLORALA WITH ALL THE DRUG DEALERS AND ALL!!! CONGRATS TO SUNNY BEDSOLE FOR BECOMING THE NEW CHEIF OF POLICE AND HOPEFULLY GOOD THINGS WILL CONTINUE TO GO GREAT FOR YOU AND YOUR DEPARTMENT!!
PUT ALL THAT YOU CAN IN JAIL THAT NEEDS TO BE THERE AND I FEEL THAT RED NEEDS TO BE THERE!! I HOPE HE DOES ALL THE TIME THAT HE DESERVES!!! GOD BLESS HIS FAMILY
Posted by autie1119 (anonymous) on January 2, 2009 at 11:39 a.m. (Suggest removal)
YOU ALL ARE RIGHT THIS IS STUPID AND NOTHING ANY OF US SAYS IS GONNA MAKE A DIFFERENCE. BUT LET ME LEAVE YOU WITH THIS, I KNOW WE ALL HAVE OUR OWN BELIEFS, BUT IN THE BIBLE IT SAYS WE SHOULD LOVE OTHERS UNCONDITIONALLY AS CHRIST LOVES US AND WE SHOULD FORGIVE OTHERS AS CHRIST FORGIVES US FOR OUR SINS. THAT IS WHAT I TEACH MY CHILD, NOT ONLY ABOUT HIS DAD BUT EVERYONE. LOVE YOUR ENEMIES AND PRAY FOR THOSE WHO PERSECUTE YOU MATT5:44
Posted by mommy (anonymous) on January 2, 2009 at 12:19 p.m. (Suggest removal)
This is all unreal. About Red knowing about all this publicity he's in JAIL and I don't think they give them computer's so thats another why, to just blame Red. For some of you people out there that hate's this man so bad why not just leave it along then, but no some feed off info like this. I think there is a lots of anger, Red seem's like a quite guy not easy to let people in his business, so many of you seem like you sit down with Red every night and talk over what his day was like with him? Ya know in this world today there is alots of hear say. as for the cop's there, yes do your job people that break it needs to be corrected. I dont know any of you but to hear it in the past alots have been let go not with just RED THAMES. Right now Red is in jail I don't think he is over there trying to be on a talk show. let it be, stop the hurtful things being said. the truth will come out, but again only god knows. Ya know Red has a young son DREW can you all not put him first this boy is hurting. he loves his dad. And I can tell you all this RED loves that boy with all his heart and tries to get or do anything for him. every minute of the day I know RED knows where he is BEEP BEEP. Just look at all this hate over one man WHY, has he HURT you. RED does need help and has to realize he can't go on like this and pray to god this is his wake-up. KNOW HIS Family is hurting to. God be with them
Posted by lookeyhere (anonymous) on January 2, 2009 at 1:12 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Haha Oh boy oh boy, It really is amazing how some people want to shift focus off the real problem.
Posted by truebeliever (anonymous) on January 2, 2009 at 2:17 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Thats why I said get him the help he needs, It seems to me the whole family may need counseling, his little son included. I just think maybe if just maybe his family wasnt making excuses for him instead of him having to stand up like a man and take the blame for things that he is evidently guilty of, then maybe he wouldnt be this way.
I wouldnt care if it was my Daddy, Brother, son or whatever..wrong is wrong and calling it right doesnt change it.
Someday you ( his family) may not be able to get him out of the trouble he gets himself into, then what?..poor red??..I think its time to say, Grow the hell up and stop acting like a 15 year old little teenager.
Posted by truebeliever (anonymous) on January 2, 2009 at 2:19 p.m. (Suggest removal)
What "34" year old in their right mind sits in parking lots and spins tires???...." point made"...there is help available.
Posted by lookeyhere (anonymous) on January 2, 2009 at 2:21 p.m. (Suggest removal)
truebeliever, I agree with you especially the last sentence of your post.
Posted by patwilliam (anonymous) on January 2, 2009 at 2:45 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Autumn, I totally agree with you girl. Obviously, YOU DO KNOW RED.....he fathered you son....so I uphold everything you said about him and this predicament. I didn't say that it was okay not to chase someone, only commented that I didn't think they could pursue a high speed chase anymore because of the dangers not only to the police officers but to innocent people that may be on the same road as the pursuit is taking place. Jeeze people, give yall a rope and ya hang yourselves. If someone is breaking the law, then by all means, arrest them, but to put lives in unnecessary danger...is ridiculous! And,....Florala know Red, and they know he will return home, so what's the big hooplah on running him down. I don't know if he fired the shot or not...I wasn't there, nor were yall....so I guess that's gonna have to be hashed out in the courts. As far as everyone getting all up in arms about "who's Red", well, if you are from Florala, or the surrounding area, you know who he is....he's always had a name for being rambunchious, but hey, that's the was he is.....I don't think he would hurt anyone intentionally...and I believe that his son's mother should know how he treats his son, and what kind of father he is. Okay, that's all, I'm sure I'll get blasted now! Stand up for what you believe in Autumn, as I'm sure Clay is a good father to your son, he's not his dad, and at least your son knows who his father is, good or bad....that's just life.
Posted by Preacher (anonymous) on January 2, 2009 at 3:29 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Hey countrygirl,like your mother, you can try to be more than what you really are, but, everyone knows the real you. True, Mark Anderson was, and still is, and will continue to be friends with Red and his family. Red himself will tell you that Mark never let him get away with anything. It's not as if Red is out carrying on some kind of criminal activity 24 -7. He is a father. He does work. He has bills to pay. What is it that Red has gotten away with? I know he has been incarcerated before for things he has done. He hasn't gotten away with anything. He loves his son more than anything else in this world and he is a good father to him. Red has made a bad decision with this incident. I'm sure he is aware of that. He also knows that he has to answer to it and he will. But, countrygirl, as far as your comment, lose some weight, get a makeover, find a man with eye problems, and maybe you can find a little happiness.
Posted by lookeyhere (anonymous) on January 2, 2009 at 3:59 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Drives drunk,outruns the law,spins tires around town like a kid,Hmmm yeah he may win father of the year.
Posted by floralasdrama (anonymous) on January 2, 2009 at 4:04 p.m. (Suggest removal)
U have got it right he is a child!!!!!!!!! he will never learn because he knows no better!!!!!!!!!! the only person hurting here is his son because his son is the one that is having to deal with all the drama that his dad has caused... and whoever said that clay isnt drews dad, you are right but he has been a BETTER ROLE MODEL than his own father has been
Posted by kelly446290 (anonymous) on January 2, 2009 at 4:36 p.m. (Suggest removal)
yall keep talking crap you have nothing better to do...what does that make all of yall not crap...lol keep it up this is getting funny
Posted by mommy (anonymous) on January 2, 2009 at 5:46 p.m. (Suggest removal)
RED if only you could see this talk of the town WHATS NEW????? Many times you have told me how people feel about you up there, your right. Its SAD so boring. I know so many people up there in that area all they do is ride the dirt roads, and spin tires, mud, hunt are they KIDS???? Really if you look at him that way you are looking at alots more men that do that and older than 34? In the past month or so I have looked down on Red, I have a good reason to, but damn let the law work if its true you have to trust in them and RED will serve time for it. As ive told him, you will have to slow down and stop being the show of the town, HE would say they have nothing better to do. JUST LET IT GO. GROW UP you tell RED to, what about yourself? and leave DREW out, don't you people realize he is reading all of this to. SAD SAD SAD look this is life long HURT for his son. CANT IT JUST STOP.
Posted by patwilliam (anonymous) on January 2, 2009 at 6:44 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Yes Mommy, I agree....Drew doesn't need the publicity. He's a child..He deserves to continue to be a child, live and learn. Noone can change a person. That person has to change theirself. These folks are acting like Red is the first person in Florala to ever do anything wrong. I tell you, as I sit here, I can count soooooo many who are still walking around, have been to jail, have escaped, stolen personal property from people, and God Bless Mark Anderson, when he was Chief, let them get away with it cause they were his NARKS! And for the comment earlier that a person wished the Andalusia Star news would stop printing about Florala, GET A LIFE! It's news dumbass, you reading it, if you don't like it, don't comment! It's that simple. Instead of downing all the criminals for getting "away" with stuff, maybe the eyes should be turned to the law enforcement that ALLOW IT! It's all a matter of who you turn in, who you narc on, who you tell on....so freakin childish! If he was spinning tires or whatever, hey, sobeit, give him a ticket, if he ran, you know where he lives, catch him at home....it's not like Floralas a big ole' town...everyone knows everyone else.....yall really don't need to get me started on the politics of this area....carry on
Posted by admin23 (anonymous) on January 2, 2009 at 7 p.m.
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Posted by concerned (anonymous) on January 2, 2009 at 7:19 p.m.
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Posted by truebeliever (anonymous) on January 2, 2009 at 7:40 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Florala does have a nice lake.:)
Posted by patwilliam (anonymous) on January 2, 2009 at 7:44 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Well, if he wasn't "Chief of Police", he actually did hold that title....and I for one WAS NOT impressed! I don't intend to try to "run" anyone off...admin23...I happen to know Sonny and I believe that he will turn Florala around...we have had so many "misfits" here it's just not funny....from "voodoo" mayor Mathis...and so on ....totally stupid...I think Mayor Williamson is doing a good job and I know Sonny will turn this place around....that has nothing to do with my comments....I simply don't get it "the narcs"...don't people know that these are people who have been arrested and "given a deal" to roll on someone, and in the meantime, they are using the police department, ABI, etc., to gain what they want! DRUGS! Jeezz! I'm not ignornant, nor am I unintelligent Admin23...as you seem to choose to print, I don't expect a "church lady to go in and buy methaphentamine from the cooks"...that's a dumbass comment in my opinion, but I don't think it's fair to keep giving narcs chance after chance to "straighten up" and they continue down the same paths....maybe I have a bit too much of my father in me...he believed in justice and what was right....that doesn't exist anymore....the system screws innocent people, and protects the criminals! Enough said! And to concerned....if you "chase" someone, you are endangering the lives of innocent people who might be in the path of the pursuit, that's all I was saying! The minor, his mother brought him into it....so if she sees fit to mention her son, that's her business. Yes, he is innocent.
Posted by patwilliam (anonymous) on January 2, 2009 at 7:47 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Florala is a beautiful little town, and as with all small towns, we have our share of scrutiny from the larger surrounding towns, but in my opinion, what goes on in Florala is news, just as it is in Andalusia, Montgomery, Ft. Walton, or anywhere else in the country. News is news, good or bad, seems noone comments on the good stories though....
Posted by ad (anonymous) on January 2, 2009 at 7:56 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Anyone who doesn't know Red could never understand someone defending him. He is a good guy at heart and as far as I have seen has been a good father. I know his son means more to him than anyone else in the world. I find it funnier that people are defending Mark Anderson. I haven't talked to Red in years but I was shocked to hear that he would have fired a gun at someone. I have seen him do many things he shouldn't but never to that degree. I hope he really didn't fire a gun and that this does change him. He is very kind hearted but when you were not raised to know better then you don't really know the consequences.
Posted by alhm (anonymous) on January 2, 2009 at 8:31 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Florala has Highway 55 running out of it. That's the best thing I've ever found in the town. Seriously, Pat I am sure you are the smartest woman alive but I think you missed my point. It's called the ANDALUSIA STAR NEWS, not the Florala/Andalusia Star News.
Posted by vanrob64 (anonymous) on January 2, 2009 at 8:57 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I'm sorry you feel that Florala news doesn't need to be part of the Andalusia Star News. I enjoy reading the Andalusia Star News because I am a citizen of Covington County and the paper does a good job of covering news and events in the County. I want to thank Stephanie Nelson for her coverage because this is where I see what is going on in my town as well as Andalusia and Opp. Yes, we do have a local paper but news coverage is not very good. Keep up the good work Star News.
Posted by Preacher (anonymous) on January 2, 2009 at 9:25 p.m.
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Posted by concerned (anonymous) on January 2, 2009 at 9:26 p.m. (Suggest removal)
WELL PUT VANROB64, With Stephanie at Andalusia Star we hear (see) the news as it happens not a week or sometimes 2 later. I appreciate the Andalusia Star and Stephanie.
Posted by mommy (anonymous) on January 2, 2009 at 9:28 p.m. (Suggest removal)
LOOK AT THIS, ITS NOT EVEN ABOUT RED THAMES ANYMORE ITS THE NEWSPAPER NOW AND THE COPS UP THERE. WHAT KIND OF PLACE IS THAT DRAMA IM GLAD I DON'T LIVE THERE. IT SEEM'S ALL YOU PEOPLE DO IS KEEP TAB'S ON EACH OTHER, NOTHING BETTER TO DO. MAYBE THIS SONNY BEDSOLE WILL BRING THE LAW TO ORDER THERE IT SURE NEEDS IT.
Posted by floralasdrama (anonymous) on January 2, 2009 at 9:29 p.m.
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Posted by nurse (anonymous) on January 2, 2009 at 9:29 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Actually, patwilliam is pretty smart...very opinunated, but definately not unintelligent. And, for you all who are so worried about who is saying what about Red's son...countrygirlbybirth actually brought him into this conversation...I don't know who she is or what connection she has...but she is the one who mentioned the fact that Red has a child. Although, this is not about the child and he should be left out of it. Red broke the law...he ran from the police...and he has been accused of firing a shot into an occupied police car. It is time to face the music...do the crime...do the time! This is all for a judge/jury to decide.
Posted by alhm (anonymous) on January 2, 2009 at 9:43 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Nurse, if patwilliam was my mother I would probably feel the same way as you. However, she is not.
Posted by vanrob64 (anonymous) on January 2, 2009 at 9:53 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I am also glad you don't live here.
Posted by ad (anonymous) on January 2, 2009 at 10:07 p.m. (Suggest removal)
To Preacher I believe you are the one saying MA never let red get away with anything that seems like taking up for him to me. However I believe if maybe instead of lighting up with him had he tried to stop him things would not have gotten to this.
And to the people worried about everyone commenting on this I don't believe anyone is making you read it. I would say Florala makes a big contribution to the sells of the Andalusia Star News so why would our news not be in it. Obviously you enjoy reading it.
I in no way put anything to offend anyone and you should try the same.
I am proud of Florala and I think all of our officers do a good job I hope they do clean up the problems but I don't think andalusia would like to be judged soley on its crimes and neither would we.
Also I am proud of all of our police officers we have now. I think they are doing a great job. I am not trying to take up for Red I was just trying to explain why someone would. I agree he has gotten away with too much as has other members of his family and they should do the time.
Posted by admin23 (anonymous) on January 2, 2009 at 10:09 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Nor am I a dumbass nurse. I do know the laws and I know how informants work. Therefore, when I commented on your mom's comment about "narcs" being criminals and getting away with it to "narc" on someone else...she really should get the truth. That is not how it works. Even if the "narc" has committed a crime they never get off scott free. As for Mark Anderson, who knows what he did. Who cares...really. Chief Bedsole is what Florala needs to be worried about. This "red" subject's family needs all of us to keep them in our prayers. From what I was told earlier I need to do a lot of praying since I'm destined for hell, so it looks like I need prayer as well. Well I hope all turns out and maybe he really didn't shoot at the officer. That would be good for his family and maybe actually get him the help that everyone desperatly feels that he needs. But the only way that the rehab/counseling would work is if he's willing. So good luck to him for that. Anyway this has been way too much good stuff for one night.
Posted by Preacher (anonymous) on January 2, 2009 at 10:10 p.m.
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Posted by vanrob64 (anonymous) on January 2, 2009 at 10:18 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I sure hope you're not really a preacher.
Posted by ad (anonymous) on January 2, 2009 at 10:25 p.m. (Suggest removal)
AMEN!!! vanrob64
Posted by lee (anonymous) on January 3, 2009 at 3:08 a.m. (Suggest removal)
WOW.... listen to the words being thrown in here... to much for me....
Posted by lookeyhere (anonymous) on January 3, 2009 at 5:11 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Hahah I think Preacher may be a former Florala police officer. I mean come on,who else would get that mad about a post referring to Mark Anderson.
Posted by concerned (anonymous) on January 3, 2009 at 7:36 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Or is it Mark Anderson himself.
Posted by nurse (anonymous) on January 3, 2009 at 8:23 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Who ever said that patwilliam was my mother? Where do you people get this stuff from?
Posted by floralasdrama (anonymous) on January 3, 2009 at 9:27 a.m. (Suggest removal)
preacher, so you know who i am??? well since you do please tell me about myself then because i am not a worthless piece of sh**!!!!!! And you have your name as preacher and you are talking like that!!!!! Well, anyone can pass a drug test they do it all the time!!! well when you know when the drug test is going to be given!!!!! wake up and smell the coffee!!! I could get someone to piss for me to pass the drug tests!!!! WHO CARES HOW SONNY (SUNNY) IS SPELLED!!!! HE IS DOING A FINE JOB!!!!
Posted by admin23 (anonymous) on January 3, 2009 at 11:34 a.m. (Suggest removal)
So, just out of curiousity, floralasdrama is bascially saying they would need someone elses urine to pass a drug test...I mean if I read that right that's what it looks like it says. Admission of guilt I'd say.
Posted by mommy (anonymous) on January 3, 2009 at 1:21 p.m. (Suggest removal)
THIS IS TOTALLY UNREAL. THIS HAS GONE FROM RED TO PISS TEST. I THINK THERE IS ALOTS OF BAD FEELINGS UP THERE BETWEEN YOU PEOPLE. HATE I SHOULD SAY. RED WAS JUST AN ACCUSE. AT FIRST IT SEEMED ALL HATED RED NOW ITS EVERYONE HATES EACH OTHER, BUT HE IS THE ONE IN JAIL. WHY NOT START A MYSPACE CHAT ROOM ON ALL THIS DRAMA???? YOU CAN PUT IT RED THAMES NAME
Posted by floralasdrama (anonymous) on January 3, 2009 at 1:40 p.m.
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Posted by patwilliam (anonymous) on January 3, 2009 at 4:08 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Man or man....so silly and so utterly ridiculous! This is what happens when folks tell the truth about others, and then others don't or can't take it....so sad really...I hope all of you will have a good night...I'm not even responding to any of these comments,...ain't worth my time....
Posted by rabbit2300 (anonymous) on January 3, 2009 at 6:12 p.m. (Suggest removal)
i love it all bow before sonny whom yall made the second seem like the second coming right after obama. no offense sonny like you and doubt you waste your time reading this anyway. almost cant believe i do. all bow before the convicted felon Red Thames. he seems to be the do good and bad man of the year. All bow before the Mathis clan and florala family of 2008 for keeping the drama alive.
Posted by floralasdrama (anonymous) on January 3, 2009 at 7:20 p.m. (Suggest removal)
AMEN rabbit2300 I have not thought about that but you are 100% right!!! Mathis was family of the year and so is there ex-son in law ex-husband or whatever!!!! Just keeping it up in the papers!!!!!
Posted by suzanna522 (anonymous) on January 3, 2009 at 9:03 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I actually debated on whether to stoop so low and comment on any of this nonsense, but I couldn't resist after about the fifth comment being made regarding the "voodoo" mayor and the Mathis family. Some of you people are about retarded. Rabbit2300 and floralasdrama, what in the heck has the Mathis family got to do with this? But thanks for the praise anyway!! We aren't the ones keeping this drama alive, it's obvious you people that have nothing better to do with your lives. And as for my nephew that y'all keep commenting on, leave him out of it once and for all. No need in any of you being concerned about him. He is well taken care of by people who love him very much.
Posted by floralasdrama (anonymous) on January 3, 2009 at 9:28 p.m. (Suggest removal)
well suzanna why dont you not worry about what is going on here and worry about you messing with your sisters husband more!!! Its pitiful that you cant keep a man and have to try to get someone elses.. That is why you and Chris Neal is still trying to see each other and along with god knows who..You stay out of this
Posted by gladtobefromandy (anonymous) on January 3, 2009 at 9:41 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I do Have a question.. Why does EVERY article have to end up in fussing? I believe some of yall could fuss with the side of a brick wall if yall thought it would do any good...
Posted by floralasdrama (anonymous) on January 3, 2009 at 9:52 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Well, "gladtobefromandy" when some folks gets involved they dont need to say somethings that they say but this is a free country and we can do what we please... So go ahead and say what you want because it will do no one no good anyways because this is a matter of opinions so there...
Posted by suzanna522 (anonymous) on January 3, 2009 at 10:05 p.m. (Suggest removal)
FIRST OF ALL FLORALASDRAMA, YOU SEEM TO KNOW SO MUCH ABOUT ME WHY DON'T YOU JUST TELL ME WHO YOU ARE AND WE CAN HAVE A REAL DISCUSSION ABOUT THIS. SECONDLY, NO NEED FOR ME TO WORRY ABOUT MESSING WITH MY SISTER'S HUSBAND SHE KNOWS ALL ABOUT IT, SHE IS RIGHT HERE WITH ME NOW. THIRDLY, DID CHRIS NEAL TURN YOU DOWN OR SOMETHING? OR ARE YOU JUST JEALOUS?? ANOTHER PRIME EXAMPLE OF NOT KNOWING WHAT YOU ARE TALKING ABOUT. AND I DON'T HAVE TO TRY, IF I WANT TO I WILL. AND IF YOU MUST KNOW I DON'T WANT TO KEEP A MAN WHEN HE'S NOTHING BUT A LIAR AND LESS THAN WHAT I DESERVE. AND TO ANYONE ELSE OUT THERE, IF FLORALASDRAMA DOESN'T HAVE THE GUTS TO TELL WHO THEY ARE AND SOMEONE ELSE KNOWS THIS PERSON, I WOULD VERY MUCH BE EVER SO GRATEFUL IF YOU WOULD LET ME KNOW!!!
Posted by floralasdrama (anonymous) on January 3, 2009 at 10:14 p.m.
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Posted by suzanna522 (anonymous) on January 3, 2009 at 10:24 p.m. (Suggest removal)
SO YOU SAY YOUR A MAN, JUST HOW BIG OF A MAN ARE YOU?? NOT BIG ENOUGH TO TELL ME WHO YOU ARE OBVIOUSLY. AND SINCE YOU ARE TOO STUPID TO FIGURE IT OUT, THAT WAS A JOKE ABOUT MY SISTERS HUSBAND, BUT LIKE I SAID YOU NO NOTHING ABOUT ANY OF WHAT YOUR TALKING ABOUT. AND IT SO FLATTERING THAT YOU FIND ME AND MY LIFE SO INTERESTING THAT YOU ARE TRYING TO KEEP UP WITH IT. NICE TO KNOW THAT I CAN KEEP YOU ENTERTAINED. AND IT IS NO SECRET THAT CHRIS AND I ARE FRIENDS, AS FOR THE REST OF YOUR INFO, I HATE TO INFORM YOU THAT YOU ARE SADLY MISTAKEN. BUT WHATEVER FLOATS YOUR BOAT. AND BY THE WAY TOOTIE WAS THE GIRL ON THAT SHOW FACTS OF LIFE.
Posted by floralasdrama (anonymous) on January 3, 2009 at 10:32 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Yea I am a man and there is no need in telling you who i am because baby i am old enough to be your daddy. So you want to come over and show me what you have showed the rest of your family and police force. So does it really matter how someones name is spelled?? No I dont think so.. Baby why dont you just leave this alone before all your dirty laundry is aired..
Posted by suzanna522 (anonymous) on January 3, 2009 at 10:40 p.m. (Suggest removal)
WELL DANG OLD MAN, YOU REALLY DON'T HAVE A LIFE DO YOU??? AND YOU ARE RIGHT, I WOULD PROBABLY JUST CONSIDER THE SOURCE IF I REALLY KNEW WHO YOU WERE. BESIDES IT'S BEST THAT I DON'T KNOW. AND I'M SURE YOU NEED TO CLEAN AROUND YOUR OWN DOOR STEPS BEFORE YOU TRY CLEANING AROUND SOMEONE ELSE'S. THIS IS WHAT I MEANT BY YOU RETARDED PEOPLE, THIS IS SO FAR OFF FROM WHERE THIS WHOLE BLOG FIRST STARTED. BUT LIKE I SAID, NICE TO KNOW YOU'RE SO EASLILY ENTERTAINED DRAMA QUEEN!!!
Posted by vanrob64 (anonymous) on January 3, 2009 at 10:47 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Ya'll do realize that there are alot of people reading this and it's not sounding good.
Posted by southernbell (anonymous) on January 3, 2009 at 10:48 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Suzanna522, way to go, I agree with you. I know floralasdrama and he definitley needs to clean around his own door steps before trying to clean around someone else's. You just have to ignore stupid people.
Posted by floralasdrama (anonymous) on January 3, 2009 at 10:55 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Its drama king sweetie.... a man cant be a queen now can he??? But ol'suzanna you are the one that admitted the guilt of messing w/your sisters husband!!! Shame on you.. Well you are right that this is not sounding good but she has to have her self straightened out for her.. Well, everyone enjoy because she is not worth my time anymore on this... isnt this suppose to be about what RED did and not about who is who.. Red is in jail now why dont we all just let him rest peacefull on his cot..
Posted by tigergirl (anonymous) on January 3, 2009 at 11:11 p.m. (Suggest removal)
this is so funny i have been reading this story from the beganing and only a few of you make any since. For the mathis family i am proud to have them in florala if it was not for them Florala would not look as good as it does now if it was not for them the town would not have all the decorations around Christmas time. I have known them for many years and they are a great family. why bring them into this.They have not a thing to do with what Red does Red has always done what Red wants.
Posted by suzanna522 (anonymous) on January 4, 2009 at 12:21 a.m. (Suggest removal)
FINALLY, THANK YOU TIGERGIRL!!! YOU SAID IT ALL!!!
Posted by lee (anonymous) on January 4, 2009 at 1:15 a.m. (Suggest removal)
CAN'T WE ALL JUST GET ALONG....
Posted by sickntired (anonymous) on January 4, 2009 at 6:46 a.m. (Suggest removal)
good god people, i take a break for 3 days and look what happens... Red's Guilty, Red's Innocent... but what does all this other crap have to do with it? I hope you're reading a few particular parts of this Sonny B, it doesn't take much to read between the lines and see what kinda crap your department is up to, these are just everyday citizens making comments. That's all beside the point though, this article is about Red Thames and Red Thames only, and I don't care how much you love Red, we know Red more than you think we do. It's funny how some families live in the fantasy that nobody knows their son/brother like they do. Well I hate it, but you grow up with somebody and I see the Red that you choose not to see. Red is guilty of a lot, including very violent crimes, whether or not he gets caught on every offense has no bearing on the fact that he is a common thug. Take it how you can get it FPD, you might not have anything else on him, but you got this by god, and no amount of snitching in the world should keep him from the pen this time.
Posted by sickntired (anonymous) on January 4, 2009 at 6:52 a.m.
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Posted by lizzy36455 (anonymous) on January 4, 2009 at 2:05 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Finally this is Drew Red's son the one all ya'll have been talking about! My dad is not like ya'll are saying he is. He is the best father any kid could ever ask for. There is not one day that goes by that I don't hear from him or see him. He has always been here for me since day one. I think I should know my father better than all you people who have never even met him or know anything about him other than what you hear. I know how Florala PD has always harassed him and are always out to get him. So to all of you who don't know him...Could you please keep your mouths shut!! Because my dad is not no bad person and if you knew him you would know that. And as far as you people that are talking about me on here....What have I done to you? Last time I checked this story on here was about my father....Not Florala's Drama, Mark Anderson, Me, or anyone else. So it looks like you people are the ones who need to grow up!! Not my dad!!!
Posted by rustynail1 (anonymous) on January 4, 2009 at 3:32 p.m. (Suggest removal)
someone told me this crap was getting crazy on here. HEY ANDALUSIA STAR NEWS, why don't you delete this crap. It's a good idea, but it is turning into a gradeschool name calling contest. What's the point?
Posted by lookeyhere (anonymous) on January 4, 2009 at 3:53 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Hahah!! Oh that was funny, the part about the FPD is always out to get this dude, Hahah, Oh my stomach is hurting, please keep on telling these good jokes.
Posted by floralasdrama (anonymous) on January 4, 2009 at 4:52 p.m. (Suggest removal)
HHAHAHA lookeyhere!!!!!! That is a child that you are talking to and I dont think that is right..... You know that you are a sorry P.O.S. for saying that to a child!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Posted by lookeyhere (anonymous) on January 4, 2009 at 6:14 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Hahah oh here is another Florala idiot! Im serious, I have not laughed this hard since I watched a Florala city council meeting Oh my side is hurting now Hahah!!.
Posted by patwilliam (anonymous) on January 4, 2009 at 6:16 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Drew, I commend you for speaking out....you go baby! I personally do not know your dad, but my feelings are that he is innocent until proven guilty, (as all of you have said about past posts), and that he should not be convicted here. Drew is way to young to be having to deal with this kind of outrage against his father. Apparently, he is proud of him and he loves him, and he's a good dad to his son. All of the adults need to give it a break here and stop criticizing him so harshly before you know all the facts. I don't know the facts surrounding this case, NOR DO YOU!, so for the love of God, give it a break! He was a man, who ran from the law (not to mention, he's not the first in Florala's history), and he turned himself in.....it's over...he will pay his dues and serve his time....
Posted by mommy (anonymous) on January 4, 2009 at 6:58 p.m. (Suggest removal)
so sickntired, you think for little crimes, RED should spend the next 25 plus years in jail for a crime he is being accused of ,attempted murder? thats wrong. little slaps on the hand should not lead up to that. and you say he has commited violent crimes??? if they were that bad WHY would a cop just let it go by?? Do you all know how this makes your law inforcement look up there? YES LIKE _____. I dont know that area that much, but what i have heard there is no LAW so pretty much you all get away with crimes up there, no matter what it be speeding, drugs, drinking, violent, it really doesnt matter, YOU WALK. so maybe the new Chief of police there will crack down, and when he does some of you all may be sitting in a jail cell also. YES RED did something wrong, but i dont think att. murder WHAT IF IT WERE YOU?????? watch it, you maybe next?????
Posted by mommy (anonymous) on January 4, 2009 at 7:09 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Drew you are right your dad loves you with all his HEART. RED never stops talking about you. He would say Drew is out hunting or whatever and im going to be close behind. Ive even ask RED are you going to go on his dates with him HAHA. So you KEEP your head high and dont let all this gossip bother you, as your dad would say they have nothing better to do with there time. ONLY GOD knows, the truth will come out it will just take time, and yes time does hurt, to be away from your DAD RED LOVES YOU and thats all you need to know for now TAKE CARE
Posted by sickntired (anonymous) on January 4, 2009 at 9:38 p.m. (Suggest removal)
again with the fantasy, firstly, let me set the record straight, if Red is innocent, then NO, I don't think he deserves time, but do I believe that Red shot at the car? It would not surprise me one bit. Do I think that constitutes attempted murder? You're darn right it does, anytime you intentionally point a firearm at someone and pull the trigger, it is an attempt to seriously injure, or kill. I suppose if it had struck the officer then you'd be saying it was an accident? Involuntary? I guess the windshield of a police cruiser isn't anywhere near the officer driving the vehicle. If lead is embedded in the windshield I can garauntee you it didn't fall from a tree, I don't recall reading about anyone shooting any unmanned police windshields.
Posted by kelly446290 (anonymous) on January 4, 2009 at 10:05 p.m. (Suggest removal)
first off sickntired let me tall you something there might be led in the window but hello it can be from anything not just a bullet. you people need to leave this man and there family alone they are hurting enough as it is we all are and we are all worried sick about red this is one of our loved ones in this mess not just some random joe like he is to you. why dont you think about our feelings haveing to see someone that we love and care about going through this its bad enough on us we dont need to see this crap from you or anyone else. so why your sitting there bashing him think about us having to get on here and reading this. we know red we know what kind of person he is and he is not a COP KILLER he is a good person that does not think before he does stuff he would never shoot at a cop or anyone else so before you judge you need to know him like i do and like his family does we know the real RED....and for all of you people talking about him being a bad dad hahaha thats really funny because he is one of the best dads i have ever seen just because he makes bad choices in his life it does not mean he is a bad father but i guess drew let yall know all of that when he wrote on here if anyone knows what kind of father he is its him. JUST STOP ALL THE CRAP TALKING AND GET A LIFE....
Posted by rabbit2300 (anonymous) on January 5, 2009 at 12:52 a.m. (Suggest removal)
if he shot at the car it is att murder. if he hit the car it is assault. if he just ran it can be a few things. but in the end why not just stop then this would not be such a big thing. better yet if u dont have a license dont drive.
Posted by Conin1 (anonymous) on January 5, 2009 at 6:43 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Very simple explanation rabbitt2300, I like it.
Let us all keep in mind that children watch our every move and often want to be just like a parent, grandparent, teacher, coach, etc. I am not here to judge this man as that is not my place in more ways than one. I will, however, lend a bit of parenting advice to the family. If a child sees such a person as described above continue to conduct themselves as has been proven over and over in this case and be yet "stood-up for" by other adults, what does that child learn?
Now I know, at this point, someone is going to come on here and say, " He knows what his Dad did was wrong but he still loves him."......... As he should. Next, someone will say, "He does somethings wrong but that does not make him a bad father. He talks to him everday and makes sure he gets everything he needs." Bravo Red. So you are providing the fundamental need as a father - just as father's have done for centuries. That does not make you special.
I don't know where "some" (not all) of you got your idea of a good parent from but just because you speak to your kid on the phone and kick the babies momma some money does not make you a father. It makes you a sperm donor. If you want to be a dad - act like one which does not include running from the law and having a bad reputation in the community. Set an example because dads, they are watching.
As for the family members here getting mad, support the child and Red. They both need you now. But don't try to make him father of the year because you have all clearly stated he is not.
Posted by walnutwilly (anonymous) on January 5, 2009 at 6:55 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I think that every Mayberry has an Otis........
Posted by giver17 (anonymous) on January 5, 2009 at 10:16 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Well i'm probably a lot younger than most of you, and a lot smarter. I just wanted to say that this is extremly ridiculous, you all really should grow up and act like mature adults. You are all making a bad name for Florala, or actually just portraying the image Florala citizens have made for the town as well as themselves. This isn't even about Red Thames anymore, which it should be if you people couldn't figure that out and just thought this was just a site to talk about each other on. For Red's mother and family I am sorry and wish you all the best, after all only a mother can understand that he might have done wrong, but he will always be your little boy. To all of you who keep bringing Drew in this, please stop. The boy is hurting and no matter what anyone says, thats still his daddy and he loves him.
We all know what Red has done in the past, but thats the past. Tomorrow is a new day and hopefully he will learn from his mistakes. People aren't born bad, they make bad decisions, but they can always turn themselves around for the better. To Suzanna and floralasdrama, ya'll really should not blog again, your doing nothing but making everyone realize how immature ya'll are. You both are hurting others as well as yourselves, so stop being selfish and quit the drama. We are tired of hearing it. Do all of us a favor and don't blog on this anymore.
Posted by floralasdrama (anonymous) on January 6, 2009 at 2:14 a.m. (Suggest removal)
giver17..... If you dont like what is being said on this site you do not have to come on here and read it!!! I am sorry but youre the one that said that you are probably alot younger than most of the people on here.. SO do us a favor and go back in your little room and play some guitar hero or something and the adult things to us...!!!!!
Posted by concerned (anonymous) on January 6, 2009 at 9:54 a.m. (Suggest removal)
HEY GUYS, this is getting old. check out the DOSTER story. This is something WE ALL will agree on. STICK TOGETHER ALABAMA.
Posted by Blondie (anonymous) on January 7, 2009 at 3:45 a.m. (Suggest removal)
OH MY GOSH!
I have never seen such in all of my life! It doesnt matter if this man had 10 kids, was the mayor of Florala, was running for police chief, wanted to open a grocery store, or had a new boat to run in the lake, the law was broken, and he will be held accountable for what he did, no matter what anyone writes on this page!
What makes me mad, is knowing that this wasnt the first time that he pulled a stunt like this, and yet he was still riding the roads as of this day! what about all of the other people that were on these roads this day that did not have a clue what was going on? Thank God no one else was involved, but if they had, then what would Red say? "I'm sorry?" also? Then what, there would be a family that would have to morn the loss of a loved one because of pure stupidity! Treat him as you would anyone else that broke the law, and let the law judge him! If this is a common thing for him to do, THEN GET HIM OFF OF THE STREETS BEFORE IT IS TO LATE!
Posted by daleriley2 (anonymous) on January 9, 2009 at 7:31 p.m.
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Posted by daleriley2 (anonymous) on January 9, 2009 at 7:38 p.m.
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Posted by rolltide2008 (anonymous) on January 10, 2009 at 4:59 p.m.
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Posted by 4me2know (anonymous) on January 10, 2009 at 5:36 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Justice is on the verge of being served. His activities have gone on for way too long and I for one was starting to believe he would never pay. What do you suppose he had in that truck that was so important he would run and even (alledgedly) shoot at someone chasing him? Surely it wasn't drugs... It would of course explain why the Drug Task Force met with him....
Posted by daleriley2 (anonymous) on January 10, 2009 at 9:25 p.m.
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Posted by rolltide2008 (anonymous) on January 10, 2009 at 10:18 p.m.
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Posted by daleriley2 (anonymous) on January 10, 2009 at 11:26 p.m.
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Posted by ericriley (anonymous) on January 11, 2009 at 12:05 a.m.
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Posted by ericriley (anonymous) on January 11, 2009 at 12:12 a.m.
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Posted by lizzy36455 (anonymous) on January 11, 2009 at 8:17 a.m.
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Posted by lizzy36455 (anonymous) on January 11, 2009 at 8:44 a.m.
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Posted by sickntired (anonymous) on January 11, 2009 at 12:07 p.m.
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Posted by kelly446290 (anonymous) on January 11, 2009 at 1:39 p.m.
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Posted by daleriley2 (anonymous) on January 11, 2009 at 6:11 p.m.
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Posted by rolltide2008 (anonymous) on January 11, 2009 at 7:29 p.m.
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Posted by partyofsix (anonymous) on January 12, 2009 at 12:30 a.m. (Suggest removal)
So this was the idiot that came flying down Robinson Road doing 100? I stand up and applaud you for being a complete and utter douche.
He could have killed someone coming around the turns, hills or pulling out of their driveways. Did he think an "I'm sorry" was going to let him off the hook? Maybe the next time he isn't so lucky and DOES kill someone. Is an apology going to cover the lose of a loved one? I don't think so. He deserves to be in jail for his actions. From the comments I've been reading, he should have been jailed long ago for mere lack of brain function.
Also, to all the people on here posting he said/she said rubbish about who this one is sneaking around with, who's arses are getting kicked (you must still be in high school) how much money 'Granny's' given, etc.:
THIS IS AN ONLINE NEWSPAPER SITE!! NOT A COMMUNITY CHAT FORUM!! TAKE YOUR SOAP OPERA ELSEWHERE!!
Your intelligence are showing with each comment you make and that's NOT a good thing.
Shame on you Andalusia Star for allowing all the BS that doesn't pertain to this article continue!