Standoff suspect headed to trial

Published 12:03 am Saturday, January 21, 2012

The trial against an Andalusia man accused of firing on police officers during a three-hour standoff last April will begin Monday.

John Paul Williams, then-45, is facing four counts of attempted murder, one count of making a terroristic threat and one count of domestic violence. Williams, who was suicidal at the time of the incident, is charged with allegedly shooting at officers while they attempted to negotiate his surrender from his Arnold Street home.

District Attorney Walt Merrell, who is prosecuting the case, said Friday that Williams’ case is one of several cases scheduled for trial next week in circuit court.

Other cases slated for trial include:

• Janice Stackhouse, who is charged with unlawful distribution of a controlled substance and intimidating a witness. Attorney: Joe Sawyer.

• Donald Ray Grimes, who is charged with unlawful possession of a controlled substance, possession of drug paraphernalia and driving while under the influence. Attorney: Bill Alverson.

• Carlos Gantt, who is charged with robbery I and theft of property III. Attorney: Riley Powell.

• Ivan Nathaniel Pickron, who is charged with unlawful possession of a controlled substance. Attorney: Charles A. Burgess III.