Author: WAKA Action 8 News

Montgomery County Man Sentenced to 317 Years for 2016 Kidnapping, Robbery, & Attempted Murder

A Montgomery County man has been sentenced to 317 years in prison for the 2016 kidnapping, robbery, and attempted murder of a Montgomery woman, District Attorney Daryl Bailey announced today. Kerstin Reese was convicted of Attempted Murder, Robbery First Degree, Kidnapping First Degree, and Criminal Mischief First Degree in June. He faced 99 years or life in prison on three…

Giraffe Dies at Montgomery Zoo

Baby Connye Pictured in 2015 The Montgomery Zoo and Mann Wildlife Learning Museum has announced the passing a member of their giraffe herd, Connye, who was born at the Montgomery Zoo on March 23, 2015. Zookeepers noticed Connye in an unusual position in the early morning hours of Monday, August 12, via the Zoo’s web camera monitoring system.  The animal…

Buckmasters Expo Causes Road Closures in Downtown Montgomery

The Montgomery Police Department would like to make the public aware of upcoming road closures in the Downtown area. Motorists are encouraged to use caution while traveling these areas. Beginning 8:00 a.m.,Thursday, August 15th until 5 p.m. Sunday, August 18th, Molton Street between Tallapoosa Street and Bibb Street will be closed to all vehicular traffic due to the Buckmasters Expo…

Judge Approves Settlement in Concussion Lawsuit Against NCAA

A federal judge has approved an amended settlement in a class-action concussion lawsuit against the NCAA that will establish a 50-year medical-monitoring program for college athletes. The settlement was announced Monday by Hagens Berman, the law firm representing the plaintiffs. The case originated with a claim against the NCAA in 2011 by former Eastern Illinois football player Adrian Arrington. The…

Recent Mass Shooting Prompts the Sell of Bullet-Proof Backpacks

With kids going back to class, parents are thinking about getting school supplies, but some might be surprised by what they see on the shelves at some stores. Backpacks come in all shapes and colors, but now there’s one that can stop a gunshot. Office Depot is among the retailers selling bullet proof backpacks. In addition to full backpacks, some…

Tuscaloosa Man Arrested on Burglary Charges after Woman Wakes and Finds Man Standing at Foot of Her Bed

A paroled burglar is accused of breaking into the bedrooms of sleeping University of Alabama students and robbing them. According to reports, 35-year-old Jim McCoy was arrested Saturday and charged with burglary and criminal trespassing. Tuscaloosa police Lt. Teena Richardson says the investigation into the break-ins may yield additional charges. Police say a woman told officers earlier this month that…

Troy Man Arrested for Alleged Securities Law Violations in Lee and Montgomery Counties

Montgomery County District Attorney Daryl Bailey, Lee County District Attorney Brandon Hughes, and Director of the Alabama Securities Commission (ASC) Joseph Borg, announced that on August 9, Jesse Morgan Hinson, of Troy, was arrested for alleged violations of the Alabama Securities Act. In July, Lee County and Montgomery County Grand Juries returned  indictments.  Hinson was taken into custody and transported…

Four Arrested on Animal Cruelty Charges in Dadeville

The Dadeville Police Department seized nearly 30 dogs, cats, duck, pigs, ferrets and birds from home on Village Street Monday afternoon, after receiving an animal neglect call Sunday afternoon. Four adults were arrested on animal cruelty charges Monday. Cindy Lorett Caron, 45, Jeremy O’Neal Caron, 27, and Sharon Walker Browning, 63, Bobby Wayne Caron 26, all of Dadeville, were each charged…

Excessive Heat Warning Today, Strong Storms Tomorrow

DANGEROUS HEAT LEVELS: As a ridge exerts greater influence over the state, our rain chances remain low and heat levels remain high. Heat index values will reach the 105°-115° range for multiple hours today. Excessive Heat Warnings (fuchsia) and Heat advisories (orange) remain in effect today as the combination of hot temperatures and high humidity will continue to cause dangerous…