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Investigation continues into Marion's melee
Published Monday, August 24, 2009
Marion Chief of Police Tony Buford, left, talks strategy with officers from various departments Monday morning in Marion where about 150 people took to the streets after a weekend of tension between two of the largest families in the city.
MARION — Authorities continue to sort out the events over the weekend that led to a confrontation among about 150-175 individuals here in this town of about 3,290 that forced police chief Tony Buford to call for assistance from area law enforcement, including Alabama State Troopers.
Tension between the two largest families in town escalated into a fight Sunday on Thompson Street then carried over to Francis Marion High School Monday morning. The fight at the high school resulted in a mass of people carrying clubs, bats, tire irons and other weapons to City Hall. But authorities aren’t sure of the events that led up to the brouhaha or how many people will wind up in jail.
“We’re doing an investigation to see what we come up with,” Buford said in a news conference just hours after the melee on Martin Luther King Memorial Street. “So many were involved in the altercation in front of the police department. I couldn’t tell you all the names of all the people involved. I know some of them and some of them I don’t. The ones that I know, I’m going to try to go ahead and do the necessary paperwork, get with the district attorney’s office and go from there.”
So far, police have arrested five adults and a juvenile and recovered four weapons — one that disappeared from City Hall shortly after the crowd began fighting in the street.
Those arrested are Charles Sawyer, George Sawyer, Littenger Moore, Joseph Moore Curtis Moore and a juvenile. They were jailed in Marion Monday afternoon. The jailer said he had no information on the detainees’ ages or addresses.
Buford said other arrests and charges could follow.
District Attorney Michael Jackson said he and members of the Marion Police Department have leveled charges against those arrested. Jackson could not match the charges with names because he did not have the information in front of him Monday evening.
Jackson said the suspects who received assault in the second-degree charges had two reasons for the charge. First, if any person physically harms an officer in Alabama, the person receives the second-degree charge. Second, those who were fighting with sticks or other weapons were charged with second-degree assault because an instrument was used.
Bonds were set for those arrested, but Jackson did not know who received which bond.
“Bonds have been set and the highest one I know is $250,000,” he said.
Cynthia Walker, a member of one family involved in the incident, said the tension developed after three men allegedly jumped on her son after a basketball game during the weekend.
“He needs to get from over there,” Walker said of her son. “He was on the wrong turf.”
One of the men who allegedly threatened Walker’s son had three teardrop tattoos under his eyes.
Said Walker, “He told me he’d put two more under there, one for my son and one for the other boy. He said he’ll show them what those tattoos are all about.”
Gang specialists in Chicago say teardrop tattoos have different meanings. Under the eyes, the tattoos can mean the person wearing them killed someone in or out of prison. The tattoos also are gang identifiers of the Crips or Bloods, depending on which side of the face the tattoos are worn — left for the Crips and right for the Bloods.
Buford said the verbal altercation between the families broke out on Thompson Street in a location referred to as “The Hill” in Marion on Sunday. The verbal sparring became physical when someone allegedly shot out the back window of a parked vehicle. A 3-year-old was in the vehicle.
Buford said police responded to a call to stop the altercation, but by the time his officers arrived the parties had left.
“We didn’t bring anybody to jail,” he said.
His officers were pushed to make an arrest, but did not, the police chief said, adding the altercation became a target for investigation.
“When we have a situation like that, people want you to come out and just start arresting people. The law don’t work like that.”
Buford had intended to find the people responsible for the shooting on Monday.
“Unfortunately, that brought us to where we are now,” he said.
The police department received a call from Francis Marion High Monday morning that a fight had broken out on campus. The fight was between students and non-students. Walker’s son was not involved.
“The school called us and told us not to let the kids come to school because some threats had been made on their lives,” she said. “When we did get out to school this morning, I felt like the school should’ve done more to protect our kids. Something really needs to be done about that family,” she said.
Officers retrieved two weapons from a car on campus, Buford said.
“That was may main purpose to go ahead and get those guns secured and go ahead and get those folks locked up so we wouldn’t have a situation with somebody getting shot and things of that nature,” he said.
One of the families showed up at the police department to fill out paperwork. While they were in the hall, the other family showed up and another verbal altercation began. As that occurred, others gathered outside.
“Then you had the police between them,” said Buford. “We were way outnumbered, then I called for assistance.”
The crowd pushed. Buford said someone hit him with an iron pipe and the mayor was assaulted. Officers recovered another long gun and a pistol from individuals in the crowd.
“It happened so fast I did the necessary things I thought best just to pull the three police officers out of the way and wait for some help.
Help arrived. Selma sent 10 police officers from the detective, administrative and patrol departments, said Selma police Lt. David Evans.
Other officers and deputies arrived from Bibb, Perry and Marengo counties, Demopolis, Greensboro, Moundsville and Centreville. Alabama State Troopers, members of the Alabama Bureau of Investigation and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms also responded to the calls.
Some remained in Marion Monday night in casse trouble between the two families ignited again, Buford said.
During the melee, one of the confiscated long guns went missing from City Hall.
“The guy responsible is on his way back to return it,” Buford said. “It has sentimental value. He said his grandfather gave it to him.”
Two individuals were taken to the hospital with non-life threatening injuries.
Katie Nichols and Leesha Faulkner contributed to this report.
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Comments
Posted by downwardspiral (anonymous) on August 24, 2009 at 9:15 p.m. (Suggest removal)
All of this over a basketball game.
Posted by popdukes12 (anonymous) on August 24, 2009 at 9:52 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Marion has "turf"? The mayor was assaulted? This is so wrong for such a beautiful little town. A fond memory is marching to church on Sunday morning (from MMI) down the main street in Marion, a million years ago. popdukes12
Posted by tiredofthistown (anonymous) on August 25, 2009 at 7:41 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Quite ironic that all this started on Martin Luther King Memorial Street.
Posted by renigade (anonymous) on August 25, 2009 at 8:31 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Selma hits front page of Mobile Press Register!!! Selma appears on the front page of the Mobile Paper due to it's adjanct location to Marion Al. Remember " Apples don't fall far from the tree." This type pubilicty is one reason the Black Belt suffers. Mayor Long of Marion is quoted in the Mobile Press saying - This episod was an embarrassment to the area and harms the Black Belt Struggle to diversify economically.I salute the words of Mayor Long!!!
Posted by me (anonymous) on August 25, 2009 at 8:43 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Marion, Al also hits foxnews. I read this on their website this morning.
Posted by outoftowner (anonymous) on August 25, 2009 at 8:45 a.m. (Suggest removal)
So much for small town living. When I retire (next year)I always wanted to live in a small town in the south. But from what I’ve been reading over the last few years I think I just stay here in the north where I know the person that is trying to take me out.
Posted by outoftowner (anonymous) on August 25, 2009 at 8:48 a.m. (Suggest removal)
we saw it here in Pennsylvania
Posted by eyeonyou (anonymous) on August 25, 2009 at 8:54 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Community Implosion at it's worst. Total incivility. And this is the same community that was on the national news just 9 months ago boasting about being the first town in the nation to observe "Obama Day" before he ever took office. What a transition, huh?!?! Can't wait to hear the excuses from the local "Perry County Mouth-Piece".
Posted by Sensible (anonymous) on August 25, 2009 at 9:27 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Outoftowner, don't let the actions of a bunch of bunch of idiots influence your view of small southern towns. There are a lot of great towns in the south that don't have this type of behavior. They just aren't anywhere around here. The blackbelt in central Alabama is not representative of most of Alabama. Plain and simple, there are alot of ignorant people in this area. This is not going to change. Ever! There are a lot of good, well meaning people that try every day to make positive change but stupidity breeds stupidity. The black leaders in the black belt don't do anything except continually contribute to this backward way of thinking. Albert Turner, Rose and Hank Sanders, etc. This is uncivilized behavoir plain and simple. Until these so-called leaders actually try and change the way these people think and stop nurturing distrust in educated people, violence and stupidity will continue to be a way of life in the blackbelt.
Posted by Wedgie (anonymous) on August 25, 2009 at 9:31 a.m. (Suggest removal)
All those tired of Selma, move to Marion. What's really ironic is that Chief Buford commented on the fact that they just didn't have enough police officers to handle the situation. I am glad to see Chief Riley is stressing that Selma needs more police and better pay to the Mayor and Council. They had better listen or this could happen in Selma.
Posted by Seaoat (anonymous) on August 25, 2009 at 10:42 a.m. (Suggest removal)
This riot has nothing to do with the number of policemen hired in the city of Marion. There is no way for a small town force to control over 300 individuals participating in such riot. It took a force from at least seven forces to get this feud under control. I am sure CNN and Fox News have made quite a story of this event. Again, "Bad, Bad" publicity for the southern towns of the Blackbelt. Let's hope the city of Selma does not encouter such an event which brings the attention of National Headlines.
Posted by mccrary36703 (anonymous) on August 25, 2009 at 11:07 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Oh I must say this was really sad. Just looking at the conditions of my people and I can say that because I am an African American proud black man with a vision that my people will overcome all this madness in their environment. I love the south and will always love it, even though I am from the north. I love Selma, Marion, and most of the black belt because there is rich history there. We as a people must stop hating on one another and don't be so selffish. I am no better then the next black person, I am trying to make just like my neighbor I might not have a car but I have feet, thank you Jesus. My house may not be a brick house but I am glad I have a shack that is paid for. My child may not be book smart but he is the best basketball player in the State Of Alabama. So see my people we all are somebody.
Posted by antnee09 (anonymous) on August 25, 2009 at 11:23 a.m. (Suggest removal)
I commend your comments mccrary36703. I am a proud black man as well. I love Selma, Marion, Uniontown,and all these small towns. There is absolutely nothing like growing up in a small town. I think it also gives you a sense of humility. I no longer live in Selma but, when I am older, I would love to move back to small living...nice and quiet, in the country. A bunch of nuckle heads says nothing about all blacks nor says anything about me... I have worked hard for myself. I have my own place, car, have a Masters... all that good stuff. One group of people does not define me or my whole race.....
Posted by yellowroseofTexas (anonymous) on August 25, 2009 at 11:30 a.m. (Suggest removal)
I have to wonder how Martin Luther King would react to such behavior and attitude. Is this mess what he died for?!! Once again civil rights include civil responsibilities!!!!
Posted by eyeonyou (anonymous) on August 25, 2009 at 12:51 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I don't think anyone on here has pigeon holed anyone. Just because your race mirrors the people in Marion doesn't mean that you are automatically thrown into that category of uncivilized and brutally ignorant actions. Relax people. This is when you recognize the stupidity and rise above it only to better Selma...and assure this NEVER happens here. I just can't get over the disregard for authority, the animalistic mentality and such hostility for others. And just think about how many children where there watching and observing every move made. I tell you, they are learning from the best over there. Sickening.
Posted by I_saw_what_you_did_in_Selma (anonymous) on August 25, 2009 at 1:07 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I'm not sure there are any cities/towns - large or small - who have a police force that could single-handedly manage a riot comprised of nearly 10% of their citizens. So, I don't really fault Marion on that.
What I do find sad is that these people (the rioting bunch) can find the time to spend nearly a full day (or two in the case of a few of them) arguing over something stupid in the streets, but if the town called for a rally to help do something constructive, not a one of them would have had a minute of time to spare.
outoftowner - I promise you not all small southern towns are this way. We seldom lock the house, almost always sleep with the windows open, feel safe after dark, and have no fear of letting the kids play outside. I don't live in a rich area, either - just one where people have some pride. Crime still hits the front page of our local paper just like everywhere else in the nation. But it's kids stealing street signs and somebody hitting a mailbox and leaving the scene. Oh, and then there was the indicent where a 6-pack of beer was stolen off of someone's back porch.
mccrary - brick houses are over-rated. Give me a stick house and a nice iniviting fronch porch where friends and family can gather any day over one of those brick McMansions.
Posted by GEHAZI (anonymous) on August 25, 2009 at 2:30 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Out of town person stay where you are. At least you know what you surroundings are. Good luck with your retirement.
Posted by Bama123456 (anonymous) on August 25, 2009 at 2:52 p.m. (Suggest removal)
It is a shame that people do not know how to conduct themselves and have nothing better to do then start a riot and cause trouble in a small town.
Posted by eyeonyou (anonymous) on August 25, 2009 at 4:46 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Yeah, it's a sad state of affairs. Someone shooting out of the back of a car with a 3 year old in it? Kids being told not to attend school for fear of their protection? Death threats being made? This all sounds like a scenario of a 3rd world country or prison thuggery.
And tell me again what great "Changes" have been made in this country and blackbelt area and this great awe aspiring "new day" for the people?? HAhaha No, no, no...it's the people that are surrounded by this garbage that are suffering. Who are the real victims here? The innocent people trying to live life right, work, pay bills, raise children right, educate the young, setting examples, being leaders, respecting others, understanding RIGHT from wrong, not living by excuses, and on and on and on are the ones that are being WRONGED around here. If you don't care enough about yourself, then why the **** should anyone else care?????
Posted by SonofKhabibulin (anonymous) on August 25, 2009 at 7:02 p.m. (Suggest removal)
why did they stop the fight????
Posted by nowhining (anonymous) on August 26, 2009 at 12:09 a.m. (Suggest removal)
I believe the reason they stopped the fight was the inocent were the ones getting injured (the Mayor etc.) If they had only been hurting themselves, maybe it could have gone on for awhile.
eyeonyou, I agree. We who work for a living, plug along everyday doing the RIGHT thing, are the poeple who are hurt when the National News Media shows up in Marion AL over garbage. It's the people who are unemplyed, but have worked all of their lives, for new companies aren't coming in with riots going on. It's the image we don't want to portay to the rest of the nation.
I want to applaud Marion's Mayor and Police Chief, they were totally profession in how they responded to this situation.
This is just an example of how "One bad apple can ruin the whole bunch", because the other 90% of Marion residents were minding their own business. PLEASE people, we need to become a showcase of how to live and get along, our unemployment rate is 20% in this area, and NO company will come here with news reports of high crime, and stupid riots going on. If we get people back working in this area we won't loose population. WE ARE BECOMING A GHOST TOWN.
Posted by Wedgie (anonymous) on August 26, 2009 at 3:26 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Seaoat, you are correct. No police force could have stopped a riot but proactive policing can often deter it. The more police presence the least likelyhood a situation like that would esculate. I don't know where you are getting 300 individuals I think it was maybe half that but, at the time of the riot I understand they only had 2 police officers on duty. As far as something like that happening in Selma, does the 1991 school and City Hall take over ring a bell. Remember the CNN, ABC, NBC, FOX affiliate trucks lining Broad St. It has already happened here and could very well happen again one day. That was basically the beginning of where Selma is now.
Posted by Snake (anonymous) on August 26, 2009 at 3:33 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Holy smoke.....how the times have changed! I can remember 50 years ago, when I was a senior at MMI, where the worse thing that happened all year in Marion was a tornado that passed in an open field near town....the year before! This "news" of this incident hit the New Orleans Times-Picayune paper today and I read the story almost in disbelief.
"This couldn't be MARION", I said as I read on, but after speaking with a friend on the MMI campus today, I learned that in fact, it was! What a sad commentary on what society, in general, has degenerated to over that period of time. It begs the question, "what will it be like in another 50 years"?
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