HOUSTON COUNTY: A Henry County Sheriff Patrol Deputy clocked a vehicle at a high rate of speed on Saturday morning.
The Henry County Sheriff Patrol Deputy turned around, activating his blue lights and siren. The vehicle sped up.
The police pursuit took a turn from a county road onto Henry County Road 99 which leads from Headland to Abbeville.
Henry County has four primary law enforcement agencies which are Henry County Sheriff Department, Abbeville Police Department, Newville Police Department and Headland Police Department.
Henry County Sheriff Department, Abbeville Police Department and Newville Police Department operate in the same radio channel with Headland Police Department operating on a radio with only their department. The Henry County Central dispatch is located in the old Headland Police Department.
With Abbeville Police operating on the same radio the Abbeville Police Officer was able to get into a position to deploy the spikes.
07:14. Northbound on Henry County Road 99
07:14. Spike set out by Abbeville Police
07:14. The chase passing County Rd .41
07:15.Spikes set and awaiting
07:15. The chase is entering Abbeville city limits. A successful spike which means TIRES FLAT!!!
07:16. Suspect is Driving through yards
07:17. They are located in the 500 block Dothan Road
07:19. Suspect in the 500 block behind a garage. Suspect is in custody of law enforcement.
07:20. Suspect vehicle has Georgia license plates
07:30. Request rescue patient. Suspect has a illness with a medical term “ I AM GOING TO JAIL, I FEEL SICK!!!!”.
The arrest was made at 534 Dothan Road, Abbeville Alabama.
The suspect was transported to Henry County Jail. It was determined the suspect was a felon in possession of a firearm. It was determined that the suspect was on a 15 year probation in Georgia.
The Georgia Pardons and Parole have ahold on the subject. He will remain in Henry County Jail, SITTING for trial. Afterwards he will go to Georgia where his probation/parole will most likely be revoked.
Henry County Sheriff Eric Blankenship was on the scene.
In 1969, the social event would be organized into what is now known as the Panhandle Watermelon Festival, led by former Washington County Extension Agent Red Davis.
“We always try to remember that our watermelon festival is part of our history, that it first was a celebration at the end of the year for those who helped in the fields,” said Peel.
About 100 people are thought to have been in attendance at the first event in 1956, and more than 5,000 attendees were estimated in 2015. The festival continues to grow every year!
FUQUA BANKSTON FUNERAL HOME IN CHARGE OF ARRANGEMENTS
ECHO COMMUNITY…Mr. Wally Olson, a resident of the Echo Community, died Wednesday morning, June 18, 2025, in Dale Medical Center. He was 53.
Funeral services, with full law enforcement honors, will be held at 2:00 P.M. Saturday, June 21, 2025, at the Ozark Civic Center with Pastor Josh Sims officiating. The family will receive friends from 12:00 until 2:00 P.M. Saturday at the Civic Center. Fuqua Bankston Funeral Home of Ozark is in charge of arrangements.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Teen Challenge, PO Box 151, Lincoln, Alabama 35096.
Wally was born and raised in Dale County, and he never strayed far from the place he called home. He had a deep love for his community, one that ran through every season of his life. His journey in law enforcement began humbly, starting as a jailer at the Dale County Jail. At the same time, he served as a part-time officer with the Ariton Police Department—balancing long hours, learning the ropes, and earning the respect of those around him. You could say he was built for service, and that calling grew stronger with time.
As the years went on, Wally’s dedication and integrity carried him forward. He became a Dale County Deputy, where he built strong relationships and became a steady presence to both his colleagues and the people he served. In 2007, he was elected Sheriff—a role he embraced wholeheartedly. For the next 16 years, he gave his all to the badge, leading with compassion, fairness, and an unwavering belief in doing the right thing. He treated people with dignity, even in the toughest moments, and he stood by his community not just as a lawman, but as a neighbor and friend.
After retiring in 2023, Wally wasn’t one to sit still. He continued to serve in a new capacity as a Security Analyst with M1 at Fort Novosel. Even in that chapter of his life, he brought the same sharp mind and strong heart that had defined his career from the beginning. Wally also enjoyed serving the community after retirement, by working with Fuqua Bankston Funeral Home in Ozark, a job that he enjoyed..
But beyond all the titles and accomplishments, Wally was, above all else, a family man. He was a devoted Christian who leaned on his faith in both good times and hard times. He poured love into his family, especially his daughters, who were the light of his life. His eyes would brighten any time he spoke about them, and his love was felt in the big moments and the quiet, everyday ones too.
He was an active member of Faith Christian Center in Ozark, where his faith wasn’t just a part of his life—it was the foundation of it. Wally lived out his beliefs not just in words, but in how he treated others, how he gave his time, and how he showed up with strength and kindness again and again.
Wally leaves behind a legacy of service, faith, and deep love—a life well-lived and a heart that will be deeply missed by all who knew him. His story is one of dedication, humility, and the kind of quiet heroism that makes a lasting impact. He may be gone, but his spirit will always live on in the lives he touched and the community he served so faithfully.
Surviving relatives include his wife, Brandy Stafford Olson; two daughters, Emma Claire Olson and Ellie Grace Olson; his parents, Gary and Alice Bludsworth Olson; relatives from the Stafford family, father-in-law and mother-in-law, Mack and Sheila Casey Stafford; brother-in-law, Michael Stafford; nephew, Christopher Stafford (Mikayla), and their children, J.T. and Mary Grace; aunts and uncles from the Bludsworth family, Wallace Bludsworth (Judy), James Bludsworth (Evy), Tony Bludsworth (Debbie), Terry Bludsworth (Merri), Ann Fisher (Jack), Elaine England, Geraldine Hill (Ron), Dale Nelson (Ron), Agnes Reaves, and his special second mama, Carolyn Tolbert; numerous cousins and friends.
Serving as active pallbearers will be members of the Dale County Sheriff’s Office.
DOTHAN: 08:35 AM. DOTHAN 911 dispatched a structure fire at Carriage House Apartments, 111 Sheila Drive in Dothan.
At the time of dispatch it was reported smoke and flames visible.
At the time of arrival Dothan Fire was unsure if all occupants were out of the residence. An aggressive attack was established. Incoming fire engines connected to fire hydrants and fireman began an aggressive attack and search to make sure all occupants were out of the apartment and apartments adjacent to the fire.
There was heavy smoke reported by the fireman from the attic area. Dothan Fire reported a working fire with an offensive attack.
In a very short period of time Dothan Fire Department reported an “all clear” in primary search which meant no one was found in side. Dothan Fire Arial unit was deployed and spraying water from the roof downward.
Anyone with scene pictures TEXT RICKEY 334-790-1729.
Great response and aggressive attack. Carriage House Apartments is a multi family residential setting.
Dothan Police and Pilcher Ambulance were on the scene with Dothan Fire Department.
