Luxury yacht stolen from The Wharf's docks

55-foot vessel, the Full Moon, valued at $800,000
Thursday, July 31, 2008
By GUY BUSBY
Staff Reporter

Orange Beach police are looking for an $800,000 motor yacht that was last seen moored near the Intracoastal Waterway on Tuesday night, but was missing from its slip Wednesday morning.

The 55-foot vessel, named the Full Moon, was taken from its berth at a boat dealership, Gulf Coast Hatteras, at The Wharf sometime after 5 p.m. Tuesday, Lt. Steve Brown of the Orange Beach Police Department said Wednesday. The theft was discovered Wednesday morning, he said.

"We know for certain it was there between 5 and 7 yesterday and this morning it was gone," Brown said. "We believe it was moved in the middle of the night, but can't confirm that, yet."

Mobile Press-Register

National Kids Night Out in Orange Beach

Submitted by Glenda Beech

Hot summer days filled with splashing, biking and camps is coming to a close as the summer break wraps up in preparation of the new school year. To add some excitement in closing out the summer, the Orange Beach Police Department will host the 3rd Annual “National Kids Night Out” program for the community.

National Kids Night Out will be held on Monday, August 4, 2008 at the Orange Beach Waterfront Park from 6 to 8 p.m. This National program brings fun activities for the children and families with an emphasis on safety. Officers of the police department will give parents the opportunity to fingerprint, collect DNA samples (mouth swabs), photo ID’s of their children, which will be kept on file at the OBPD, and renewed annually.

Volunteers are needed for the event so feel free to contact Kris Roberts or Karen Keith for information at 251-981-9777 or visit the OBPD website at www.obpd.org.

Participants should wear swimsuits or appropriate apparel for water activities, and be prepared to get wet. This is a family oriented event that is open to children up to age 13, and the OBPD requests that the parent or guardian accompany children at all times.

Along with water slides, moon walks and plenty of “get wet” activities, refreshments including hot dogs, chips and drinks will be provided. Don’t miss the opportunity to dunk “Chief Billy” and “Assistant Chief Duck” in the famous dunking booth.

A special thanks to this years Title Sponsor, Columbia Southern University, for their support in making the event possible for the community. CSU is a learning partner with the City of Orange Beach offering online educational opportunities for obtaining higher education degrees including special focuses on public safety.

The event if free and is located on the north side of Canal Road just under one mile East of Highway 161 in Orange Beach at Waterfront Park. Come out and celebrate National Kids Night Out in your hometown.

For additional information contact
Kris Roberts at 981-9777

Orange Beach police rape investigation goes forward

Chief expresses confidence in officers
Thursday, May 29, 2008
By RYAN DEZEMBER
Staff Reporter

Baldwin County authorities continue to investigate a woman's claims that she was raped by a trio of Orange Beach policemen, though neither District Attorney Judy Newcomb nor Sheriff's Department spokesman Maj. Anthony Lowery would discuss details Wednesday.

Meanwhile, Orange Beach Police Chief Billy Wilkins said that he is "confident" that none of the six officers on duty that night had any contact with the woman.

Mobile Press-Register

Beach Rape Investigation Expands

WKRG.com Video

Alleged Rape in Orange Beach

WKRG.com Video

Orange Beach police investigating death

Orange Beach police are investigating the death of a 34-year-old man who they found collapsed in his apartment early Monday morning.

An autopsy performed earlier this week by the Alabama Department of Forensic Sciences in Mobile came back inconclusive as to how Donald Matthew Moody died, Orange Beach Police Chief Billy Wilkins said Thursday. And investigators now must wait on the results of toxicology reports, Wilkins said.

Mobile Press-Register

Armed Robbery Surveillance Video Released

By Pat Peterson Reporter

Investigators in Orange Beach hope surveilance video of an armed robbery at the Holiday Inn Express will help them catch the suspect. A night clerk at the hotel was robbed at knifepoint Tuesday morning. News 5 obtained a copy of the hotel's surveilance footage.

Click here to read the full article and watch the video on WKRG-TV5.

Fire and Police Appreciation Dinner set for October 1st

In their annual event, the Orange Beach Community Center (click link for aerial view and map) Association is proud to host its Fire and Police Appreciation Dinner as each department recognizes its officer of the year and to recognized the entire departments for their dedication and hard work. The event and dinner is October 1, with the doors opening at 6pm for you to visit with friends and neighbors as the public is welcome to attend the potluck dinner.

The Association asks you to bring a vegetable or dessert to share with others. Dinner will be served at 6:30 followed by a short recognition presentation. For more information, contact Linda Tucker at 251-981-1942.