Swift Action by Jacksonville Police Leads to Arrest and Discovery of Explosive Devices
Story From The Calhoun Journal:
Jacksonville, AL – The Jacksonville Police Department responded quickly to a call on Saturday, February 8, when a woman reported that she may have been followed by a male subject she had a Protection from Abuse (PFA) order against. With this crucial information, officers were able to track down the suspect and conduct a traffic stop in the parking lot of O’Reilly’s Auto Parts on Pelham Road South.
Officers swiftly apprehended the male, identified as Austine Health Church, 37, of Anniston, and took him into custody without incident. A subsequent inventory search of his vehicle uncovered an alarming array of items. Among the findings were multiple firearms, including rifles and pistols, a selection of loaded magazines, and a pistol containing a Glock Switch – a modification that makes the firearm fully automatic. Also discovered were a bulletproof vest and a bullet-resistant helmet.
The most concerning discovery was what appeared to be altered commercial-grade explosive devices. Authorities immediately secured the area, ensuring the safety of nearby individuals by evacuating the area. The Gadsden Police Department and the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA) bomb squad quickly responded to the scene, assessing the devices and rendering them safe.
Though Church is in police custody, the investigation remains ongoing, with several agencies involved, including the Gadsden Police Department, ALEA Bomb Squad, Alcohol, Tobacco, & Firearms (ATF), the Calhoun/Cleburne Violent Crime Task Force, East Metro Area Crime Center (EMACC), and the Jacksonville State University Police Department.
Church has been charged with the following offenses:
- Violation of Protection Order
- Certain Person Forbidden to Possess Firearms
- Unlawful Possession of a Controlled Substance
- Unlawful Possession of Drug Paraphernalia
- Unlawful Possession of a Short-Barreled Rifle (x2)
Bond and court dates are yet to be determined. Authorities have assured the community that the situation is contained, and there is no ongoing threat to public safety.
The swift actions of the Jacksonville Police Department, aided by the collaborative response of various law enforcement agencies, prevented a potentially dangerous situation and ensured the safety of the community.
