Mobile County Sheriff Paul Burch said a recent criminal case out of Prichard highlighted ongoing issues with how the Prichard Police Department handles matters.
"We get complaints about Prichard constantly," said Burch. "You know, the lack of service and all that. But that was just the real straw that broke the camel's back."
Following a robbery and shooting at T&J Food Mart in Prichard, Burch told 1819 News that the county had to step in.
He explained, "They hadn't done what they should have done at that stage of the investigation."
The suspect, Rashad Norwood, was on probation, and Burch said his probation officer contacted the sheriff's office after learning of the shooting.
"She presented us with some details on previous arrests where he should have been revoked and sitting in prison, but that was not able to go forward because the PD officer didn't follow through with the signing of arrest warrants after putting him in jail," Burch continued.
Burch said there had been talks about the county contracting with the city to take over law enforcement. Those discussions have been between Burch and community leaders. If that happened, the city's police department would be dissolved, and the city would pay the sheriff's office for deputies.
"Do I think that what needs to happen?" No, because there are a few good people there," he added. "But they need a complete change in leadership, and if that doesn't happen, then dissolving the PD is the only other solution."
Further, Burch said he doesn't want to see crime pouring into the county's jurisdiction.
"Criminals don't just stay in Prichard," he said. "Those criminals don't know any boundaries. So, that Norwood may have done shootings in Prichard, but that [doesn't] mean he won't be in Grand Bay or Baldwin County or the city of Mobile or any of these other smaller municipalities on any given day and commit crimes."
The sheriff's office has officially taken over the Norwood case. Norwood is wanted on attempted murder and first-degree robbery charges.
To connect with the author of this story or to comment, email erica.thomas@1819news.com.
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