Escambia Sheriff Covers Shooting Death, Bomb Threat, Beach Takeover Warning and More

Pensacola, FL (Newsradio 92.3) -- Escambia County Sheriff Chip Simmons joined Pensacola Morning News Tuesday with a busy update — covering a deadly shooting, a school bomb threat, a planned beach takeover, and the ongoing FLOCK camera debate.

Deadly Shooting at 850 Event Center

One person is dead and two others are injured following a shooting outside the 850 Event Center near Fairfield and Delano — the second homicide at that location in less than a year. Simmons says the shooting happened as people were leaving an event and that a fight preceded the gunfire. Investigators have identified 21-year-old Trenton Michael Mason as a person of interest. Simmons says he plans to meet with venue management following this second deadly incident. Anyone with information on Mason's whereabouts is asked to contact the Escambia County Sheriff's Office.

Beulah Middle School Bomb Threat

A bomb threat at Beulah Middle School prompted a significant law enforcement response Tuesday — including a bomb-sniffing dog borrowed from the Santa Rosa County Sheriff's Office. Simmons says a caller claimed to have planted homemade devices set to detonate within a certain time period. Students were moved to a safe location while deputies and the bomb dog searched the building. The school was cleared and students returned to class. Simmons says the threat turned out to be unfounded but says his office takes every call seriously.

Beach Takeover Warning

Simmons says his office has identified the person behind social media posts promoting a so-called beach takeover at Pensacola Beach this Saturday — and has already begun efforts to contact them. He says deputies will have a significant presence at the beach regardless of whether the event materializes, and is warning that anyone whose post leads to injuries or property damage could face criminal charges. Improperly parked vehicles can be towed at double the standard rate.

FLOCK Camera Access Policy

Simmons addressed ongoing questions about who can access his agency's FLOCK license plate reader data — saying outside agencies cannot independently search the system. He says all requests must go through his office, must include a documented purpose and case information, and are logged every time. He says the protocols mirror those already in place for driver's license and criminal history databases.

Other Items

A robbery at a Cumberland Farms on Creighton and Lanier is under investigation after a suspect went behind the counter, implied he had a weapon, and fled. Simmons says video is being reviewed and images of the suspect may be released. Deputy Jeremy Cassidy — shot in the line of duty 15 years ago and who died last year — was added to the state fallen officer memorial wall in Tallahassee this week. And Cookie with a Cop takes place this Thursday from three to four at the Chick-fil-A on Bayou Boulevard.

You can listen to the full interview here.