NEWS RELEASE
For Immediate Release
December 21, 2007
Contact: Michele Nicholson
Public Information Officer
(850) 651-7420
MAN CHARGED
WITH NICEVILLE BURGLARY
A 19-year old has been charged with burglary with assault and aggravated
battery causing great bodily harm by the Okaloosa County Sheriff's Office.
Jamal Wesley James, with a last known address of Eglin Air Force Base, was
picked up by the Escambia County Sheriff's Office on an outstanding warrant
after being released from a Pensacola hospital. James will be transferred to the
Okaloosa County jail.
James is accused of taking part in a home invasion robbery at the home of
64 year old Harold Crown of Niceville Tuesday night. Crown says
he heard a knock on his
front door around ten p.m. When he opened it, two men in black hooded
sweatshirts and ski masks rushed in and knocked him down. A third man then came
in and began kicking and beating Crown.
Crown grabbed a .45 caliber handgun from a shelf of a bookcase and a
struggle ensued over the gun. Crown says he fired once and didn't hit
anything. He then pulled the trigger again. The assailants ran out but a short
time later, James turned up at Twin Cities Hospital in Niceville with a gunshot
wound to the upper chest.
The identity of the two other men is still unknown. The investigation is
continuing. Anyone with information on the crime is asked to contact the
Okaloosa County Sheriff's Office at 651-7400 or Emerald Coast Crime Stoppers
at 850-863-TIPS.