In a swift response to a distress call, officers from the Florence Police Department rushed to a burglary scene on Howell Street in Florence at approximately 5:30 PM last Saturday. The officers discovered two victims inside the residence, both bearing multiple injuries. Without hesitation, the officers administered aid until the Fire and EMS teams arrived at the location.
The victims were promptly transported to medical facilities for urgent care, with one victim airlifted to Birmingham and the other taken by ground to North Alabama Medical Center. During the investigation, officers stumbled upon a doorbell video capturing the suspect, identified as Michael Joe Kirkland Jr., fleeing the vicinity. Substantial evidence linking Kirkland to the crime was also recovered at the scene.
Following a thorough inquiry, Michael Kirkland Jr. was apprehended and subsequently charged with burglary in the first degree, sodomy in the first degree, robbery in the first degree, and assault in the first degree. As the investigation continues, authorities have hinted at the possibility of additional charges against Kirkland. Currently, Kirkland remains in custody at the Lauderdale County Detention Center without the option of bail. The community awaits further developments in this ongoing case.