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Police Chief Anderson on Weekend Arrests, AL Supreme Court Blocks VictoryLand Ruling

Steven Anderson
Tuscaloosa Police Chief Steven Anderson

Three Tuscaloosa Police officers are on paid leave following a videotaped incident that went viral on the internet. According to APR’s Pat Duggins, even Police Chief Steven Anderson admits he was disturbed by it.

The graphic video shot from inside a Tuscaloosa apartment shows local police officers pushing their way inside, and pulling two University of Alabama students out. A Taser and a nightstick are used as the officers forcibly subdue and arrest the young man and woman. Tuscaloosa Police Chief Steven Anderson says the images left him with some questions.

“And I wonder in myself, as a leader, have I failed my department in some type of way. Have I not provided them with the adequate training that they need.”

The Tuscaloosa officers on leave have been on the force from two to twelve years. Three students were arrested and charged with harassment, obstructing justice, and resisting arrest.

The Alabama Supreme Court has blocked a judge's order directing the state to return seized gambling machines to VictoryLand casino.

Yesterday, the justices granted a stay requested by the Alabama attorney general's office. The order came a week ahead of the circuit judge's deadline to return the devices.

The attorney general's office seized 1,615 electronic bingo machines and $260,000 in cash during a 2013 raid at VictoryLand. Montgomery Circuit Judge William Shashy recently dismissed the case and ordered the state to return the machines by November 16, He said it was unfair to close one casino when others remained open.

Eight justices agreed to stay the order as the state appeals the dismissal.

The state has been in a long-running legal battle over the gambling devices, which resemble slot machines.

After getting its biggest win of the season over LSU, AP #3 Alabama has its sights set on Mississippi State in Starkville this weekend. The Crimson Tide sits atop the SEC West at 8-1 and controls its own destiny to play for the SEC Championship.

Coach Nick Saban says while the 30-16 win over the Tigers is nice, it’s time to focus for Saturday’s game against the Bulldogs.

“You know, anytime you have an emotional win, you've got to get your team to respond the right way and make sure that they are focused on what they need to play just as well the next week or better against a very good Mississippi State team that’s ranked and is a very, very, very good team.”

Up next are the AP #20 Bulldogs, who have one of the best quarterbacks in the nation in senior Dak Prescott. Kickoff is set for 2:30 p.m. on CBS.

Auburn University officials say a survivor of the Sept. 11, 2001 terrorist attacks in New York City is expected to dedicate a piece of steel from Ground Zero to the school.

Officials say Will Jimeno is scheduled to visit Friday and dedicate a piece of steel from the World Trade Center to the Auburn University Veterans Resource Center.

Jimeno worked for the Port Authority of New York and the New Jersey Police Department. His experience in the attacks was portrayed in the film "World Trade Center."

Officials say Jimeno's visit is part of a series of events this week honoring veterans. He'll be honored at the school's home football game against Georgia on Saturday.

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