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Bail Set for Clarksdale Man    Bail has been set for a Clarksdale man accused of commercial burglary. WROX broke the story earlier this week that 33 year old Barry Walker has been charged in connection with the burglaries of businesses located at the shopping center in the 600 Block of South State Street. Walker’s bail has been set at $100,000 and faces the possibility of more charges, officials said.

Construction in Clarksdale   With the influx of people to the region this weekend, Clarksdale residents and visitors are reminded to be alert for construction through out the city. Clarksdale is in the midst of gas line replacement from provider Atmos Energy. The company says Atmos will have replaced more than 200 miles of pipe throughout Mississippi by the time the program is finished in late 2009. Robert Lesley, director of public affairs for Atmos says the work in Clarksdale is scheduled for completion by the middle of next year.

Investigation Continues into Suspected Arsons      According to Sgt. Robbie Linley detective supervisor of the Clarksdale police department, authorities are continuing their investigation into a possible string of arsons within a small area of the city. Police and fire departments are working in conjunction on the case, which officials believe the latest incidents to have occurred Friday in a vacant home at 178 Cherry Street, as well as a home at 1219 Anderson that sustained heavy damage later that evening. These most recent blazes are yet another sign that criminally started fires remain a problem in Clarksdale and whoever is responsible is still at large.      Over summer months, well over a dozen vacant homes have burned, many being located in the 100, 200, and 300 blocks of Cherry and School Streets. Clarksdale Police said they have a “person of interest” who they are investigating, but no arrests have been made.      Local residents are encouraged to continue providing officials with information on possible suspects and to be on the watch for any suspicious activity near vacant homes and businesses.   Ex Law Enforcement Charged with Shooting      An ex-law enforcement officer who reportedly chased his ex-girlfriend down on U.S. 61 Thursday and tried to shoot her with a shotgun is in custody of the Coahoma County Sheriff ’s Department. According to Sheriff Andrew Thompson Jr., 32- year-old Willis Tracy Tigner has been charged with attempted aggravated assault and is being held on $100,000 bond.      Thompson said the incident began when Tigner approached Melissa Hansford at the Shady Nook gas station on U.S. 61 North Thursday afternoon. Hansford reportedly left Shady Nook in her vehicle headed south towards Highway 61. After Tigner rammed Hansford’s vehicle from behind, her vehicle stalled out and she fled on foot at which point Tigner fired shots at her with a shotgun. Hansford escaped without injuries and Tigner fled towards Batesville. Sheriff Thompson says a number of other individuals on the highway witnessed the scene and called 911. Tigner was reportedly apprehended in Batesville and returned to Coahoma County by Panola County authorities. Thompson said he believed Tigner was an ex law enforcement officer in Panola County but did not specify in what capacity he worked. Sgt. Robbie Linley, Detective Supervisor of the Clarksdale Police Department, submits the following Felony Report: Friday October 10th, 2008      An act of Malicious Mischief that occurred within the 800 block of Spruce Street is currently being investigated. Thursday October 9th, 2008 No felony report. Wednesday October 8th, 2008      Two home invasions round out the felony report. The 1st occurring when thieves entered a home in the 100 Block of 14th Street. A video game system, assorted games, DVD player and movies were removed. The 2nd was within the 300 Block of North Circle when 2 DVD players were taken. Tuesday October 7th, 2008      Add 3 more homes to the list of residential burglaries in Clarksdale. The 300 Block of Jackson Street was the scene of a home invasion where thieves removed a lap top computer, a desktop computer system, as well as a video game consol. The 2nd burglary occurred within the 200 Block of Jefferson Avenue when a TV was removed from a house, and the 3rd was a break in on the 1400 Block of Alan Drive with no items reported missing. Monday October 6th, 2008      A business located on the 200 Block of Delta Street was the scene of a burglary, when 4 pairs or professional hair clippers were removed.   Anyone with information regarding these incidents, or any other criminal activity, is urged to call the Clarksdale Police Department at 662-621-8156.