SANTA ROSA COUNTY

SHERIFF'S OFFICE

Sheriff Wendell Hall

  Update

Spears Arrested: Ammons Recovered

A concentrated search that was initiated earlier this afternoon has concluded with the arrest of Ricky Spears and the recovery of Leah Ammons. The search was initiated in a wooded area in Munson utilizing air patrol, foot patrol, 4 wheelers, four K-9 teams, and other methods. At 2237 hours, after countless miles of searching with teams of deputies and dogs, deputies located Spears and Ammons in an unlikely location; hiding underneath the house of the victim's grandmother on Munson Highway. Numerous other searches had been conducted over the past two weeks in different wooded areas in Munson in an effort to locate Spears and Ammons. When deputies located the pair, they first ordered Ammons from underneath the residence. Ammons waited for the permission of Spears before coming out from underneath the house. Spears was then removed from underneath the house and taken into custody. Ammons was transported to a local hospital to be checked by medical personnel. Spears was transported to the Santa Rosa County Jail, but was later transported to a local hospital after complaining of unconfirmed injuries. No further information is available at this time. No mug shot is available at this time.

Additional Charges for Spears: Enhanced Search Continues for Kidnapped/Endangered Juvenile and Accompanying Abductor

There is an update to the ongoing investigation and search for a Munson man and a missing teenage girl. Ricky Spears is facing new criminal charges stemming from an incident that occurred late Saturday evening ( 5/03/08 ) in Munson.

On May 3, 2008 , the Santa Rosa County Sheriff's Office responded to 13025 Munson Highway , Milton , in regard to an aggravated battery. The victim, (Brandyn Spears) who is the son of the suspect, had sustained a head injury requiring his being life-flighted by helicopter to Baptist Hospital , Pensacola . Responding deputies and investigators were told that Ricky Spears struck Brandyn twice in the back of the head utilizing a pipe wrench. Deputies responded utilizing helicopters, foot patrol, and K-9's to search the area with no success. Brandyn told deputies that he went to an unoccupied trailer located on the property of 13025 Munson Highway . He advised he was in the trailer looking at some old DVD's located on the counter when he heard a noise coming from one of the back rooms. Brandyn stated that he then walked back toward the noise. Brandyn said that Ricky appeared from around the corner. Brandyn also said that he saw Leah Ammons, who is the missing juvenile, behind Ricky Spears. Ricky Spears was directing Leah to stay behind him and not go towards Brandyn. A confrontation then ensued between Ricky and Brandyn. As Brandyn attempted to get Ricky to let Leah go home with him, the argument progressed and Ricky threatened to kill Brandyn. Ricky then pulled out a knife and stabbed at Brandyn. A struggle ensued, and Brandyn was able to get the knife away from his father. Brandyn told deputies that Leah looked scared. Brandyn grabbed Leah by the shirt and stated to her that she was going home today and told her that her family was worried about her. Leah then stepped back with Brandyn. Ricky allegedly then made threats towards Leah. Ricky then grabbed a pipe wrench and hit Brandyn in the back of the head, causing him to lose his balance. Brandyn advised the second time Ricky hit him harder on the back of the head. Ricky then fled back into the woods and has not been able to be located.

Due to this, additional charges (below) were filed on Ricky Spears. A concentrated search has been initiated in a wooded area in Munson utilizing air patrol, foot patrol, 4 wheelers, four K-9 teams, and other methods. This search effort will continue 24 hours a day until Spears and Ammons are located. No further information is available at this time. Anyone with information can contact the Santa Rosa County Sheriff's Office at 983-1190.

Suspect:

Ricky Dale Spears, W/M, 43 years old, 5'10", 160 lbs., brown hair, brown eyes

Last known address: 13000 block of Munson Highway

AGGRAV ASSLT WITH A DEADLY WEAPON WITHOUT INTENT TO KILL

AGGRAV BATTERY ON A PERSON WHILE USING A DEADLY WEAPON

KIDNAPPING

Victim Leah Rain Ammons, W/F (14 YOA)

*** ORIGINAL RELEASE ***

The Santa Rosa County Sheriff's Office is currently looking for a missing /endangered juvenile who is believed to be with a Milton man with an extensive criminal history. Leah Rain Ammons, W/F (14 YOA) is believed to be in the company of Ricky Dale Spears W/M (43 YOA). Spears is a convicted felon with an extensive criminal history to include armed robbery, burglary and narcotics violations. Spears driver's license is suspended, but has been known to drive a 1992 gold four door Buick, Florida Tag I40-VUL. The juvenile was reportedly picked up by Spears, who is a known, non-family acquaintance of Ammons, from an all night roller skate party in Milton late Friday night ( 4/18/08 ). From there, Spears and Ammons allegedly went to Spears' residence in Munson. On 4/19/08 in an attempt to locate Ammons, deputies went to Spears' residence but it is believed that Ammons and Spears fled into the woods and were able to evade law enforcement.

There is an active warrant for Spears for Interference of Custody, which is a third degree felony. Other charges may be pending against Spears. Anyone with information concerning the location of Ammons or Spears is asked to contact the Santa Rosa County Sheriff's Office at 983-1190 or Crime Stoppers at 437-STOP.

Sgt. Scott Haines

Media Relations Unit

(850) 981-2136 or shaines@srso.net