Talladega man wanted in rash of shootings apprehended

Rodrekas Monquez Cole

A Talladega man wanted in connection with several shooting incidents has been captured.

Police Chief Jason Busby said that 24 year old  Rodrekas Monquez Cole, was arrested Tuesday afternoon based on an anonymous tip from a resident. He was being held on a $50,000 bond, with a hold placed on him based on the possibility of more charges.

Busby said that A citizen provided police with a location, and they made an arrest based on that information. Cole was arrested on Washington Avenue, hiding in a vehicle at a private residence. Cole was allegedly involved in a string of shootings in Talladega starting in March and covering five consecutive weekends. According to Capt. Leon Thomas, Cole is believed connected to at least four of the eight recent incidents.

Two of those cases involved firing a shotgun into an empty Talladega County Central High School. Another investigation was closed when the victim said she had lied about her car being shot into. That victim was subsequently arrested for filing a false police report.

Two people were wounded in two of the other shooting incidents, although neither injury was life-threatening.

One of the injuries was the result of an incident in front of Geneva’s Store during the second weekend in April, the other was near the intersection of Howard and West Streets the following weekend.

At least four occupied dwellings and three occupied vehicles have also been shot into, although no one inside these homes or cars was hit.

Thomas said that Cole was given an opportunity to turn himself in earlier this month but said he wanted to talk with his lawyer first. He never came in after that.