Holmes wanted in connection with suspected downtown arson

By Felicia Farnsworth

An early morning fire ripped through the Union Springs Pharmacy and La Azteca on Saturday, February 15. According to reports, the fire started at approximately 4:15 a.m. By the time it was reported to emergency dispatchers, the buildings were already completely engulfed in flames.

Tommie Cortez Holmes is wanted in connection with the suspected arson of the two businesses that occurred in the 200 block of North Prairie Street, Union Springs Alabama. Holmes is described as a 33-year-old black male, 5’10” in height, and weighing approximately 194 pounds. Union Springs Police has requested Central Alabama CrimeStoppers to share this information in an attempt to further the investigation.

The Union Springs Fire Department does not own a ladder truck; therefore, reinforcements were called in from the Tuskegee, Troy, and Pike Road Fire Departments. Most of Bullock County’s Volunteer Fire Departments; Highway 51, Smuteye, Corinth, and Fitzpatrick, as well as Macon County’s Shorter Fire Department and the Veterans Administration’s Hospital Fire Department were on the scene. Bullock County Sheriff’s Department and Union Springs Police Department blocked the streets off and directed traffic. Haynes Ambulance and its paramedics, Ashley Simmons, Christian Crosby, and Justin Henderson were also there in case of injuries or smoke inhalation.

The blaze was so hot that it knocked the sidewall over causing bricks to scatter along the road before it. Fire crews worked tirelessly from four in the morning until early Sunday morning to contain the blaze and monitor continuous hot spots as they arose.

County Commissioner Don Larkins brought sausage biscuits, Gatorade, and water for the first responders. Joyce Perrin, owner of the Josephine Art/Coffee Cafe opened her doors for free coffee and the use of restrooms for first responders. 9A Nutrition owner, Jennifer Joyce Thompkins, opened her business doors to first responders for restroom facilities and free energy drinks. Alex Vail, Bacon N’ Burgers owner offered first responders a free meal.

David and Beverly Stewart who own the La Azteca building, operate the Union Springs Pharmacy, and rent out the La Azteca to Tony Colorado, watched in shock as their beloved pharmacy was obliterated by the fire. The Stewarts want to express their heartfelt gratitude to all the first responders who risked their lives to help put out the blazing fire. “Thank you for your swift actions. Without you, the situation could have been even more devastating. You all are true heroes,” said Beverly Stewart in the wake of the fire.

County Chairman Alonza Ellis had this to say, “This is such a great loss to the community and citizens of Union Springs. My prayers go out to the Stewarts and Tony Colorado, for the loss of their businesses and buildings. Thank you to all the first responders, local and neighbors, for fighting the fire and making sure it didn’t spread to other buildings. Your tireless efforts mean a lot to us.”

If you are a patron of the Union Springs Pharmacy and require your medicine, Thomas Main, owner of Main Drug Store, has approved for you to bring your prescription label or bottle to their pharmacy and they will do their best to take care of your needs.

If you have any information regarding the whereabouts of Tommie Cortez Holmes, please call the Union Springs Police Department at 334-738-3131 or CrimeStoppers using our 24-hour tip line 334-215-STOP (7867) or 1-833-AL1-STOP or download our P3-tips app. Make sure you receive a Tip ID and Password in order to dialog with Investigators in case there is a follow-up question. Your tip may lead to a cash reward! If you need to remain anonymous, call CrimeStoppers.