A 59-year-old Foley man faces an upgraded felony charge following an investigation into reports of an armed individual near two school campuses.
On the morning of November 10, 2026, at approximately 7:40 a.m., officers with the Foley Police Department responded to reports of an armed person near the intersection of 9th Avenue and South Oak Street. Upon arriving at the scene, law enforcement detained 59-year-old Gregory McGowen of Foley without incident.
Although McGowen was not in possession of a dangerous instrument when initially contacted by police, statements and detailed testimony from eyewitnesses and victims established probable cause to arrest him for menacing, a Class B misdemeanor under Alabama state law.
During a follow-up search of the surrounding area, investigators located and secured a replica firearm, identified as a BB gun. Citing McGowen’s conduct and the resulting operational disruption across nearby campuses, authorities formally upgraded the charge to Making a Terrorist Threat in the First Degree, a Class B felony. School administrators had initiated safety protocols and precautionary security measures during the incident to protect students, faculty, and staff.
Police officials commended community members for reporting the situation promptly. Anyone with further information regarding the investigation is asked to contact the Foley Police Department at (251) 943-4431.
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