The break-ins also included the theft of a 2012 Toyota Highlander which was recovered the next day, Deputy Chief Andy Jackson said.
The break-ins most likely occurred between 11 p.m. Saturday and 8 a.m. Sunday, Jackson said.
There was a total of eight reported in the Becker Farms area, specifically on Greenbriar Road, Hunting Ridge Road, Chestnut Street, Riverview Court and Autumn Court.
Most of the vehicles were unlocked and items taken included a CD case, rifle and a birthday card attached to a gift. The birthday card was taken from the convertible.
Jackson said residents are encouraged to be alert. “If you see suspicious activity don’t hesitate to call 911.”
Jackson said the police department is in the process of compiling the number of vehicle break-ins reported in the city over the course of year.

This is the seat held by Rachel Hux, who died last week.
A meeting is set Thursday to make a recommendation to the Halifax County Board of Commissioners of a resident to fill Hux’s unexpired term.
That meeting will be at 5:30 p.m. at the Lloyd Andrews City Meeting Hall located on Jackson Street in Roanoke Rapids.
Williams may be reached at 252-219-8118 or via email at cresenti.s.williams@gmail.com.

What is known, according to Captain Patrick Jacobs, it started with two students and others joined in the fray.
The sheriff’s office today released the names the of students who were arrested and it remains unclear whether the others who joined in were acquainted with the two in the original fight. It is not clear who the two involved in the original were, Jacobs said.
The original fight, Jacobs said in a statement, escalated into a large group fight which created separate fights within the cafeteria of the Gaston school and throughout the building.
Jacobs said in the statement the school resource officer and staff stepped in to prevent the fight but it quickly escalated and officers from surrounding agencies were called in to assist in de-escalation. Officers were able to gain control of the situation and numerous arrest were made.
Jacobs said in the statement eight students 16-years-old and older were arrested and charged with felony inciting a riot, resisting arrest, and disorderly conduct.
A total of four juveniles were issued juvenile petitions on the same charges and released to the custody of their parents.
The of-age students arrested have November 15 court dates.
They are:
Dre’Quan Taylor received a $500 secured bond
Stepheon Ashe received a $7,000 secured bond
Denzel Ashe, who is Stepheon’s brother, received a $7,000 secured bond
Malani Hill received a $7,000 secured bond
Karice Ransome received a $7,500 secured bond
Patrick Ransome, who is Karice’s brother, received a $7,000 secured bond
Raddre Britt received a $7,000 secured bond
Darek Deloatch received a $7,000 secured bond.
Denzel Ashe, Jacobs said in the statement, was served additional outstanding warrants for two counts of communicating threats and received an additional $1,000 secured bond.
Jacobs said in the statement the resource officer reviewed the school surveillance recording and identified several other students involved in the fight.
These students were served warrants on October 26 and were identified as Trevathan Shearin and Aveeyon Vick. They were charged on the same counts as the others and received $7,000 secured bonds.
Also, on October 26, Jacobs said Stepheon Ashe, Denzel Ashe, and Patrick Ransome were all arrested after returning to school.
Each were arrested and charged with second-degree trespassing and each received $200 secured bonds.
Patrick Ransome was charged additionally with simple possession of marijuana and received an additional $300 secured bond.
All the students, Jacobs said, have been suspended.
Sheriff Jack Smith said in the statement, “Our overall objective is to keep the school safe, along with staff and students. Our number one goal is to protect the school, staff, and student property and to assure that all students get to school, are safe while in school, and get home safe after school.”
Said Smith: “The Northampton County Sheriff’s Office stands side by side with the Northampton County School system and superintendent in promoting school safety and preventing violence.”
Smith also thanked the agencies which responded and said, “I encourage parents and students to talk to one another to try to prevent future problems at school. Northampton County High School also has a school resource officer and counselor that students are encouraged to talk to if they know of the potential for violent conflict.”

The Halifax County Library in Halifax is also honoring veterans with a display put up by the Halifax Resolves Chapter of Sons of the American Revolution.
In Jackson the Northampton County Veterans Day service program will be held from 11 a.m. to noon at the courthouse.
In Halifax County the AMVETS Post 101 Veterans Day program will be held at Veterans Park in Roanoke Rapids beginning at 10 a.m. November 12.
The program will include special music, JROTC Drill Performance, an Afghanistan veteran as the keynote speaker and recognition of all local veterans, veteran leadership and veteran posts.

Veterans display

Meanwhile, SAR President Ken Wilson put up a display at the county library in Halifax in honor of Veterans Day.
The display includes handouts for the proper way to fold the American flag and what each fold means, a poem written about veterans and a reminder to thank a veteran for their service.
Wilson also serves as the chairman of the Halifax County Library Board of Trustees.

Governor Pat McCrory made the request for households affected by the storm and the request was approved today.
“Even though the storm has passed, there are still many people hurting in North Carolina,” McCrory said in a statement. “As we begin to recover from the devastation of Hurricane Matthew, disaster food assistance is an additional step to help people get back on their feet again.”
This benefit will help individuals who are not currently receiving food and nutrition services, or food stamp benefits.
Disaster assistance was also approved for residents of Brunswick, Camden, Chowan, Currituck and Pasquotank counties.
A total of 37 counties across eastern North Carolina have been approved for Disaster Food and Nutrition Services benefits.
Residents in the impacted counties who are not currently receiving Food and Nutrition Services benefits may qualify for disaster assistance for a one-month period if they have suffered losses from Hurricane Matthew, including:
Destroyed or damaged homes
Disaster-related expenses
Loss of income or food as a result of power outage or household flooding
Applications may be made beginning Thursday at the county Department of Social Services between Weldon and Halifax on Highway 301 between 8 a.m. The period for filing runs through Monday.

Questions and answers

What Are Disaster Food and Nutrition Services Benefits?

Disaster FNS Benefits are being provided to residents of your county who suffered loss due to Hurricane Matthew. Not everyone will be eligible for these benefits, as certain eligibility criteria must be met. A person must have been living in the disaster area at the time of the disaster. You can only apply for benefits for those individuals who lived with you before Hurricane Matthew occurred. If you are unable to apply in person, you may designate (with a signed statement from you) someone to represent you.

How Do I Apply?

You must file an application for benefits. Your application information must be truthful. A county department of social services worker will interview you and go over your application with you. If you do not understand a question, ask the worker to explain it during the interview. Report all income accurately. Every household that receives disaster FNS benefits is subject to a federal and/or State review or audit.

What Verifications Will I Need to Complete My Application?

• Identification: Photo ID or any other document that verifies your identity
• Residency (if possible)
• You can use utility bills, tax bills, or insurance policies, or a collateral (friend, employer, pastor, etc.)
• Social Security Number and date of birth for each household member (do not need Social Security Cards, just the number)
• Amount of take home pay for each household member

How Will We Determine Your Eligibility?

Your total income received (or expected to be received) between Oct. 7, 2016 through Nov. 6, 2016 plus available resources, minus a deduction for disaster-related expenses and shelter expenses, shall not exceed federal income limits.

How and When Do I Get My Disaster Food and Nutrition Services Benefits?

All Disaster FNS Benefits are placed on an Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) card. You will receive an EBT card from the worker if you are eligible, after you complete your application. If you need assistance with using your EBT card, you may contact the NC EBT Call Center at 1-888-622-7328.

What Can I Use the Food and Nutrition Services Benefits For?

You may use your EBT card at any store that accepts FNS EBT cards. Only food, seeds, or plants for a garden to grow food may be purchased with the EBT card. You may also purchase infant formula, ice, and drinking water. Prepared hot foods may be bought in stores that accept EBT cards until Nov. 14, 2016. You cannot purchase paper items, soap, vitamins, diapers, medicine, pet foods, tobacco, or alcoholic beverages with your benefits.

Penalties

You must tell the truth when you apply for FNS Benefits.
Do not sell or give away your EBT card and/or FNS Benefits.
Anyone who gives false information will have to pay back any FNS benefits that they are not eligible for.
If you intentionally break the rules of the program or give false information, you may be permanently disqualified from the FNS Program and may be fined up to $250,000 and/or jailed up to 20 years.

It is illegal to receive Disaster FNS Benefits twice for the same disaster?
People who get benefits they are not entitled to will be required to pay them back. All State Employee and County Social Services employees who receive Disaster FNS Benefits will be audited at a later time.

Hearings
Any household denied Disaster Food and Nutrition Services Benefits is entitled to request a fair hearing. You request this at your county department of social services.

According to a preliminary report by Trooper T.C. Wood of the state Highway Patrol, Jermaine Newsome Jr. was traveling west on Severn Road shortly after 9:30.
The report indicates he was traveling at a high rate of speed about 7.7 miles outside of Severn when he crossed the centerline in a curve. He lost control of the vehicle, which went off the left side of the road and struck a tree. The car came to rest on impact with the tree.
It is estimated Newsome, who was the only occupant of the vehicle, was traveling 80 miles per hour in a 55 miles per hour zone.
He was not wearing a seatbelt, according to the report.

Hux was running unopposed for the District 3 board of commissioners seat at the time of her death last week.
The Halifax County Democratic Party Executive Committee this evening voted 26.5 to 14.5 to give the general election candidacy to Brewer, who is currently a member of the Roanoke Rapids Graded School District board of education. Some members of the committee have multiple votes.
RRGSD board member Mike Williams nominated Brewer for the candidacy in the wake of Hux’s death. Terry Buffaloe, who was defeated by Hux in the March primary by a nearly 82 percent margin, nominated himself.
He would later in the executive committee meeting held at the Lloyd Andrews City Meeting Hall in Roanoke Rapids nominate Brewer to fill the unexpired term of Hux.
In nominating Brewer, Williams said, “Mrs. Hux’s death and the subsequent vacancy in this position and on the November 8 ballot, is a loss to our community and the Halifax County Democratic Party. Mrs. Hux filled this position for many years serving with dignity, acting in the best interests of all of Halifax County and serving well the principles of the Democratic Party.”

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Said Williams: “While there will not be another Rachel Hux, Linda Brewer will bring to this office the same values and commitment to service as has been demonstrated by Mrs. Hux.”
Brewer has been a resident of Halifax County since the age of 5, Williams said, describing her as an unwavering Democrat. “She has served her community professionally through her work in our local mental health agency and the Social Security Administration. In these capacities she consistently upheld the standards of her profession and served her clients from one end of Halifax County to the other with care, concern and compassion.”
Brewer, Williams said, served the community as an elected official, twice being elected to the RRGSD board. “She has expertise in fiscal matters and exhibits sound judgement as a member of the governing board of one of our local banks and on the finance committee of her school board.”
He said Brewer has demonstrated a commitment to the young people of the community by serving in retirement as an organizer and worker in a church-sponsored daycare program for preschool children. “In all of these endeavors she has exhibited sound judgement and care and respect for her fellow citizens. You have every reason to be confident she will do the same as Halifax County Commissioner for District 3.”
In accepting the nomination Brewer said, “I’m honored and humbled to be asked and considered for the seat left vacant by Rachel’s death. The other thing I can promise you is I will not be as quiet as Rachel if I am chosen, but I will work as hard as Rachel has worked.”
After receiving the nomination, Brewer said, “I really don’t want to be standing here thinking about filling Rachel’s seat, but I’d like to think she would be happy. I want to think all you people who are here tonight. I realize this seat serves the county of Halifax. This is not a Roanoke Rapids seat. I will do my best as I’ve done on the school board, on the bank board, the hospital board. My daddy said if you do something good, to tell it, it doesn’t count. So I don’t like to talk about the things I’ve done, but I can assure you I will work as hard and as fairly as I know how to do for everyone in the county.”
Board of commissioners Chair Vernon Bryant said he was pleased with both the candidacy nomination and the one for Brewer to fill Hux’s unexpired term. “Linda will bring a wealth of knowledge to the board and will be an effective board member. She will be an asset to the board.”
Buffaloe said afterward he didn’t see the point of nominating himself to fill the unexpired term. “For 30 days?”
He did say, however, will seek other offices, whether it is a Roanoke Rapids City Council seat or another Halifax County Board of Commissioner seat.
RRGSD Chair Jay Carlisle said the school board will now have to appoint someone to fill Brewer’s unexpired term. He said he is not sure when that process will begin.
He commended Brewer’s nomination to the board of commissioners. “I think she will be a wonderful commissioner. I hate to see her leave the school board. She will do a great job as county commissioner.”

Monday October 25, 2016

• Trenton Ray Strickland 22 of Roanoke Rapids was arrested and charged with obtaining property by false pretense, possession of stolen firearm, larceny of firearm (3 counts), breaking/entering motor vehicle, and larceny, he was also served 2 orders for arrest.  He was given a $58,000 bond and a November 16, 2016 court date.

The charges stem from two incidents one from December 2015 and June 2016 investigated by Investigator J.K. Davis.  Mr. Strickland allegedly broke into vehicle and took firearms and then pawned them.

Thursday October 27, 2016

Approximately 9:30am Roanoke Rapids Police Department’s Criminal Investigative Division served a search warrant in the 100 block of Monroe Street.  During the execution of the warrant officer located two subjects with outstanding warrants.

• Lakita Monee Odom 27 of Seaboard was arrested on an outstanding order for arrest and an outstanding warrant from Hertford County for conspiracy to commit common law robbery. She was given a $30,000 bond.

• Ramel M. Dailey 21 of Roanoke Rapids was arrested on an outstanding warrant for conspiracy to commit breaking/entering and accessory after the fact. He was given a $5,000 bond and a November 16, 2016 court date.

Mr. Dailey’s charges stem from an investigation by Investigator C. Babb on an incident reported in September 2016, the victim reported that their residence in the 200 block of Franklin Street was broken into.  Terrence Robinson was arrested on October 21, 2016 and charged with breaking/entering, conspiracy and injury to property for his part in this incident.

• Frederick Lee Holiday 42 of Roanoke Rapids turned himself in on outstanding warrants for flee/elude arrest with motor vehicle, resisting/delaying/obstructing an officer, aggressive driving, possession of schedule VI (marijuana), possession of drug paraphernalia and hit/run. He was given a $10,000 bond and a November 16, 2016 court date.

The charges stem from an investigation by Officer J. Mason that happened on October 21, 2016, when Mr. Holiday allegedly failed to stop from blue lights and siren and lost control of his vehicle, hit a parked vehicle and them fleeing the scene.

Saturday October 29, 2016

• Donnell Raymon Davis 38 of Roanoke Rapids was arrested and charged with driving while impaired, no operator’s license, possession of open container and driving left of center. He was released to a responsible person and given a December 2, 2016 court date.

Lt. P. Parks conducted a traffic stop around 12:30am on Julian Allsbrook Highway and during the stop he determined that Mr. Davis was impaired and did not have a license. Master Officer R. Ball assisted with the stop.

•  Christopher Randall Goode 44 of Weldon was arrested and charged with breaking/entering, injury to property and domestic trespassing.  He was not given a bond (domestic) and he has a November 16, 2016 court date.

Sgt. M. Moseley responded to the 500 Block of Riverview Court about a breaking/entering in progress, during the investigation Mr. Goode was arrested for the incident.  Lt. J. Baggett and Officer A. Green assisted.

• Tonya Jean Clements 45 of Roanoke Rapids at 10:00pm was arrested by Master Officer R. Ball on an outstanding warrant for aid/abet larceny.  She was given a $500 bond and a December 2, 2016 court date.

The charge stems from an incident investigated by Officer H. Grimes on October 28, 2016. Employees at the Family Dollar on East 10th Street reported that Ms. Clements allegedly distracted the cashier and a male subject took items from the store and ran out. Ms. Clements allegedly was seen picking the male up after he ran out.  During the investigation Officer Grimes was able to identify Ms. Clements and Jermaine Deione Hockaday as the suspects and obtained warrants. Lt. P. Parks assisted with the arrest of Ms. Clements.

Sunday October 30, 2016

• Thomas Daniel Reed 31 was arrested and charged with driving while impaired and no operator’s license. He was given a $200 bond and a December 2, 2016 court date.

Roanoke Rapids Police Department’s Officer G. Colson conducted a traffic stop on Julian Allsbrook Highway around 12:30am. During the stop Officer Colson determined that Mr. Redd was impaired and did not have a license.

• Kendrell Robinson 29 of Roanoke Rapids was arrested and charged with assault on a female and interfere with emergency communications. He was not given a bond (domestic) and a November 16, 2016 court date.

• Jasmine Latrice Chambliss 20 of Roanoke Rapids was arrested and charged with assault with a deadly weapon. She was not given a bond (domestic) and a November 16, 2016 court date.

Roanoke Rapids Police Department responded to the 100 block of Monroe Street around 7:00am about a domestic.  When Officers arrived at the residence they found Ms. Chambliss and Mr. Robinson inside; Mr. Robinson had a stab wounds and Ms. Chambliss had injuries also.  Officer J. Fortier arrested both subjects for their alleged actions during the incident. Lt. J. Baggett, Sgt. M. Moseley and Master Officer A. Salmon assisted with the investigation.

• James Wayne Johnston 24 and Zachary Grant Walters 24 both of Roanoke Rapids were cited for possession of drug paraphernalia.  They were both released until their court date on December 2, 2016

Approximately 8:30pm Master Officer R. Ball observed some suspicious activity on the Food Lion parking lot, when he approached Mr. Johnston and Mr. Walters they allegedly attempted to hide something.  Master Officer Ball found them to be in possession of drug paraphernalia. Lt. P. Parks assisted.

• Clinton Harvey 51 of Warrenton was arrested and charged with driving while impaired, driving while license revoked, fictitious registration, fail to register a vehicle, expired inspection and no insurance. He was released to a responsible person until his December 2, 2016 court date.

•  George Junior Harvey 33 of Roanoke Rapids was arrested on outstanding warrants for larceny, possession of stolen goods and aid/abet a larceny. He was given a $1,400 bond and a November 4, 2016 court date.

Approximately 9:45pm Lt. P. Parks conducted a traffic stop in the 1000 block of Franklin Street, during the stop Lt. Parks determined that Clinton Harvey was impaired and license were revoked.  George Harvey was arrested on outstanding warrant from an incident investigated by Investigator B. Nutt with the Halifax County Sheriff’s Office. Master Officer R. Ball assisted.  

•  Arturo Perez Hernandez 38 of Emporia Virginia was arrested and charged with disorderly conduct and resisting/delaying/obstructing an officer. He was given a $300 bond and a December 2, 2016 court date.

Approximately 11:00 pm Officers G. Colson, S. Blythe and H. Grimes responded to Applebee’s on Premier Blvd., about a disturbance.  Officer Colson arrested and charged Mr. Hernandez after completing the investigation into the disturbance.

Monday October 31, 2016

•  Jonathan Paul Lucas 24 of Roanoke Rapids was arrested around 5:00pm on outstanding warrants for habitual larceny (2 counts). He was given a $ 20,000 bond and a November 16, 2016 court date.

The charges stem from investigations by Investigator C. Babb and Officer R. Cross, one of the investigations involved Mr. Lucas allegedly taking items from Walmart and the other him allegedly taking items from a family member on October 30, 2016.

•  Artez Shyheim Powell 21 of Roanoke Rapids was arrested and charged with larceny of motor vehicle, possession of stolen property (2 counts) and larceny; he was also served an outstanding order for arrest. He was given a$15,000 bond and a November 16, 2016 court date.

The charges stem from an incident reported in August 2016 about a vehicle theft, Investigator J.K. Davis through his investigation was able to obtain warrants on Mr. Powell for this incident.

•  Damien Dominique Williams 33 of Roanoke Rapids was arrested on outstanding warrants for larceny and possession of stolen goods; he was given a $500 bond and a court date of November 18, 2016.

• Sequan Jamel Robinson 24 of Roanoke Rapids was arrested on outstanding warrants for larceny and possession of stolen goods; he was given a $500 bond and a court date of November 18, 2016.

Roanoke Rapids Police Department’s Officer G. Colson arrested Mr. Williams and Mr. Robinson after receiving information that they were at Walmart on Premier Blvd., and had outstanding warrants.  Lt. P. Parks, Sgt. D. Jenkins and Officer Hannah Grimes assisted with the arrest.

• Jermaine Deione Hockaday 31 of Roanoke Rapids was arrested around 8:00pm on outstanding warrants for larceny, possession of stolen goods (2 counts), resisting/delaying/obstructing an officer, breaking/entering (2 counts), larceny after breaking/entering (2 counts), conspiracy, and aid/abet a larceny; he was given a $15,500 bond and a December 2, 2016 court date.

The charges stem from investigations by Investigators C. Babb, J.K. Davis and G. Williams, there had been several business and residential breaking/entering since October 28, 2016 and the investigators were able to tie Mr. Hockaday to them and recover some of the property.  The investigation is still ongoing and more charges are expected for Mr. Hockaday and other subjects.  Lt. P. Parks, Master Officer R. Ball and Officers J. Hardy and S. Blythe arrested Mr. Hockaday at his residence without incident.

November 1, 2016

• Amanda Shanese Bynum 30 of Chapel Hill was arrested and charged with driving while impaired, no headlights, and served with outstanding warrants for assault and injury to property; she was release to a responsible party until her December 2, 2016 court date.

•  Brandon Levar Perry 34 of Roanoke Rapids was cited for possession of drug paraphernalia and released until his court date on December 2, 2016.

Approximately 3:30am Lt. P. Parks conducted a traffic stop on East 10th Street near Georgia Avenue. During the stop it was determined that Ms. Bynum was impaired and Mr. Perry had paraphernalia in his possession.  Master Officer R. Ball and Officer H. Grimes assisted with the stop.

• Billy Ray Whitby Jr. 43 of Roanoke Rapids was arrested and charged with larceny and possession of stolen goods; he was given a $1,000 bond and a November 18, 2016 court date.

Approximately 10:00am Loss prevention at Lowe’s Home Improvement told Officer P. Smith that Mr. Whitby had taken items from the store without paying for them. Mr. Whitby was arrested without incident.

• Victoria Anne Vann 17 of Conway was arrested and charged with larceny, possession of stolen goods and under age possession of alcohol; she was given a $500 bond and a November 18, 2016 court date.

• Shelby Leighann Turner 17 of Jackson was arrested and charged with larceny, possession of stolen goods and under age possession of alcohol; she was given a $500 bond and a November 18, 2016 court date.

Approximately 10:00am Loss prevention at Walmart told Officer P. Smith that Ms. Vann and Ms. Turner had taken items from the store without paying for them. They were arrested without incident. Sgt. M. Peck assisted.

• Mary Beth Nelson 23 of Roanoke Rapids was arrested and charged with obtaining property by false pretense after she turned herself in to Investigator G.Williams at the police department. She was given a $1,000 bond and a November 16, 2016 court date.

The charges stem from an ongoing investigation into several business and residential breaking/enterings. Ms. Nelson allegedly pawned stolen items from the breaking/enterings, Jermaine Deione Hockaday was arrested on October 31, 2016 for his part in this incident, the investigation is still ongoing and more charges are expected.  

Wednesday November 2, 2016

•  Barbara Ryana Hernandez 22 of Pleasant Hill was arrested and charged with disorderly conduct and trespassing; she was given a $750 bond and January 20 , 2017 court date.

Approximately 3:30am Officers J. Mason and J. Fortier responded to a disturbance call at Walgreen’s on Smith Church Road.  Ms. Hernandez was refusing to leave the store and yelling and cursing at store staff, she was told by the officers to leave numerous times but refused to leave and continued to tell and curse. She was arrested without incident.

Thursday November 3, 2016

• Robert James Mercer II 45 of Littleton was arrested on outstanding warrants for illegal possession of food stamps; he was given a $1,000 bond and a November 23, 2016 court date.

Officer P. Smith conducted a traffic stop around 12:45 pm and found Mr. Mercer to have an outstanding warrant, the charges stem from an investigation by Halifax County Sheriff’s Office Investigator D.C. Dickens.

• Dillon Scott Ruble 21 of Roanoke Rapids was arrested on outstanding warrants for obtaining property by false pretense, larceny and possession of stolen goods; he was given a $2,000 bond and a November 23, 2016 court date.

Approximately 3:30pm Investigators C. Babb, G. Williams and Officer R. Cross received information on Mr. Ruble’s location; Mr. Ruble was located in the 900 block of Roanoke Avenue and taken into custody without incident.  The charges stem from an investigation by Halifax County Sheriff’s Office’s Deputy S. Bryant.

Scotland Neck Checking station

Captain A.M. Harris said in a statement agents conducted traffic checkpoints in the Scotland Neck and Hobgood communities.
Agents checked motorists for valid driver’s licenses and current motor vehicle registrations.
During the checkpoint in Scotland Neck, agents issued four citations for no operator’s license, one for driving while license revoked and one revoked registration number plate.

Wanted person

Rohonda Lee Powell, 43, of Scotland Neck, was arrested by Agent D.R. Radford.
Powell had been entered as a wanted person for probation violation.
Powell was processed at the magistrate office in Halifax and was given a $1,000 cash bond.

Hobgood checking station

During the checkpoint in Hobgood agents issued two citations for no operator’s license.
Agent D.W. McKeel also encountered Christopher Allen Kitzman, 44, of Tarboro.
During the search of Kitzman, McKeel seized six bindles of heroin.
McKeel arrested and charged Kitzman with possession with the intent to sell/deliver heroin and possession of heroin.
Kitzman was given a $2,000 bond with a January 25 court date.

Search Warrant

Shortly after 7 p.m., agents, with the assistance of the Halifax County Sheriff’s Office Hazardous Entry and Arrest Team and canine handler Corporal P. Moyer, executed a search warrant at a residence off Highway 903 in Scotland Neck.
Due to citizen complaints, intelligence reports submitted by Sergeant S. Casey and canine Deputy A. Holland of the sheriff’s office, as well as continued investigation by McKeel, a search warrant was applied for and granted.
During the search of the residence several items of drug paraphernalia were collected.
McKeel arrested and charged Dequandre Battle, 21, of Scotland Neck, for possessing marijuana up to one-half ounce.
Battle was given a $1,000 bond with a December 28 court date.

Halifax County Sheriff Wes Tripp said Fabian Ellison was taken into custody this evening without trouble after the Pasquotank Sheriff’s Office found him hiding out at his alleged girlfriend's residence.
Halifax investigators will travel to the county Monday to bring the 29-year-old Raleigh man back to the Halifax County Detention Center to face numerous charges in the County Road robbery and assault, which Tripp said earlier today appeared to be tied to a domestic matter.
Pasquotank investigators reportedly found evidence which ties Ellison to the crime, which occurred in the Weldon area shortly after noon, Tripp said in a statement.
The sheriff said this evening evidence in the case may be discussed at a later time. It was not immediately clear the condition of the three victims.
Tripp said the discovery of Ellison was a joint effort between his department and those in Pasquotank. “I’m appreciative of their assistance in this case.”
Ellison reportedly tied and assaulted two adults and a juvenile in the case.
He faces two counts of attempted murder, two counts of assault with a deadly weapon with intent to kill Inflicting serious injury, three counts of first-degree kidnapping, three counts of false imprisonment, two counts of robbery with a dangerous weapon, and one count of assault inflicting serious bodily injury.

Three pets, a dog and two ferrets, perished in the blaze, Lieutenant Bryan Hollowell of the Roanoke Rapids Fire Department said this morning. The homeowners were not injured.
Firefighters received the call shortly after 9:15 p.m. and observed smoke and fire showing from the front room of the residence at 813 Rapids Street.
Firefighters contained the blaze within 30 minutes. A total of 19 firefighters from stations 1 and 2, as well as off-duty firefighters, responded.
Most of the fire was found in the flooring and under the house, Hollowell said. With extensive smoke and heat damage, he said firefighters believe the house is a total loss.
The Red Cross has been contacted to provide lodging accommodations and other assistance. “We’re praying for the family and for their losses,” Hollowell said. “We’d like to thank Roanoke Rapids Police Department, Halifax EMS and Roanoke Valley Rescue Squad for their assistance.”

During a ceremony this morning after the agenda was set, Johnson lit a candle placed where Hux sat during her nearly 12 years as a board member.
Commissioners, in deference to the family of the late commissioner, delayed appointing Roanoke Rapids Graded School District Trustee Linda Brewer to fill Hux’s unexpired term, but will do so at its November 21 meeting. That meeting will begin at 5:30 p.m.
In adding the special acknowledgement to the meeting agenda, Manning said, “A lot of things have taken place in the last month and even since our last meeting. One of the biggest things that affects our board was the death of Halifax County Commissioner Rachel Keeter Hux. This leaves a big vacancy on our board.”

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Manning and Smith draped the cloth over Hux’s chair and then Johnson lit the candle. “We were each other’s support system,” Johnson said. “I’m going to miss her. She lived life well and worked hard.”
Hux and Smith sat next to one another, separated from other board members by the clerk to the board and the county manager. “Rachel and I would do our caucusing,” he said.
Noting her often deceptive quietness, Smith said, “When Rachel said something, you best listen. That’s a seat that’s going to be hard to fill.”
Manning said he knew Hux for close to 50 years. “We grew up together. She did a good job as commissioner.”
Manning told Brewer, who was in the audience, the motion to honor Hux and delay her appointment, was not a reflection on her. “It’s to honor Rachel.”
Board Chair Vernon Bryant remembered Hux as a fine lady and said a ceremony honoring her life so her family can attend will be planned at a later date.

The refinancing will save the county $1,038,392 over the course of the 10-year refinancing agreement, County Attorney Glynn Rollins told the board.
Commissioners opted to go with a proposal from Capital One Public Funding, which offered the county the lowest interest rate.
The interest rate for the school loan was 4.37 percent while the interest for the DSS project was 4.45 percent.
Both projects have 10 years remaining. The county currently owes $8.5 million on the school project and $3.8 million on the DSS project.
There were no speakers during a public hearing on the matter this morning.
“It’s definitely a good thing,” board Chair Vernon Bryant said during a break in the meeting.
Bryant said during discussion of the matter the refinancing deal represents savings of $126,000 a year over the 10-year period.
“It means a savings of $1 million over the next 10 years,” County Manager Tony Brown said. “It’s an example of staff always looking for efficient ways to save money.”

Saturday November 5, 2016

• Archie Lee Daniels, 45, of Roanoke Rapids, was arrested around 9:15 a.m. on outstanding warrants for two counts of breaking/entering, two counts of larceny after breaking/entering, two counts of possession of stolen goods, conspiracy, obtaining property by false pretense and three counts of injury to property.
He received a $25,000 bond and November 16 court date.
• Alfred Edison Short, 37, of Weldon, was arrested around 3:30 p.m., on the same counts.
He received a $15,000 bond and the same court date.

Case background
The charges stem from an ongoing investigation into several business and residential breaking/enterings.
Daniels and Short allegedly pawned stolen items from the breaking/enterings.
Jermaine Deione Hockaday was arrested on October 31 and Mary Beth Nelson was arrested on November 1 in the matter. The investigation is ongoing and more charges are expected.
Lieutenant P. Parks and officers G. Colson and H. Grimes arrested Daniels without trouble at his residence.
Weldon Police Department Officer Q. Godley arrested Short without trouble at Sixth and Sycamore streets.

• Christopher Ryan Turner, 30, of Roanoke Rapids, was arrested around 2:15 p.m. on outstanding warrants for breaking/entering, larceny, and injury to property.
He received a $5,000 bond and November 23 court date.

Case background
The charges stem from an investigation by Halifax County Sheriff’s Office Detective M. Brown. Turner was located during a traffic stop by Master Officer R. Ball and was assisted by Sergeant D. Jenkins and officers J. Hardy and Grimes.

The effort started Monday night with an initial meeting filling the fellowship hall of St. John the Baptist Catholic Church to nearly standing room only.
In the Catholic church alone, It is a large community, said Ed Alba, who helps minister the Spanish mass at the church on Hamilton Street. At St. John the Baptist that community is around 200 people and slightly more than half of them attended the meeting.
In the Hispanic community, there is fear of the police, Alba said, and that’s leading to crimes committed against them not being reported. “Right now there are robberies being committed and they’re not calling the police to get help. There’s a little fear, there’s a terrible language barrier.”
While Halifax Community College has offered free English as a second language courses since 2008, few take advantage of them, Alba said.
The majority of Spanish-speaking immigrants in the community are hardworking, Alba said, many working 12-14 hour days, working double shifts.
They come seeking a better life, Alba said. “My kids here are fed three times a day when they got one meal in Mexico.”
Natara Velazquez, a Roanoke Rapids police officer, is taking a lead in the effort along with Chief Chuck Hasty and Deputy Chief Andy Jackson.
“A lot of times this community is living in the shadows and scared of the police,” Velazquez, who served as interpreter for the meeting, said. “We want to let them know that we are here for you.”

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Hasty told the large audience, “The goal is to reach out to the Latino community, to prevent fear of the police and if you’re a victim we want you to feel comfortable because you have rights in the community as a victim. We’re here to help you live in the community without fear.”
One factor which has been successful in other communities has been a simple ID card, said Reverend David Fracarro, of the Greensboro-based FaithAction International House. “Tonight is important,” he said. “For three years FaithAction has been building trust between the police and the immigrant community.”
Roanoke Rapids is one of the smaller communities in the state to begin this outreach program, he said. “That your police department has initiated this is really good news. It recognizes that if you don’t feel safe, if you’re afraid to call, you and your family are less safe, the entire community is less safe.”
FaithAction started the ID program as a way to quell the challenges both the immigrant community and law enforcement face when dealing with one another.
“One of the primary challenges facing many new immigrants to our country is how to understand and relate to local law enforcement,” the organization’s website says. “Immigrant and other minority communities often experience a lot of fear with police officers, and are especially concerned that an average traffic stop or reporting a crime might turn into an immigration enforcement case.”
At the same time, the website says, many officers may not be familiar with the “languages and cultures of our newest immigrant neighbors, and feel limited in their ability to serve and protect these communities without stronger relationships.”
Fracarro told the audience eight counties in the state are using the ID cards. “It’s just a piece of plastic, but there’s a lot it can do if the community trusts it. Law enforcement needs to know who you are. Many have never seen a foreign ID or a passport.”
In Greensboro, the card has been accepted at hospitals to use to check for medical records, he said.
For its use to spread in Roanoke Rapids, it depends “on how much value your community gives it.”
While it’s not a driver’s license and can’t be used to vote, Fracarro said, “People who use the ID felt safe enough to talk about crime, robbery rape, family violence. They trusted enough to end their suffering.”
Hasty said this was the first of many meetings to come in the push. “We want you to come to us to answer any questions.”
Said Jackson: “We want to get both sides of the story. It’s a community tool. We want to make our community community whole, as one. Your talents and services are much appreciated. If someone takes advantage of your finances or living situation, we want to help you. This is one of many meetings opening that door.”

As that search continued, Roanoke Rapids police were involved in a chase which ended in the Zoo Road area. Details are forthcoming on that chase.
Trooper Scott Richardson said the chase related to the ongoing search began shortly before 10 a.m. as he and Trooper J.T. Keeter were northbound on Highway 48 in the Aurelian Springs area when a car traveling south at a high of speed went by them.
Keeter pursued the vehicle and soon after the chase began, the driver turned onto a farm path before getting back on Highway 48.
As the driver approached Brinkleyville he tried to make a left turn onto Highway 561, missing the road and going into an yard. The driver then went through a ditch before making it onto Highway 561. The driver, however, struck a tree, exited the vehicle and went into the wood line.
Richardson said speeds reached in excess of 100 miles per hour during the chase.
The troopers declined to immediately name the driver. It is believed the driver is wanted out of Vance County, other law enforcement sources said.
At the scene at Highway 48, a Highway Patrol helicopter was circling the perimeter of the area and dogs from both the Halifax County Sheriff’s Office and state Department of Public Safety were deployed.
Troopers from Nash County assisted as well as state park rangers.
Two armed troopers were seen on either side of Highway 48.

Billy Ray Whitby Jr., 44, of Roanoke Rapids, was arrested November 4 and and Clara Ann Joyner, 23, of Littleton, was arrested today.
Chief Deputy Scott Hall said in a statement deputies responded to the Littleton area in September and learned several 10 horsepower motors were taken from the residence.
Investigation by Detective R.B. Biggerstaff led to the warrants on Whitby and Joyner.
Whitby faces charges of felony larceny, felony possession of stolen property and obtaining property by false pretense. He received a $1,500 bond.
Joyner faces charges of obtaining property by false pretense and possession of stolen goods. She was also served an outstanding order for arrest and received a $2,000 bond.
Both have first appearances in court November 23.

“Praise God for that,” said Reverend C.E. McCollum of the Roanoke Valley Southern Christian Leadership Conference, which promoted the tax. “It is good news for the county, the economic development of the area.”

In his travels, McCollum said he sees areas like Raleigh and Charlotte thriving. “We’re on the eastern corridor and nothing is happening. I’m thinking this should be a positive for all the citizens.”

The reverend said this is not an issue just for African-Americans. “Black folks couldn’t do this alone. This will help children get work ready so people can look at industry again. It took all the people who voted for this to make it happen.”

McCollum said the tax will ensure the county school systems has the means to progress. “We’re talking about 10 cents on $100. We’re not talking an extravagant amount of money.”

The minister said he was pleased the matter was put on the ballot and commissioners agreed to it. “I think what they see is equity in this and it’s time to let Cinderella be invited to the ball, too.”

James Mills, who worked with McCollum to promote the tax, said, “I’m hoping we can move forward as a county by having a better education system. It was the morally right thing to do to be equally fair. I’m so happy about that. We’re starting on a new foot. I’m just elated. It’s an answer to a lot of prayers.”

Tyus Few, a member of the county school board who was charged with promoting the tax, said, “I’m so proud of the citizens of Halifax County for showing a vested interest in the children and their future.”

Weldon school board

Meanwhile, in the race for Weldon City Schools Board of Education, incumbent Alberta Greene collected 21.16 percent of the vote to be returned to the panel.

Incumbent Hugh Credle earned 20.38 percent of the votes and was returned.

Challenger O.D Sykes gained a seat, earning 20.22 percent of the vote. Incumbent Barbara Balmer lost her seat, collecting 16.19 percent of the vote.

Trooper Scott Richardson of the state Highway Patrol said LaJohn Champion, 26, of Henderson, was caught around 6:45 this morning in the Barley Lane community off Highway 561.
The Halifax County Sheriff’s Office apprehended the man after neighbors in the community reported seeing him, Richardson said.
He was apprehended about a mile and a half from where he crashed his car and bolted to the nearby wood line in the Brinkleyville area.
Trooper J.T. Keeter said two juveniles in the car at the time of the chase were released to the custody of their parents. The juveniles, aged 13 and 14, were local, he said, but the connection between them and Champion was not immediately clear. It is not immediately clear whether the juveniles will be charged.
Champion was not only charged on counts related to the chase, but served several orders for arrest and warrants from Vance County, Richardson said.
The Vance County charges include counts of domestic assault, communicating threats and assault by pointing a gun.
Keeter said Champion faces the following charges lodged by the Highway Patrol:
Speeding to elude arrest; reckless driving; driving left of center; two counts of child endangerment; seat belt violation; fail to stop for blue lights and siren; resist, delay and obstruct; two counts injury to personal property; expired tags; suspended driver’s license; driving while license revoked; passing in a no-passing zone and following too close.
Because of the domestic assault charge from Vance County, he will be held without opportunity bond. Bond for the Highway Patrol charges was not immediately available.
Keeter said troopers suspect Champion fled because of the warrants he faced in Vance County.