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Scotland Neck Police Department

Captain Tommy Parker said in a statement around 1:15 this morning Corporal C. Little responded to the 500 Block of East Thirteenth Street for a burglary of a single-family dwelling.

Little spoke with the homeowner and determined Robert Lee Shields, 56, of Scotland Neck, broke into the house, attempted to steal a TV, assaulted the homeowner with a kitchen knife, and fled out of the side door.

Little obtained warrants for Shields based on the investigation.

At 3:56 a.m. Little observed Shields walking across the Scotland Neck Fire Department driveway and placed him under arrest with the assistance of Officer D. Coley and Lt. S. Casey of the Halifax County Sheriff's Office.

Little found crack cocaine, a crack pipe, and stolen property from the residence he burglarized.

Little arrested Shields for felony first-degree burglary, felony larceny after breaking and entering, felony possession of stolen goods, felony possession of cocaine, assault with a deadly weapon, injury to personal property, and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Shields was jailed on $50,000 secured bond. A court date had not been set as of this report.

Halifax County Sheriff’s Office

Chief Deputy Scott Hall said in a statement a husband and wife were charged early Monday morning after a sergeant spotted them walking in the area of highways 125 and 903.

Sergeant J.R. Matthews observed Mark Johnson, 38, and Tiffany Johnson, 32, of Halifax, around 3 a.m.

Matthews found the couple in possession of items which made him suspicious they were stolen.

Matthews located a residence in the area which had been broken into and determined the property was stolen from the home. The stolen items included a makeup bag and home decor items.

The couple was charged with second-degree burglary, felony larceny and possession of stolen goods.

They were jailed on $20,000 bonds and received August 9 court dates.

Main Street Development Director Christina Caudle reported over the last year there were 31 facade improvements, six building rehabs and two public improvement projects.

The total for the program to date is 121 facade improvements, 57 building rehabs and 16 public improvement projects.

There was a net of 52 jobs created. Over the course of the program there have been 493 jobs created and 132 lost for a net of 361 new jobs.

Caudle reported 20 new business openings, four closings and one expansion. She noted more than 50 percent of the new business openings represent the service industry and the four which have closed are retail.

Over the life of the program there have been 137 business opened, 39 closed and four expansions.

Volunteer hours over the last year are at 1,350 and represent a savings of $29,538. In the program to date there have been a total of 11,458 volunteer hours and $250,701 in in-kind volunteering.

There were seven events this year bringing in 2,500 people who spent $16,000. Over the course of the program there have been 19,300 visitors who have spent $112,000.

Private investment reached $4,051,130, a 124 percent increase over the last year. Some of that included the Food Lion and Burger King rehab, Caudle said, noting the bulk of that was small business investment.

Public investment was up 112 percent. At $461,247, that number includes the work on the public green space at 1026 Roanoke Avenue.

Total investment on the avenue is expected to hit $10 million next year. There has been a $1,330,370 public investment made over the course of the program and $7,648,108 in private investment. Total investment over the course of the program is at $8,978,478.

A total of $48 million in private investment is expected through 2019, including Project Chips at Kapstone, the new credit union on Tenth Street and Mill City Market opening in the Countryside Interiors building.

Roanoke Rapids has been in the program since 2009, Caudle said. “People see the value of downtown revitalization. People are looking for quality of life. People know one of our largest assets is our rich history.”

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Awards

Lisa Smith of the Quality Shop received the Beautification Award. “They really take care of their property,” Caudle said.

U OK Coffee & Baked Goods was named New Business of the Year.

Owned by LaurieAnn and Dennis Howard, the shop grinds its own coffee and sells baked goods including muffins and brownies. “It’s gaining momentum,” Caudle said.

Business of the year went to the Roanoke Rapids Herald, which has been a long time fixture on the avenue, beginning in the 200 block and now in the 900 block. “It’s a tremendous asset. It’s of tremendous local value to the community,” Caudle said.

Herald Publisher Titus Workman accepted the award and was also recognized for his service to the Main Street Board through the presentation of the President’s Award.

Volunteer of the Year went to Carol Moseley, who was not present.

A Special Appreciation Award was given to state Representative Michael Wray, who secured funding of nearly $95,000 for Main Street Roanoke Rapids.

The funding has allowed a streetscape planning document process; a facade grant program and a local rent subsidy incentive.

“Michael Wray stepped up and supported us,” Caudle said.

“I’m highly honored,” Wray said.

An occupied vehicle was shot several times and the driver’s side window was shattered, Enfield police Detective Willie Murphy Jr. said. He declined to say how many people were in the vehicle.

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Wanted are Taphil Jerome Yancey and Khiry Deshawn Dickens, both 24, and both from Enfield.

Both men have been identified as Blood members, Murphy said, although their ranks among the group were not clear.

Other than confirming gang activity was at play, Murphy declined to discuss motive.

Officers Shatel Coates and Graham Page responded to the area of South McDaniel and Bell streets after hearing shots fired around 7:30 p.m., police Chief Tyree Davis said in a statement.

The vehicle was in motion at the time of the shooting, Murphy said. Semiautomatic weapons were used, he said.

Murphy filed warrants for their arrests on counts of felony conspiracy, felony discharge a weapon into an occupied vehicle, felony assault with a deadly weapon with intent to kill, misdemeanor going armed to the terror of the people, and misdemeanor injury to personal property.

Dickens is also wanted by Halifax County Probation and Parole.

Davis said in the statement the men are considered armed and dangerous and frequent the surrounding counties.

Murphy said their travels are not limited to only Halifax County and they have the means and transportation to go to Raleigh and other areas.

Anyone with information on their whereabouts is encouraged to call Crimestoppers at 252-583-4444 or Central Communications at 252-583-1991

Roanoke Rapids Main Street Development Director Christina Caudle had the murals on display during the Main Street annual dinner Monday.

The murals are the works of local artist Napoleon Hill and feature the depot near Roanoke Avenue and Julian R. Allsbrook Highway; the Roanoke Canal Museum, formerly a power station and the Rosemary Mill before much of it was demolished.

The Halifax County Arts Council funded the commission of the mural through a Grassroots Art Program grant.

The location of the green space was home to the former Roanoke Restaurant. “This was a major safety concern,” Caudle said at the meeting.

The facade of the building was saved and work on improvements is underway. It will eventually have tables and chairs and a water feature, Caudle said. The tables and chairs will be in a  courtyard-style and it will have seat walls coinciding with the landscaping retention.

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The aim of the Phase 1 improvements is to make the space compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act, making the slope at the front entrance of the space wheelchair accessible, city Planning and Development Director Kelly Lasky said last week.

There will also be minor improvements to the municipal parking lot behind the space, which is also for ADA compliance.

Inside the space, the city’s public works department has stripped away most of the sheetrock on one side to expose the brickwork and removed nails from the outer walls.

“We can’t wait,” Caudle said last week. “The demolition was two summers ago.”

In addition to ADA compliance, Caudle said the space will be well-lit.

It isn’t clear when the prep work will be completed. “When Phase 1 is completed, I’m sure Main Street will celebrate.”

Both Caudle and Lasky praised the public works department for the prep work on the site. “This would not be possible without the city’s support and without state funding which Representative Michael Wray got for us,” Caudle said.

Caudle is hopeful the space, once completed and furnished, will draw more people to the avenue. “I think it could be a catalyst, giving the public an outdoor space in one of the most visited  blocks of the avenue.”

Caudle told those gathered at the Main Street meeting, “We feel like it will be a tremendous asset for everyone.”

Tyler Baird of Roanoke Rapids remains in custody following the charges filed today, Detective B.C. Griffin said.

The bond associated with the new counts — $750,000— raises his total bond to $1 million.

Griffin said this evening the new counts reflect alleged offenses committed against the same victim.

He said the victim’s parents reported the matter but declined to say how they found out.

A search warrant in the case is expected to be sealed upon its return to clerk’s office, Griffin said.

Baird, a former church youth intern, has an August 16 court date on the new counts, Sheriff Wes Tripp said in a statement.

Griffin said this evening there is no indication the charges involved the church or its members.

He said the charges reflect offenses allegedly committed in both the city limits of Roanoke Rapids as well the county.

Tripp said in the statement the new charges were lodged after further investigation by Griffin.

Griffin said investigation continues and there is possibility more counts could be filed.

The new counts filed against Baird are:

Six counts of crimes against nature

Four counts of disseminating obscene material to a minor. Griffin said the charges reflect poronographic photos and videos being sent. He declined to say who was in the materials.

Three counts of indecent liberties with a child.

Two counts of second-degree sexual exploitation of a child. This charge, Griffin said, involves anything done to send out, manufacture, receive or solicit pornographic materials involving minors

Two counts of third-degree sexual exploitation of a child. This charge reflects possessing pornapgraphic materials involving a minor

Two counts of disclosure of private images. This charge reflects photos and videos sent without permission of the person in the material.

Soliciting a minor by computer.

Felony secret peeping. This charge reflects hiding a recording device for sexual gratification in a private place and filming or photographing a person without their knowledge or permission

Possessing photographic images from peeping

Fornication and adultery, which reflect Baird was married at the time of the alleged offenses  

Griffin charged Baird Saturday with four counts of statutory rape of a child and six counts of statutory sexual offence with a child between the age of 13 and 14.

Master of his domain

A man recently released after pleading guilty to three counts of indecent exposure was arrested again Wednesday on the same count.

The victim in the case reported Wednesday Henry Kareem Franklin was inside their residence around 10:30 a.m. allegedly performing a lewd act on himself behind them the day before in the 900 block of Cedar Street.

The victim was familiar with Franklin, 31, of Roanoke Rapids.

Officer J. Spragins responded to the report. Franklin was arrested around 4:15 p.m. in the area of Cleveland and West Ninth streets, Hasty said in a statement.

He received a $3,000 bond and August 25 court date.

Franklin was released from jail on July 16 after he pled guilty to three counts of indecent exposure for lewd acts he committed upon himself at the library, the 900 block of Roanoke Avenue and Lowe’s Home Improvement. Those acts were committed on March 28 and March 30. He received an active sentence.

Records also show Franklin has pled guilty to two counts of indecent exposure in Nash County in 2016 and pled guilty to sexual battery in Pitt County.

Lieutenants P. Parks and C.L. Vaught assisted.

Narcan administration, heroin charge

On Tuesday at approximately 1:30 p.m., Officer J. Desare responded to a work site in the 400 block of East Tenth Street following a report of a person not breathing.  

When officers arrived they found Michael Lawrence Tanzini, 37, of Clayton, unresponsive.

Officers and firefighters administered several doses of Narcan and CPR to Tanzini, who was reportedly found in possession of heroin.   

After receiving receiving medical care, DeSare arrested and charged him with possession of heroin.

He received a $1,000 bond and September 6  court date.

Parks and Spragins assisted.

Traffic stop

On Tuesday at approximately 7:30 p.m., Officer J. Hardy conducted a traffic stop for a violation at highways 158 and Highway 48.  

During stop the driver, Taurs Devon Price, 21, of Roanoke Rapids, was found to not have a valid driver’s license and was in possession of narcotics.  

Hardy cited Price with no operator’s license and possession of marijuana.

He was released until his court date of September 1.

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No arrests were made in the Maria Avenue raid. Two people were arrested in the Melody Lane search warrant execution and a juvenile petition will be filed.

Maria Avenue

Surveillance equipment and a bullet-resistant vest were found after a search warrant execution this morning around 6.

Captain A.M. Harris declined to elaborate on the discovery of the equipment and vest. He declined to disclose who the target of the investigation is.

The task force and investigative division of the Halifax County Sheriff’s Office executed the search warrant after a two-week investigation by Agent C.A. Parker due to drug activity, Harris said in a statement.

During the search of the residence with the assistance of Sergeant J. Bozard and his dog, Fino, marijuana was seized.

This case will remain open pending further investigation, Harris said.

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Melody Lane

Harris said shortly before 7:30  the task force and the patrol and investigative divisions of the sheriff’s office executed a search warrant.  

Agent D.J. Epperson received several complaints of possible drug sales at this residence.  Through his investigation, Epperson applied for and was granted a search warrant.

During the search of the residence with the assistance of Bozard and Fino, agents seized approximately 47 grams of marijuana and several items of marijuana paraphernalia.

Epperson arrested and charged Larry Williams, 28, and Danisha Simmons, 30, with possession with the intent to sell and deliver marijuana, felony possession of marijuana, maintaining a dwelling for a controlled substance and possession of marijuana paraphernalia.  

Harris said Williams and Simmons are boyfriend and girlfriend.

Epperson is also following up with juvenile services after marijuana was found in the room of Simmons’ son, Harris said.

Williams received a $15,000 bond and Simmons a $5,000 bond.

They have August 2 court dates.

This case is still active, Harris said.

Apparent hit and run

Officer S. Blythe is investigating what appears to be a hit and run which occurred in the 300 block of Henry Street shortly after 9 p.m. Thursday.

A victim on a bicycle advised officers he was riding and felt something hit his rear tire. Details were unclear from that point.

Officers checked the area and were unable to locate a vehicle or any further evidence.

There were no serious injuries to the cyclist.

Anyone with information is encouraged to call the police department at 252-533-2810 or Crimestoppers at 252-583-4444.

Traffic stop

Jason Richardson, 29, of Roanoke Rapids was charged with possession with intent to sell and deliver cocaine, possession of cocaine and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Richardson received an August 16 court date with a $2,500 bond.

Jessica Byrd was also arrested and charged with possession of drug paraphernalia and maintain a vehicle for a controlled substance.

Byrd received the same court date as Richardson and a $1,500 bond.

The arrests stem from a traffic stop by Alex Green Thursday around 11:15 p.m. due to Byrd, the driver, not wearing a seatbelt.

Green learned Byrd did not have a valid license.

Master Officer G. Morris and his dog Champ arrived on scene to assist.

Upon further investigation Morris deployed Champ, who indicated there was or had been narcotics in the vehicle. Upon checking the vehicle further, 1.8 grams of cocaine and 1.4 grams of crack cocaine were found along with drug paraphernalia.

Some of the contraband located was baggies, a scale, crack pipe and two measuring cups.

The August 19 concert features Blake Shelton.

The $1 raffle, which will benefit the annual Christmas for Kids shopping spree, will entitle the winner to the two tickets — a total of value of $400 — and $100 in cash, Roanoke Rapids Police Department Deputy Chief Andy Jackson said.

WPTM is sponsoring the tickets and Mayor Emery Doughtie donated the $100.

“It’s going to make it a bigger, greater event,” Jackson said. “These tickets are worth $400 for premium seats.”

The Roanoke Rapids and Weldon police departments and the Halifax County Sheriff’s Office are joining forces for the annual night out against crime. The event will be held at The Centre on the campus of HCC from 6 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.

Chief Chuck Hasty said this will be third year the three agencies have joined together to present National Night Out.

This will be the 17th year the RRPD has held the event, Jackson said.

The event will also feature Wally the Wacky Waiter and musical guests Holiday Band.

“The acts are lined up, there’ll be food vendors, Safety Pup, Ready Fox and Andy the Ambulance,” Jackson said. “It’s a combination of good community service and good entertainment. I’ve always loved to do it. I like seeing the smiles on the people’s faces.”

Said Hasty: “It’s good interaction for the police officers.”

“It gives them the opportunity to meet with the public on a different level,” Jackson said. “It’s also an opportunity to share ideas with other law enforcement agencies.”

The basic law enforcement training program of HCC is another partner in the event. “They helped us have a space to have air conditioning,” Jackson said.

Jackson said 600 attended last year. “We’d like to have 1,000.”

“Hopefully the raffle will bring more out,” Hasty said.

Enfield

Enfield’s event will be at the parks and rec department on Southeast Railroad Street.

It will be held from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.

Enfield police Chief Tyree Davis said the event will feature music, a bounce house, and the movie Trolls will be playing inside.

Jerry Wright will be giving snow cones to children.

There will be a splash pad and the basketball courts will be open.

There will be informational handouts on gun safety and other pamphlets.

The fire department will be at the event and the police department will bring cars so children can work the lights and sirens.

Lucky, the police department’s dog, will be at the event with his handler, Corporal Larry Peaden.

Treats will be for sale.

Garysburg

Chief  Melvin Garner describes National Night Out as a community-building event to increase awareness about police programs and partnerships.

This will be the town’s fourth annual National Night Out event and will be held at the Garysburg Community Center from 6 p.m. until 8:30 p.m.

The community center is the old Garysburg Elementary School on Highway 46 across from the police department.

The event will be a collaborative effort with the Northampton County Sheriff’s Office, Gaston Police Department, Jackson Police Department and Rich Square Police Department.

“We are inviting people not only from Garysburg but all communities to come out and enjoy a day of fun,” Garner said.

Mayor Roy Bell will welcome all visitors.

Those attending are asked to report to the gymnasium no later than 6:15 p.m.

The event is free and there will be games and amusements for the children.

Prizes and school supplies will be given away.

There will be food vendors, volunteers from the Omega Psi Phi Fraternity and others. Entertainment will be provided by Jake Rice and his wife.

Free blood pressure checks will be provided by Rural Health as well as the availability of diabetes resources.

Law enforcement and numerous community groups will be represented.

Littleton

Littleton Citizens on Patrol is sponsoring National Night Out from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the town parking lot. In The event of inclement weather it will be held at 231 Highway 158, the new location for Buddy Isles.

There will be food and family-friendly events.

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The donation of $3,552 came from the auction of a 2017 Civic Type R said Michael Sterzer, general manager.

The auction was part of Vester’s participation in the North Carolina Automobile Dealers Association statewide First Responders Appreciation Day, said company COO Chris Vester.

“It’s to give thanks for what they do. They allow us to pick a project. We picked Benefiting the Children of Halifax County.”

Programs like Benefiting the Children, Vester said, make interaction with law enforcement easier and helps lessen the likelihood of serious interactions later in life.

“It’s a big help to the ongoing project,” Tripp said.

This was the second toy donation in the 2017 effort. Touch-A-Truck on July 15 helped the Tripp collect more than 300 toys.

Around Thanksgiving, Tripp said the sales staff and deputies will go on a shopping spree to Walmart to buy toys for distribution to children in the Enfield and Hollister areas. “The last two we did in Hobgood and Scotland Neck. I’m very humbled and appreciative. This will help buy more toys.”

Tripp is asking for donations of new and unwrapped toys from the public. There will also be lunches and plate sales for the effort.

The Vester donation, he said, “Is a great start.”

Anyone wishing to begin donating may call Tripp at 252-578-6761.

Scotland Neck police Captain Tommy Parker said three shots were fired and two are believed to have struck Willie Solomon Jr. from a 9mm handgun.

The murder occurred in the 700 block of Roanoke Street at a rear apartment shortly before 2:30 this morning.

Parker said alcohol use is suspected. In a statement on the matter he said a suspect has been identified and more information is forthcoming.

Solomon was treated at the scene and taken to Our Community Hospital where he was pronounced dead.

An altercation over an unknown matter led to a fight before the fatal shooting occurred.

Halifax County Sheriff’s Office deputies assisted with the investigation.

Police continue to investigate possible connections between a June domestic assault and two shooting calls which occurred Friday night.

Around 4:30 Saturday morning, Lieutenant J. Baggett, Sergeant T. Tyler and Officer J. DeSare responded to the 500 block of Oak Street and served a warrant for assault on a female to Sakwon Artavas Bowser, 21, of Roanoke Rapids.

Bowser was taken to the Halifax County jail where he was locked up without opportunity for bond.

Officers located a handgun in the bedroom where Bowser was sleeping.

DeSare had conducted an investigation into a shots fired call in the Oak Street area around 10:30 Friday night and then a shooting into an occupied vehicle call shortly before midnight, which occurred in the 300 block of Madison Street. Three people were inside the vehicle but were not harmed. Hasty declined to name the people in the vehicle.

DeSare continued his investigation Sunday and obtained warrants on Bowser for shooting into an occupied vehicle and assault with a deadly weapon.

Bowser was served those warrants this morning by Deputy T.W. Greene of the Halifax County Sheriff’s Office.

Bowser has an August 8 court date.

Welfare check leads to arrest of wanted subject

On Friday around 9:30 a.m., Deputy Chief Andy Jackson and Lieutenant Charles Burnette were conducting a welfare check in the 700 block of Jefferson Street.

When they knocked on the front door, Willie Lewis McWilliams, 53, of Roanoke Rapids ran out back.

After a brief chase, Williams was taken into custody on outstanding warrants for possession of stolen goods.

He received a $1,000 bond and September 9 court date.

The charges stem from an investigation by Investigator G.L. Williams into a shed break-in where the victim reported items were taken.

Traffic stop leads to drug charge

On Sunday around 3:45 a.m., DeSare conducted a traffic stop for a violation on Roanoke Avenue near Ninth Street.

The driver, Isaiah Kaitrell Latravis Hendricks, 25, of Roanoke Rapids, was found in possession of narcotics.  

DeSare cited Hendricks for possession of marijuana, expired tags and expired inspection.

He was released until his August 20 court date.

Baggett assisted.

Halifax County Sheriff’s Office

Chief Deputy Scott Hall reported on Sunday around 11:30 pm, Deputy Brandon Council arrested a Roanoke Rapids man on drug offenses following a traffic stop.

Council stopped a vehicle on Highway 158 near the intersection of Airport Road for a motor vehicle violation.

The driver, Joseph Lance Humphries, 31, was arrested and charged with possession of  crack cocaine and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Council also cited Humphries with a moving violation.

Humphries received an August 16 court date and received a $1,000 secured bond.

On June 20 the sheriff’s office responded to an alarm call at Dollar General located on Highway 561 in Hollister.

Deputies noticed the store was broken into and several cases of Bud Light were stolen.

Through further investigation by Detective R.B. Biggerstaff, warrants were obtained on Bryon O’Neal Lynch 36, of Warrenton.

Lynch was charged with felony breaking and entering, felony larceny after breaking and entering, felony possession of stolen goods and injury to real property.

Lynch was arrested on July 22 and received a $1,500 secured bond and an August 9 first appearance.

Down East Drug Task Force

Northampton County Sheriff Jack Smith reported on July 25 Down East Task Force agents M. Sledge and S. White were following up on complaints when they encountered a man identified later as Johnnie Coburn Jr., 39, of Gates County, leave from a known drug area in the Woodland community.

Agents located 4.5 ounces of marijuana in the vehicle.

Sledge cited Coburn for a traffic violation and also charged him with felony possession with intent to sell and deliver marijuana, felony maintaining a vehicle and possession of drug paraphernalia.

He has an August 3 court date.

Smith in a statement commended the agents. “Agent Sledge and the Down East Drug Task Force will continue to follow up on all drug complaints throughout Northampton County.”

Courtney grew up in Roanoke Rapids and graduated from Roanoke Rapids High School in 2007.

She attended the University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill where she received a B.S. in biology.  She continued her education in Chapel Hill and graduated from UNC School of Dentistry in 2015.  

While in Chapel Hill, she met her husband, Dr. Eric Nicholson.

They married in Atlantic Beach in June 2015 shortly after she finished dental school.  

Courtney and Eric then moved to Louisville,Kentucky, where she completed a two-year residency program in orthodontics.  

Courtney graduated from the University of Louisville School of Dentistry this past June with a Certificate in Orthodontics and a Master of Science in Dentistry.  

She and Eric now reside in Roanoke Rapids.

Eric joined the dental practice of Hoffman & Arthur for the retiring Dr. Steve Hoffman.  

As she awaits the construction of her new building, Courtney is currently seeing orthodontic patients at Hoffman & Arthur.

Southern Smiles Orthodontics will be located at 1121 Gregory Drive and is scheduled for completion by late 2017.

The office will be a short drive from Chaloner Middle School and conveniently located amongst other healthcare facilities.  

The approximately 4,000 square-foot office will offer a quaint, coastal-inspired atmosphere for patients while featuring modern dental technology.  

Courtney has chosen a pineapple for her practice logo as the pineapple is often seen as a symbol of Southern hospitality, and that is exactly what she wants to provide to the people of the Roanoke Valley and surrounding area.

Courtney’s orthodontic patients can expect the highest quality of treatment and exemplary service.  

Though her permanent location is under construction, she is accepting new patients in her temporary location at Hoffman & Arthur.  

Southern Smiles Orthodontics offers a variety of affordable treatment options including traditional braces, clear braces, and Invisalign.

For more information stop by or call 252-525-4797 to schedule a complimentary consultation.

In all, Lieutenant C.L. Vaught said, Jadetta Bennett, 19, deposited five checks on a closed account, withdrawing a total of around $6,000.

Chief Chuck Hasty said Bennett surrendered to Vaught around 8 a.m. at the police department.

Vaught charged her with five counts of credit card fraud.

The charges stem from investigation of a report filed June 19.

She received a $5,000 bond and September 9 court date.

Traffic stop leads to weapons charge

Also on Monday, Hasty reported Officer A. Green conducted a traffic stop for a violation on the Sheetz parking lot and determined Tyler Gage Lanier of Hollister had a suspended license and a concealed weapon in the vehicle.  

Lanier was arrested and charged with driving while license revoked and carry a concealed firearm.

He received a $500 bond and August 4 court date.

Master Officer G. Morris assisted.

“We are beginning to have problems with how the old People’s Theater is affecting the buildings next to it, especially the flower shop on the corner.” Scherer said in his report. “It may be causing some rainwater to be leaking into that building.”

Scherer said a structural engineer will look at the situation “to advise us what our options are with the building, to include possible demolition and removal.”

The city just recently took the marquee off the building because of safety concerns, Scherer said following the meeting. He said the marquee, which loomed over the sidewalk, was apparently starting to pull away from the building.

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Scherer said the building is not repairable and it remains in private ownership meaning if the building could be saved a potential buyer would be tied because of that status.

City Attorney Gilbert Chichester said following the meeting the city does have a court order which allows the demolition of the building, located near the intersection of Roanoke Avenue and Second Street.

The city has been unable to get in contact with the owner, Eric Bowman, who said in 2012 he had planned to open a jazz and blues venue, an effort to ride on the coattails of the Roanoke Rapids Theater.

With the failure of the music and entertainment district to catch fire, he said then he was exploring a dinner theater concept.

Scherer couldn’t give a cost estimate on the demolition of the building. After the meeting, he said, “It’s going to be expensive. It’s not in any condition to rehabilitate.”

City Public Works Director Larry Chalker said before the meeting the marquee had to be removed because “it was hanging over a public sidewalk. The structure holding it is compromised.”

Chalker said a rough estimate of demolition of the building would most likely be at least $300,000. There would also be asbestos abatement to factor in.

Water had begun settling on the rubber roof. “Now there’s a hole and it’s getting down from the roof.”

Cedar Street

In another matter regarding demolition, council approved an order directing the city’s code enforcement officer to demolish and remove a house at 1004 Cedar Street.

“The dwelling … violates the minimum housing code by reason of the conditions and deficiencies found to present and to exist in and about …” the planning and development department noted in the order. “In its current condition, the dwelling is unfit for human habitation.”

Donald Franklin Smith, 24, surrendered to the Halifax County Sheriff's Office on unrelated probation violations soon after the murder of Willie Solomon Jr., Scotland Neck police Captain Tommy Parker said in a statement this evening.

In addition to the murder charge, he faces counts of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, carrying a concealed gun and discharging a firearm in the city limits. He was jailed without opportunity for bond and a first court appearance is pending.

Based on the investigation, the police department determined Smith reportedly shot Solomon while the two were struggling inside a room located at 715 Roanoke Street.

Both men knew each other and it is believed, on the morning of the shooting, they were both intoxicated or impaired by drugs.  

“I am very appreciative that the community assisted us in this investigation,” Chief John Tippett said in the statement. “In working together, we were able to keep a killer off the streets."

Parker said, "The officers responded within minutes of the call and did all they could. We have worked several days on this case and it was a senseless murder between two people that knew each other well. The bottom line is that the days of fighting and shaking hands afterwards seem to be over. This young man may spend the rest of his life in prison for making this poor decision."

Funeral arrangements for Solomon have yet to be set.

Roanoke Rapids police Chief Chuck Hasty said in a statement a person has been detained and detectives continue to investigate.

Police responded to a disturbance call around 6:15 p.m. and found the victim with multiple stab wounds to their lower extremities.

The victim was initially transported to Halifax Regional and then flown out.

The nature of the disturbance remains under investigation.

Photos by Randy Wrenn

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