Police Chief Chuck Hasty announced the hiring of Curtis Batchelor, Morgan Worrell, Elijah Ellington and Dwayne Ponton.

Ponton spoke to council, thanking Hasty for hiring him. “It’s a pleasure for me to be hired.”

Ponton told council he earned an undergraduate degree from Elizabeth City State University and in the fall plans to work on his masters. “It’s a steppingstone for my future.”

Hasty also announced the promotion of Jonathan Benthall from master officer to investigator; Obert Wiltsie from officer to investigator and Greg Colson from officer to master officer.

Ryan Cross and Wiltsie were named officers of the quarter.

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Fire Chief Stacy Coggins presented new hires Sean Marshall, Corey Jenkins and Gabriel Fanara.

Matthew Dube was promoted from firefighter to engineer.

The charges filed against Collin Jarrett Webb, 33, reflect different victims, Roanoke Rapids police Chief Chuck Hasty said in a statement.

Webb faces a count of kidnapping, a count of assault by strangulation, two counts assault on a female, two counts interfere with 911 communications and one count of damage to property.

The kidnapping, assault by strangulation, one of the assault on a female and one of the interfere with 911 communications charges reflect a matter investigated by Lieutenant J. Baggett Monday. That assault reportedly occurred on July 11.

The remaining counts are linked to a November assault in which a separate victim filed warrants against Webb which had not been served. No details were immediately available on that call.

Investigation into the most recent report indicated the victim was at Webb’s residence on Taylor Street when an argument took place. It was not clear what the argument was about, Hasty said.

Webb allegedly struck the victim and choked her. The victim broke free and attempted to use a cellphone, which Webb took.

The victim ran out of the house, but Webb allegedly grabbed her and dragged her inside. The victim finally left the residence and reported it to police later.

Webb was held without opportunity for bond and has an August 2 court date.

Ventosa trainer Michael Beaulieu is impressed and most importantly Grimes and the nearly 3-year-old Belgian malinois have become an inseparable team.

“He’s probably the best dog I’ve ever had,” Grimes said before demonstrating what she and Jimi have been through at the Scotland Neck training center today. “He looks back at me like his whole world revolves around us.”

“They’re doing great,” Beaulieu said. “It’s amazing. They’re inseparable. It’s like they’ve known each other forever. She keeps him in his place.”

Beaulieu believes the team of Grimes and Jimi will have an immediate impact on the streets. “They’ll be a good team. They work like they’ve been together a couple of years.”

Jimi is one of the five dogs within the police department’s canine program.

The roster also includes Sergeant Daniel Jenkins and Pocock; Master Officer Gerald Morris and Champ; Officer Ryan Cross and Midas and Officer Jamie Hardy and Storm, who will be hitting the streets in August. Jimi is within two weeks of hitting the streets.

“It’s another tool we can use to get drugs off the street, to find lost people, or fleeing suspects or locate evidence,” Hasty said.

Grimes will be the first female dog handler within the department, Hasty said.

When the department announced internally it was seeking another dog handler, Grimes enthusiastically expressed an interest, Hasty said. “She had to go through written research and did an evaluation through Ventosa for aptitude and competency.”

Hasty said Grimes was a perfect fit for the job. “She doesn’t complain. She does her job. It’s just because of her drive as a regular patrol officer.”

The addition of Jimi and Storm means the department will have at least one dog per shift. The dog will be available to help other agencies when the need arises, he said.

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The training has been rigorous, she said, but to see Jimi do his job has been rewarding.

That she will be the first female dog handler within the department is not the most important factor in becoming a canine officer, she said. “There’s so many great female handlers. I was given this great opportunity to do it.”

Grimes is a dog lover and the animals have always been of comfort to her. “It’s a partner to sing to and talk to. They’re great listeners.”

She is acutely aware of the differences between a house dog and police dog. “The canine has to have the basic training of a house dog but it’s a working dog. It has a job it has to do. The level of training is increased more. If he doesn’t follow commands it could be your life.”

She sees Jimi as being a good public relations tool for her and the department. “When people see a dog out in public it makes them not fear us as much.”

Being an officer for more than a year has already been rewarding for her. “I love coming to work not knowing what your day will be. I love the adrenaline kick. I love interacting with people, meeting all types of people. It’s a rewarding job to have. With Jimi it will be twice as much rewarding. He’s a great partner.”

Hasty believes the new partnership will be good for the city. The training at Ventosa, he said, is thorough and precise. “It’s excellent training.”

On September 26, the Small Business Center will begin the Agricultural Entrepreneurship Certificate program.  

This is a seven-week program and CEU credits will be awarded upon completion of the program.

The Agricultural Entrepreneurship Certificate program is designed to strengthen the business knowledge of community farmers and new agricultural entrepreneurs to help develop, launch and manage a profitable agricultural business or farm.  

This course will be held at HCC on Tuesday evenings from 6-9 p.m.  

The cost of this program is $70, plus the cost of the workbook. Sponsorships for the program will be available on a first-come, first-serve basis.             

Interested individuals can register today in the Workforce & Economic Development Department, located in the 400 Building on HCC’s campus.  

For more information, please contact the HCC SBC director Jerry Edmonds, by email — jedmonds080@halifaxcc.edu — or by calling 252-536-7274.

Nursing success

The School of Nursing had a 100 percent pass rate for the National Council Licensure Exam.

The NCLEX is the national board exam for all registered and practical nurses. The five-hour exam, which covers topics ranging from safety and infection control to reducing patient risks, is the last step before a student obtains their nursing license.

“I am proud of the nursing faculty who have worked hard to improve our nursing program and help our students to be successful,” said President Michael Elam. “We continue to strive to improve everywhere we can, and I am looking forward to the success of the next nursing class.”

The HCC School of Nursing prepares registered and practical nurses, as well as Certified Nurses Assistants for entry into the workforce.

For more information on the requirements, or to inquire about admission to the program, please contact Judy Yates, program director, at 252-536-7231.

Founders Day

A sponsorship form for the annual Founder’s Day is included as a PDF at the end of this story.

Founders Day commemorates the founding of Halifax Community College.

In 1967, Halifax Community College officially opened its doors to  students.

In celebration of that milestone 50 years ago, Halifax Community College will host its Founders Day Celebration on Thursday, September 14.

The arrest of 46-year-old Steannie Chaplin Sawyer coincided with a two-month investigation based on complaints of foot traffic and anonymous calls, Lieutenant A. Thomas said this afternoon.

The brick and bags seized resulted in a total of 63 bags, Thomas said.

While not as rampant a problem as it is in Scotland Neck, where a pipeline from Patterson, New Jersey, has been documented in other cases, there is heroin in the county, Thomas said. He said he was not sure whether Sawyer had any connections within the Scotland Neck heroin trade.

“It’s so much cheaper compared to other stuff,” Sheriff Jack Smith said.

Thomas said the sheriff’s office executed the search warrant prepared by Sergeant M. Sledge of the narcotics unit around 5:30 this morning. It was served in the town limits of Woodland.

Sawyer was arrested and charged with possession with intent to sell and deliver heroin, possession of drug paraphernalia and felony maintaining of a dwelling for the purpose of selling or storing a controlled substance.

In a statement, Smith said, “Thanks to Sergeant Sledge’s due diligence and hard work on combating the illegal drug trade, 63 dosage units of heroin with a reported weight of approximately 1.2 grams will not be reaching the streets of Northampton County.”

The sheriff said, “I would like to commend Sergeant Sledge on this arrest as it makes a statement that the Northampton County Sheriff’s Office will not tolerate those who choose to pollute our community with poison. The Northampton County Sheriff’s Office is committed to working cases that involves the illegal narcotics trade.”

The Jackson and Woodland police departments assisted in the case, Smith said.

Sawyer was presented before a magistrate where probable cause was found for his arrest.

He received a secured $10,000 secured and a July 27 first appearance.

While Terry Buffaloe had filed earlier to run against Mayor Emery Doughtie, he confirmed earlier this week he had withdrawn due to a conflict.

Wayne Smith and Suetta Scarbrough will run unopposed in the November 7 municipal election.

The polls will open at 6:30 a.m. that day and close at 7:30 p.m.

Roanoke Rapids Graded School District

Incumbent Jane Deese did not file for re-election this year.

Incumbents Michael Salanik and Valencia Davis refiled and newcomer Henry Ford, currently a Roanoke Rapids Planning Board member, filed.

Weldon commissioner and mayor’s race

Incumbent town Commissioner Stanley Edwards opted to run against incumbent Mayor Julia Meacham in that race.

In the town commissioner race there will be a contested battle for three seats. Susie Adams and Kimberly Robinson are the incumbents.

Challengers are Larry Brunson, Christon Martin, former Commissioner Walter Clark Jr. and Reailyn Stanback.

Enfield town commissioner and mayor’s race

Incumbent Mayor Barbara Simmons will be challenged by Walter Anderson.

In the district A race, incumbent Therman Hunter will be challenged by Larry McDaniel and Bobby Whitaker.

In the district B race incumbent Earl Harvey will be challenged by Kenneth Ward.

Halifax commissioner and mayor’s race

Incumbent Mayor John White is running unopposed.

While there are five seats open for the town commissioner race only four people have filed.

The Halifax County Board of Elections will most likely not extend the filing period but rely on write-ins to determine the fifth seat, board of elections Director Kristin Scott said.

The four who have filed are incumbents Edward Lee Clements, Barbara Daniels and John Suiter with Christina Wells being the newcomer.

Two other incumbents, Randy Birdsong and Chuck Peoples, did not refile.

Hobgood town commissioner and mayor’s race

Incumbent Mayor Dannie Flanary will run unopposed.

Incumbents Robert Sykes Jr. and Samuel Johnson are running unopposed for their seats.

Littleton town commissioner and mayor’s race

Incumbent Mayor John Girdley did not refile. Running for that seat will be Owen Scott.

The two incumbent commissioners did not refile. Instead the race will be a three-way battle between newcomers Bonita Knight, Stephen Barcelo and Linwood Bowden Jr. for two seats.

Roanoke Rapids Sanitary District Board

Incumbent Jack Barber is not running.

Incumbents Gene St. Clair and Steve Holliday are running. Also running for the three seats are Gregory Browning, current chairman of the planning board, and Dom Fenner, a member of the planning board.

Scotland town commissioner and mayor’s race

Incumbent Mayor Eddie Braxton is running unopposed.

Incumbents James Savage and Charles Suit are running with newcomer Susie Dickens seeking one of those seats.

The man, Edmond Tyler Baird, 19, was arrested today after an investigation by Detective B.C. Griffin of the Halifax County Sheriff’s Office, Sheriff Wes Tripp said in a statement.

Multiple sources today confirmed Baird was involved in youth ministries at East Tenth Church of Christ.

Tripp declined comment on Baird’s employment status. He did confirm the victim in the case was not a member of the church.

Dave Chapman, pastor of the church, said Baird has been suspended without pay pending formal dismissal from the summer internship. His belongings have been boxed. “Our hearts go out to the victim and to the family.”

As the sheriff confirmed, Chapman also confirmed the charges against Baird were not related to the church. “My understanding is the beginning of the offenses predate us knowing him.”

Said Chapman: “Our church is absolutely heartbroken about the situation. It’s so horrific to hear about people engaging in these crimes. It’s something Jesus talked about, looking out for the little children.”

Baird’s arrest today stemmed from Griffin’s investigation after a complaint was received of alleged sexual misconduct with a minor.

The investigation revealed Baird reportedly had an ongoing and continuous sexual relationship with a minor for the past several months, and that the crimes occurred in several locations in the Roanoke Rapids area.  

Griffin charged Baird with four counts of statutory rape of a child and six counts of statutory sexual offence with a child.  

He received a $250,000 bond and August 16 court date.  

The charges against Mitchell Anthony Morgan, 19, stem from events which occurred after what was originally dispatched as a shooting call were reported in the 1700 block of Gordon Drive around 9:45 p.m., Roanoke Rapids police Chief Chuck Hasty said in a statement.

Investigation revealed there was no shooting but a physical assault occurred. While Morgan had been identified as the person involved, Hasty said this morning he wasn’t involved in the physical assault.

Officer D. Hundley responded and saw a vehicle leaving the area. Hundley attempted to stop the vehicle but Morgan reportedly failed to heed the officer.

Officers pursued the vehicle to the 500 block of Highway 158.

He was detained as officers investigated the original call and determined there was a disturbance involving simple assault and Morgan was not involved.

Hundley charged Morgan with flee to elude arrest with a motor vehicle, fail to heed to blue lights and siren, speeding, and failing to stop for stop sign.

Trooper D.P. Efird of the state Highway Patrol charged Morgan with driving after consuming and driving while impaired.

He received a $1,500 bond and July 26 court date.

Lieutenant C. Burnette, Sergeant M. Peck, Investigator J. Benthall and Officer C. Batchelor assisted.

Trooper Scott Richardson said Deputy Ray Horton and Sergeant Antoine Johnson applied pressure to Northampton County EMS paramedic Michael Barnes to help slow bleeding down and “possibly saved his life.”

Richardson was the trooper who responded to the crash after receiving the call at Highway 35 and Dusty Hill Road in the Potecasi area shortly after 2:45 a.m.

Barnes was responding to what had initially been dispatched as a shooting call. Northampton County Sheriff Jack Smith said it ended up being a disturbance call.

Barnes went through a stop sign and collided with a tree. Both his legs were injured, Richardson said. The two deputies provided medical attention.

Smith said he was pleased with the efforts of his deputies. “Our deputies do whatever it takes to save or attempt to save human life. I’m proud of these deputies who serve mankind and try to save lives in anyway possible.”

Barnes, 34, was flown from the crash site to Vidant in Greenville. Richardson said the crash remains under investigation to determine whether charges will be filed.

A GoFundMe page has been set up to help defray the paramedic’s medical expenses.

Updates on the page indicate Barnes, an assistant paramedic supervisor, sustained a femur fracture to his left leg and multiple fractures to his right leg.

An update this morning indicated he has full movement and sensation in all extremities.

She is a Roanoke Rapids native and graduate of Roanoke Rapids High School.

Fowler previously worked with Halifax County in the GIS department for around 20 years and has more than 14 years of experience in the insurance industry.

​”She is very friendly and outgoing and we expect her positive attitude to be an asset to our office,” Jack Boseman, owner, said in a release announcing her employment.​ “​Patti  is looking forward to serving her customers with a smile, and providing them with the coverage ​that meets their needs.”

For more information call the agency at 252-537-8338.

On Sunday around 10 p.m., Corporal A. Holland stopped a vehicle on Interstate 95 southbound near the 155 mile marker for speeding.

During the stop, Holland learned the driver, Jakwan Alston, 25, of Rocky Mount, was in possession of a concealed handgun.

Continued investigation led to the discovery of a steel-plated body armor vest.

Holland arrested and charged Alston with felony carrying a concealed weapon and speeding before placing him in the Halifax County Detention Center under a $2,500 secured bond and an August 9 court date.

Alston had no explanation for possessing the body armor.

On Sunday around 4 a.m., Lieutenant S. Casey stopped a vehicle for an equipment violation on Highway 48 near Wednesday Drive in the Medoc community just outside Enfield.

Casey observed the driver, Octavis Davis, 21, of Enfield, concealing a handgun inside the vehicle.

Casey also found the passenger, Darrelle Dancy, 24, of Roanoke Rapids, in possession of a concealed handgun and  29 grams of marijuana.

Both men were taken into custody without trouble.

It was later determined both men were convicted felons and one of the guns was reported as stolen.

Davis was charged  with felony possession of a stolen firearm, felony possession of a firearm by felon, carrying a concealed gun, unsealed wine or liquor in passenger area of a vehicle, and rear lamp violation.

Davis was placed in the Halifax County Detention Center under a $21,000 secured bond and an August 9 court date.

Dancy was charged with felony possession of a stolen firearm, felony possession of a firearm by felon, felony possession with intent to sell and deliver marijuana, carrying a concealed gun, possession of marijuana drug paraphernalia, and unsealed wine or liquor in passenger area of a vehicle.

Dancy was placed in the Halifax County Detention Center under a $15,000 secured bond and has the same court date as Davis.

The almost sold out show entertained the crowd for three hours.

Photos by Randy Wrenn

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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

Her savior was a state Highway Patrol trooper who happened to see the lights of her truck flashing Sunday morning after she managed to slip out of the tub like a seal, pressing the remote to lock and unlock the vehicle.

After lying on her arms for 2 ½ days, she crawled to the door of her Halifax home. While she couldn’t press the panic button of the remote, she could hit the lock button.

Efird

That’s when Trooper Dustin Efird, coming back from helping Roanoke Rapids police Officer Daniel Hundley process a man charged with drunk driving, noticed the flashing lights of the F-150 at her home off Highway 301.

It was shortly after 1:20 a.m. Sunday.

“I started on 301 north and was going back to the office,” Efird said Tuesday. “There were lights flashing.”

Efird drove 50 yards past and decided something wasn’t right and went back. “I parked up in the yard. I heard someone yelling ‘help me,’ a female voice. I made my way to the house. I saw a female lying against the door. I got up to her and asked her if she was OK.”

That’s when Washington told him she thought she hurt her back when she slipped in the tub and finally found the strength to get out. “She laid on her arms for two and half days. She hit the lock button every time a car came by.”

Washington, a nurse at the Halifax County Detention Center, had stepped into the shower at 9:30 last Thursday night.

Efird, who received assistance from Trooper Scott Richardson, requested EMS, got Washington a blanket and got her bottled water. “She had been drinking bath water. I let her dog out and attempted to locate her cell phone.”

The trooper said one side of Washington’s face was swollen and her lip injured. When he went to see her at Halifax Regional later Sunday he learned she had been lying on her arms so long she began to lose circulation.

Tremendous job of recovery

“She’s doing a lot better,” Major Jay Burch, the jail administrator for the Halifax County Sheriff’s Office, said Tuesday. “There’s issues with circulation. She’s doing a tremendous job with recovery.”

Efird, Burch said, “Did an awesome job.”

Burch said Washington has been with the detention center for more than a year. “She’s been doing an awesome job. She wants to help inmates get the care they need. That’s like a priority for her. She has a personal interest in their welfare. She does an excellent job of identifying what their needs are and seeing they get the care they need.”

Her situation was dire, Burch said. “Around 9:30 Thursday night she took a hot shower to relax, fell and evidently hit her head. She remembers coming to Friday. She was laying on her arms in the shower. It cut off her circulation. She stayed that way Friday and Saturday.”

Washington’s mother lives in California and has already buried two of her children, Burch said. “She didn’t want her mom to bury her last child. That was her motivation. She belly-crawled all the way to the front door where her keys were.”

What has impressed Burch the most about the ordeal was Washington’s will. “The biggest thing is her will to survive and get out of the tub without using her arms. She’s a very strong-willed person.”

Then there is her compassion. “The biggest thing that hits with all the trauma she went through was she was thinking about her mom. I think one of the biggest characteristics of nurses is they put others before themselves and she falls right in that category.”

'My guardian angel'

Washington, who continues to recover at Halifax Regional, said of Efird, “He’s my guardian angel. He kept on investigating.”

Washington said she awoke face down in the shower by the drain. She remembers her dog licking her, keeping her awake. “I knew I wouldn’t be missed until Monday.”

A Navy veteran, Washington said instinct for survival kicked in. She worked her body up, using the soap dispenser to help support her. “I hit the floor like a seal. I did infantry crawls to get to the door.”

Seeing the state Highway Patrol car pass by, stop and come back, she said, “That was the most beautiful sight. You have no idea … He paid careful attention to detail. He had an eagle eye. He just worked on his instinct.”

Washington said her father was a 30-year Marine. “He always told me to have a backup plan. I didn’t have one. It was survival. I got a plan B real quick.”

State Highway Patrol Sergeant D.O. Guy said of Efird, “He did an outstanding job hands down, his attention to detail, he went through the extra effort and investigated.”

Efird credits Washington for her will to survive. “I just did what I was supposed to. She did all the hard work finding a way she could be found. I have a great admiration for her tenacity and will to survive.”

Washington gives him credit back. “He did his job thoroughly. He’s on a whole other level. He did everything right.”

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.