From there a friendship was born.

It happened in August when Martin was called to speak Dashawn Reddick, 15, and Antonio Crowder, 16.

Martin met the youth during a call in which they were suspected of illegal activity at a bus stop.

“From there we struck up a conversation,” Martin said today before he and the teens embarked on the Christmas for Kids shopping spree at Walmart. “We actually had the parents come to the bus stop. We spoke with the parents. Instead of running them through the system, we started with community service.”

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The teens have not let Martin down and have been active participants in several endeavors, including today’s event.

Those activities have included the city’s opioid seminar in which they attended and did an essay on the meeting. They participated in Project Lift, cooking food and helping the children. They came to an event which Martin couldn’t attend.

“With them being young men, if you lend a helping hand, it makes a difference in their life.”

For Crowder the relationship has been meaningful. “We’ve built up a friendship instead of being thrown under the bus.”

Reddick says he has had past experiences with police which weren’t positive. “For him to come up and be friendly, it changed my opinion.”

Said Crowder: “My perception of police, it’s changed.”

Martin calls their schools to check up on their progress. “They haven’t faltered. They’re both doing well in school.”

It’s been tough for Martin to keep up with the teens after losing two parents this year and school going on, but he makes the effort. He plans to get them in on an early morning basketball games to continue mentoring them. “I want to see if they’ve got any skills on the court.”

For Martin, the experience has shown him another side of policing. “I learned an alternate way to do some things. I looked at it outside the box. I saw it as an opportunity to reach out to the community.”

Both Crowder and Reddick aren’t ashamed to be seen talking to a cop. “I can talk to him in front of a whole crowd of my peers,” Crowder said.

Said Reddick: “I feel the same way. At least now I know with him we’re like equals.”

Martin’s efforts have been featured on the Prevent Child Abuse North Carolina website.

Chief Chuck Hasty appreciates Martin’s efforts. “It’s a great program, trying to resolve issues without going through the court system.”

Martin said Hasty has encouraged this interaction to have better relations with the community. “His philosophy is we’re here to protect and serve but at the end of the day I’m no better than anybody else I’m out there policing. We’re all human beings.”

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Travonta Quimane Whitaker, 22, is wanted for attempted murder in a shooting which took place shortly before 10:45 p.m.

The condition of the victim was not immediately available and Sheriff Wes Tripp said detectives continue to investigate motive.

He declined to immediately discuss how many shots were fired.

State Department of Public Safety records show Whitaker was sentenced to 12 months of probation on December 8 for assault on an officer, an offense which occurred in February.

His state record also shows a suspended sentence with probation for a charge with assault with a deadly weapon with intent to kill inflicting serious injury which was levied in 2012.

He was last seen in a dark green 1997 Mercury Grand Marquis with North Carolina tags PCD-7055.

Anyone with information is encouraged to call the sheriff’s office at 252-583-8201 or Crimestoppers at 252-583-4444.

“We’re on time,” Superintendent Dain Butler said after a ribbon-cutting and program which included songs by the school’s chorus, speeches by officials and a student. “We will have the kids in the building January 2.”

During the ceremony, Butler told a large audience, “You may have heard the phrase before:  Teamwork makes the dream work. What we see today is a prime example. This project started long before I arrived in Roanoke Rapids and there have been many advocates and community members that have worked diligently to see this become a reality.”

The superintendent said the school board should be commended for its “financial stewardship and vision to create such an opportunity for our community. The Halifax County Board of Commissioners should be commended for their trust, leadership, and their guidance throughout this project.  

“The staff of Roanoke Rapids Graded School District deserves tremendous credit for their diligence. I would like to personally thank Mr. Robbie Clements (director of facilities and operations) for his work overseeing this project and making sure we could be standing here today.”

Said Butler: “My wife had the opportunity to walk through this building a few days ago. When she returned to the office she was almost in tears and simply said, ‘that’s the kind of school the children deserve.’ I wholeheartedly agree.”

“It’s an awesome building,” school board Chair Jay Carlisle said after the ceremony. “It’s beautiful, state of the art. It’s been a long time coming for the community. I’m proud to be a part of making it happen.”

Board of commissioners Chairman Vernon Bryant told the audience, “The boys and girls at Manning Elementary School will have a new school that is comfortable and conducive to learning for many years to come.”

Bryant also thanked Clements “for a job well done.”

He said the $19.2 million school features wireless technology, advanced student and staff safety features as well as high-efficiency LED lighting, temperature controlled classrooms and pod spaces on each hall for interactive and collaborative learning.

All photos in the gallery were taken by rrspin.com, except the last two, which are courtesy of the RRGSD

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Commissioner Rives Manning, nephew of the man the school is named for, said after the program, “I’m absolutely very honored and pleased.”

Manning unveiled the plaque recognizing the dedication of the school and those responsible for bringing it to fruition.

Savannah Medlin, a Manning student, helped the commissioner and then spoke.

“I am most excited about having a big library because I have always loved the library and I can’t wait to have a big space to read and write.”

She said she was also excited about the new gym, “a big beautiful space indoors to run and play and learn.”

Medlin told those assembled she was also excited about having two floors.

“It’s a once in a lifetime opportunity to move into a brand new school with new classrooms and furniture,” she said. “Not everybody gets to do that and we appreciate the people who made this possible.”

Investigator G.L. Williams located D’Angelo Devonte Rawls, 19, of Roanoke Rapids, in the 100 block of Collins Avenue, Chief Chuck Hasty said, arresting him on the outstanding assault with a deadly weapon warrant as well as a warrant taken out by an individual charging him for contributing to the delinquency of a minor.

Hasty said the details concerning the contributing count were not immediately known.

Investigation by Investigator J. Benthall led to the issuance of the assault warrant, Hasty said in a statement.

What prompted the assault, in which the victim received lacerations with a sharp instrument, was not clear.

Rawls received a $12,000 bond and January 3 court date.

Hasty said the case remains under investigation.

Officers E. Johnson and D. Hundley assisted.

Stabbing

On Friday at approximately 8 p.m., Officer J. DeSare arrested and charged Barbara Ann Hudson, 47, of Roanoke Rapids, with assault with a deadly weapon and carrying a concealed weapon.

The charges stem from an investigation into a 911 call about a stabbing in the 1900 block of Carter Street.

DeSare found Hudson with blood on her clothing and during investigation the officer discovered there was an argument at a residence. When the victim tried to leave, Hudson allegedly tried to stab the victim with a knife.

She received a $5,000 bond and February 2 court date.

Lieutenant J. Baggett, Sergeant D. Jenkins and Master Officer G. Colson assisted.

Absconder arrested

On Saturday at approximately 12:45 p.m.,Officer C. Batchelor stopped a person riding a dirt bike on the roadway and sidewalk of Bolling Road.

Trevon Maurice Davis, 18, of Roanoke Rapids, was arrested on outstanding orders for arrest and during a search he was found in possession of marijuana.  

Davis was served the two orders for arrest for probation violation and was charged with possession of schedule VI.

He received a $4,800 bond. He has multiple court dates in January on several other charges, according to state records.

https://rrspin.com/roanoke-rapids-weldon-halifax-county-nc-news/item/15935-rrpd-roundup-domestic-assault-morning-stabbing.html

James Antwon Coleman III, 26, who was charged in the murder of Rynel Tyreek Gaines, is tentatively scheduled to appear in court on February 12 to face the first-degree murder charge, state court records show.

His arrest on charges associated with the traffic stop occurred around 3:15 Sunday morning, Roanoke Rapids police Chief Chuck Hasty said in a statement.

The arrests of Coleman and Jamil Markel Simmons occurred after the pair bolted from the vehicle and fled officers J. DeSare and M. Hunsucker. They were taken into custody following the brief chase.

Coleman, 26, was charged with carrying a concealed weapon, possession of a firearm by a felon, possession of a firearm with an altered serial number, possession of marijuana, possession of drug paraphernalia, assault on a government official and resist delay and obstruct.

Captain Bobby Martin said the assault on a government official charge stems from Coleman allegedly physically resisting officers after his arrest.

He received a $411,000 bond and January 3 court date.

Simmons, 26, of Roanoke Rapids, was arrested and charged with resist, delay and obstruct an officer. He received a $500 bond and December 22 court date.

Lieutenant J. Baggett, Sergeant D. Jenkins and Officer H. Grimes assisted.

In the October, 2015 murder case, Coleman surrendered to the Halifax County Sheriff’s Office that December.

The investigation stemmed from a motor vehicle collision call at Fourth and Madison streets.

When Hunsucker arrived he found the victim in the vehicle unresponsive. Officers discovered Gaines had a gunshot wound and was deceased.

Martin said motive in the murder remains undetermined.

Trevonta Q. Whitaker, 22, was jailed on $30,000 bond and faces charges of attempted first-degree murder, assault with a deadly with intent to kill inflicting serious injury, possession of a firearm by a convicted felon and carrying a concealed gun.

Detective Matt Brown said the victim in the case is in fair condition after being shot in the chest outside a convenience store just outside the city limits off Highway 48.

Chief Deputy Scott Hall said this evening Whitaker and the victim have had prior trouble which have included instances of violence.

It was not clear whether a 2012 charge of assault with a deadly weapon against Whitaker was related to the ongoing dispute.

The shooting took place around 10:45 p.m. Friday and deputies responded to Halifax Regional after a call of a gunshot victim was received. The victim was later flown to an undisclosed medical facility for further treatment.

An investigation conducted by Lieutenant Randy Keeton, Corporal Dustin Newsome, and Brown developed Whitaker as the alleged shooter.

He has a January 10 court date.

Investigation, however, revealed Joshua Hester, 19, and Robert Hester, 20, were the alleged aggressors in an assault of a victim.

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Chief Deputy Scott Hall of the Halifax County Sheriff’s Office said this evening the brothers allegedly struck the victim about the head with a sharp object.

Hall said in a statement deputies responded to Halifax Regional after a call about two victims being stabbed.

Detective Matt Brown said both brothers sustained injuries from allegedly striking the victim.

The brothers allegedly reported a man pulled a knife on them and assaulted them both.

Investigation revealed the opposite, Hall said in a statement.

Brown said the victim was the father of a teen the brothers have been feuding with.

They were charged with simple assault, filing a false police report and second-degree trespassing.

They received $2,000 secured bonds and January 10 court dates.

Today three commissioners took about a two-and-half hour tour of Klausner 2, which is located off Highway 301 on Piper Lane.

Commissioners Linda Brewer, Vernon Bryant and Carolyn Johnson were shown the facility, which is not yet operational despite an original startup date in June, along with County Manager Tony Brown, Finance Director Mary Duncan, economic development commission Executive Director Cathy Scott and EDC board member Chip Fouts.

Commissioners requested a tour of the plant at a meeting earlier this month.

Klausner President of International Business Development Thomas Mende guided the group through the sprawling plant, which is in the stages of ramping up for production.

“I’m very cautious,” Johnson said before having to leave for another appointment. “I’m seeing few employees on the ground.”

Asked her feelings if Klausner meets its March or April startup date, Johnson said, “I’ll be a happy camper.”

Asked if it doesn’t, she replied, “I’m just going to be optimistic.”

Brewer had no comment.

Funds outside the company’s own investment of $100 million are around $14 million, Scott said before the tour. The $14 million includes local, state, federal and Golden Leaf monies, she said. “I would say progress is being made and they have continued that progress. They paid $850,000 in taxes last year.”

Mende said production at the company’s Florida facility is going well now after initial startup issues. The facility is shipping 35 percent to countries such as India and other foreign locations.

Once the Enfield facility is in production, Mende said the company will be serving New York, Baltimore and other locations in the Northeastern United States.

The company, he said, uses all parts of the tree. In Florida there is a company which buys all its bark.

Brown said the purpose of the tour was, “We wanted the commissioners to get a better understanding, see the dimensions and how large it is. I think they learned their lessons from Florida and are bringing folks to train here.”

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Bryant, chair of the commissioners, said, “I’m optimistic. They’ve got a long way to go.”

On the anticipated start-up date, Bryant said, “We have to take them at their word. Touring, they’ve still got a way to go but I’m hopeful.”
Scott said the rail spur at the plant is complete as is the infrastructure.

At tour’s end, Fritz Klausner, who heads Klausner Group, spoke with members of the tour.

“Thank you for your support,” he said. “I think everything is in place. I think Mr. Trump is helping us.”

Mr. Klausner said location to the United States was crucial for the company. “It’s tougher to get raw materials in Europe. The quality of logs and timber (in the U.S.) is very good.”

Lumber prices are 20 percent higher in Europe, Mr. Klausner said. “Thank you for your understanding, thank you for your patience.”

Said Scott: “We need jobs. We appreciate your investment. We’re going to look back and be proud of what we’ve created.”

For members of Hope for Hardy the bags are a way to say thanks.

Hope for Hardy is a local organization which raises funds for organ transplant recipients and brings awareness to organ donation.

“We wanted to give something back,” said Kimberly Stansbury Graybeal, a friend of the late Doug Hardy, the namesake of Hope for Hardy. “We’re always asking for donations. We wanted to have an opportunity to give back.”

Since formed in 2013 after Hardy’s death, the organization has distributed $12,000 among 10 different people to help defray expenses for medication, travel, co-pay or other needs.

Two-hundred of the bags will be distributed to the Boy’s and Girl’s Club, Community Home  Health and Hospice and Signature Health. The remaining 300 will be distributed during Christmas Eve services at First Christian Church on Roanoke Avenue. The service begins at 5 p.m.

Hope for Hardy began as a fundraiser to help meet the medical expenses Hardy and his family faced as he waited for a liver transplant. He never got the transplant and the former Halifax County chief probation officer died in August of 2013.

The initial efforts of Hope for Hardy did pay the medical bills the family incurred and the organization continues as a means to raise awareness and funds for others going through similar trials.

The organization decided on distributing the bags this year as way to say thanks to others.

Graybeal remembers receiving the bags as a child. “It was done here at this church when I was a little girl. It stirs up nostalgia. It conjures up feelings of harmony and happiness.”

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Paula Hardy, Mr. Hardy’s daughter, helped fill the bags in the fellowship hall of First Christian Monday evening. “For me it’s just awesome to see his legacy going on. That’s what it means to me, to carry on his legacy and helping others.”

Mr. Hardy’s daughter Kayla Pittman said, “To me it’s about helping others who are in need like when we help others who need transplants. It’s about blessing others because we were blessed.”

Donna Hardy, Mr. Hardy’s wife of 26 years, said her husband would be proud.  “When we were on our last trip to the hospital he said, ‘You know, Donna, I hurt and I’m sick. If one person comes to the Lord through all of this it’s worth it.’ He said it wasn’t about him, it’s about the Lord. He said he wanted to be a servant of the Lord. In essence, he instilled that in my children. I think it’s instilled in them to serve others. That this mission and ministry has helped others, I know he would be so blessed.”

The bags for Signature and Community Home Health and Hospice have an added bonus — homemade crystal Borax snowflakes which were made by students at Belmont Elementary School’s Hope for Hardy Charity. “That just warms my heart the children elected to have a club and even after I retired to keep that service project continued,” she said.

Doing the simple activity, Mrs. Hardy said, “I think it helps me heal. For me, there is good even in a loss. God will sustain you through it. Hope for Hardy helped us with medical expenses.”

With the organization helping others since its formation, Mrs. Hardy said, “When you have the joy that comes from helping somebody it helps you overcome. I know my husband would be honored.”

Flora Butts, Mr. Hardy’s sister, said, “This is a way to continue his legacy.”

One of the people helping was Bella Carroll, a member of Distinguished Young Women of the Roanoke Valley and a member of First Christian. “This is my church home and the people mean a lot to me,” she said. “It’s just not about service, but being a friend.”

Sometime between midnight and 5:15 a.m. Chief Chuck Hasty found his locked vehicle was broken into and a rifle, bullet-proof vest and gun magazine were taken.

Captain Bobby Martin said a vehicle in the vicinity of another law enforcement officer’s house was also broken into but nothing was taken. That break-in occurred within an hour of the Hasty B&E.

Hasty declined comment on how entry was made into his vehicle and said the police department is trying to determine whether law enforcement is specifically being targeted.

The value of the items taken from Hasty’s vehicle is about $1,000, he said.

Martin said the department is looking to see whether law enforcement vehicles are being targeted.

Anyone with information is encouraged to call Martin at 252-533-2820 or Crimestoppers at 252-583-4444.

“It’s great to see children looking after children,” said Phil Hux, a member of the Angel’s Closet board. “It’s hard for kids to part with toys. We’re thankful they have looked after us. It’s a whole lot more than last year.”

Hux said the school’s efforts are part of what he described as the area’s giving nature. “The people of the Roanoke Valley look after people. I’m glad the young ones are doing this now.”

The list of children the ministry helps gets longer every year, Hux said, and the area helps out.

“We’ve got a ton of bicycles. The (Roanoke Rapids) fire department refurbished almost 50 bikes.”

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This is the fourth year Belmont fifth-graders have organized the schoolwide stuffed animal drive, Roanoke Rapids Graded School District spokesman Les Atkins said.

The drive, called Cuddles for Christmas, collected more than 400 new and gently used animals, Atkins said in a statement.

"That's the most we've ever collected," said Adrienne Powell, a Belmont fifth-grade teacher.  

Said Belmont Principal Terrell Jones: "This completely student-led initiative demonstrates our students' caring and concern for fellow children.  We are extremely proud of them for their leadership and for partnering with the Angel's Closet to help brighten the holidays of children in our community."

Said Hux: “It’s Christmas. You think about what Christmas is about — joy, that’s what.”

The website Fighting Crime in Nash, Edgecombe, Wilson and Halifax reported this morning Nash County Sheriff’s Office detectives are investigating the break-in of a patrol vehicle at a deputy’s residence.

The website reported at least one firearm was taken. The website reported investigators are not sure whether the Nash County break-in is related to the one in Roanoke Rapids or whether patrol vehicles are being targeted.

“We have communicated with Nash County,” Hasty said this morning.

Hasty said it is a possibility law enforcement vehicles are being targeted but not definite until investigations are completed.

Hasty said the theft of a rifle, bullet-proof vest and a gun magazine stolen from his locked vehicle remains under investigation.

The items stolen during the break-in were out of view and the rifle was in a locked case.

The police department’s only policy regarding the storage of weapons in vehicles is they are to be removed when the vehicles are being serviced.

In light of the Wednesday morning break-in and larceny from his vehicle, Hasty said he sent out a directive stating weapons stored in vehicles when officers are not on duty are to be removed.

Hasty said investigators are still trying to determine how his vehicle was broken into. He said the hood to the vehicle was opened but is not sure why.

The break-in of Hasty’s vehicle Wednesday occurred between midnight and 5:15 a.m.

Captain Bobby Martin said a vehicle in the vicinity of another law enforcement officer’s house was also broken into but nothing was taken. That break-in occurred within an hour of the Hasty B&E.

Anyone with information on the Hasty break-in is encouraged to call Martin at 252-533-2820 or Crimestoppers at 252-583-4444.

Anyone with information on the Nash County break-in is encouraged to call 252-459-4121.

Lieutenant Charles Vaught said in a statement the larceny occurred around 12:45 a.m. and electronic speakers, baby formula and a tricycle were taken.

Anyone with information is encouraged to contact the police department at 252-533-2810; Vaught at 252-533-2819 or Crimestoppers ar 252-583-4444.

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A warrant served today in the 200 block of Taylor Street netted 82 grams of marijuana, some of it packaged in 29 individually wrapped bags, Captain A.M. Harris said in a statement.

The Taylor Street raid, which occurred around 10 a.m., resulted in the arrests of Mack Shearin and Brenda James.

Investigation by Agent D.J. Epperson led to the search warrant and the patrol division of the Halifax County Sheriff’s assisted in the service.

Epperson arrested and charged Shearin, 55, and James, 50, for felony possession of marijuana, possession with the intent to manufacture/sell/deliver marijuana and maintaining a dwelling for a controlled substance.

Street value of the seized marijuana is approximately $410.

The couple received January 17 court dates.  

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Around 2 p.m., agents and members of the sheriff’s office executed a search warrant at a residence in the 900 block of Franklin Street where marijuana and a digital scale was located.

Agent C. Babb cited Travis Webb, 38, of the residence, with a North Carolina Uniform Citation for possession of marijuana up to one-half ounce and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Webb received a February 21 court date.

While at the 900 block, agents received information of a person with outstanding warrants in the 1000 block.

Agents went to the 1000 block and located the man with the outstanding warrants.

He was turned over to the Roanoke Rapids Police Department.

During the search of the vehicle, due to the strong odor of marijuana coming from inside, approximately 31.5 grams of marijuana and a handgun was seized.

Agent D.R. Radford cited Joel Kendrell Clayton, 30, of Highway 903, Roanoke Rapids, with a North Carolina Uniform Citation for carrying a concealed weapon and possession of marijuana more than one ounce but less than one and one-half ounce.  

He received a February 21 date.

On Wednesday around 5 p.m. agents returned to the 200 block of Maria Avenue, a residence which has been under continuous investigation.

The search warrant was based on an investigation by Agent C.A. Parker and sheriff’s office investigators assisted in its execution.

During the search of the property agents located approximately 8.7 grams of cocaine and approximately 32.5 grams of marijuana.  

There were nine men inside this residence during the execution of the search warrant.

Parker cited one, Wilson Green, 22, of Weldon with a North Carolina Uniform Citation for possession of marijuana up to one-half ounce.  

He received a January 17 court date.

Harris said Parker will continue the investigation of the residence, which is located in the Brandy Creek subdivision.

Estimated street value of the cocaine is approximately $522 and $162 for the marijuana.

HCC President Michael Elam said this evening the grant will double the school’s welding program and expand other programs within its industrial systems curriculum.

The United States Department of Commerce announced the awarding of the grant today.

The department said in a news release the project is expected to create more than 120 jobs and nearly $19 million in private investment.

“A key focus of the Trump Administration is ensuring that American workers have the skills to succeed in the face of global competition,” said Secretary of Commerce Wilbur Ross in the statement. “The new Halifax Community College Advanced Manufacturing and Corporate Training Center will help provide local businesses with an able workforce, stimulating future growth in the community.”  

The department said the training center will house curriculum and short-term training programs for industrial systems technology, welding technology, and automotive systems technology.

It will also serve as a venue where area businesses and industries can upgrade the skills of their current employees as well as new hires, and schedule other training needs.

“I’m just elated,” Elam said this evening. “It’s a great opportunity for the county and the college.”

The grant will allow the college to expand the welding area and its industrial systems program which includes solar training, robotics and computer training, Elam said.

The grant could also lead to an expansion of the school’s automotive technology area, which could lead to programs in diesel technology.

“It will create initial construction jobs,” Elam said. “In terms of long-term plans, we will be able to provide training for a lot of people for jobs they can keep.”

Elam is hopeful the grant will allow the college to initiate an HVAC program.

First, however, he said, “Now we have to focus on the planning process. We’re two years from planning to construction. It’s a two-year timeframe. If everything goes ideally we’ll work through 2019 to 2020 when we ought to be able to have a ribbon-cutting.”

According to the news release, the project was made possible by the regional planning efforts led by the Upper Coastal Plain Council of Governments.

EDA funds Upper Coastal Plain Council of Governments to bring together the public and private sectors to create an economic development roadmap to strengthen the regional economy, support private capital investment, and create jobs.

Roanoke Rapids police investigators reportedly tied Mahkhi Bynum to the case through fingerprints lifted from Chief Chuck Hasty’s vehicle, Captain Bobby Martin said.

Bynum, who has multiple court dates in January and February on pending counts, was charged with breaking, entering and larceny of a motor vehicle, larceny of a firearm, felony possession of a stolen firearm, misdemeanor larceny and possession of stolen goods.

Hasty said Bynum, who has no fixed address, was jailed on $10,000 bond and has a January 3 court date.

Earlier this evening police executed a search warrant in what is traditionally called the no-hundred block of Madison Street where the case containing the rifle stolen from Hasty’s vehicle was recovered. The rifle, magazine and bullet-proof vest stolen from the vehicle have not been recovered, Martin said.

Hasty credited “hard, dedicated work by investigators” for bringing a quick resolution to the case.

Martin would not say whether he believed Bynum was targeting law enforcement. “I have an opinion, but will reserve that for later.”

Hasty said investigators are still trying to determine how access was gained to the vehicle and why the hood of the vehicle had been opened. The vehicle was locked and the items were out of view.

Hasty said the arrest will not change a directive he issued which states from now on officers are to remove weapons stored in vehicles when off-duty. The previous policy was weapons are to be removed when vehicles are being serviced.

Martin credited the work of investigators Jeff Davis, Gorton Williams and Obert Wiltsie in solving the case, in which more arrests are expected. “It’s good to get it solved. It would be better if we had the items recovered. We still have work to do.”

Chief James Avens said in a statement Motique Jackson, 24, is considered armed and dangerous and frequents areas of Roanoke Rapids and Weldon.

He is currently wanted for an armed robbery which occurred shortly before 9:15 p.m. in the 700 block of Maple Street. The police department is seeking two others in the crime who have yet to be identified.

The robbery occurred when the victim was approached in the streets and followed into their residence. The three men, two of them armed, demanded money and left with an undisclosed sum. No one was injured in the robbery, Avens said.

Weldon officers responded to the area and spotted two people matching the description. They fled into a wooded area near Ninth Street.

Leads in the investigation reportedly linked Jackson to the crime and warrants were obtained for his arrest on charges of robbery with a dangerous weapon, breaking and entering with intent to terrorize and possession of a firearm by felon.

In addition to his past criminal record, Jackson has a pending January 3 court date in Halifax County for assault by pointing a gun and breaking and entering to terrorize. Avens said those counts were not crimes investigated by Weldon police.

Jackson has been entered into national criminal databases and police continue to investigate to determine the identity of the others involved.

Anyone with information is encouraged to contact the police department at 252-536-3136 or Crimestoppers at 252-583-4444.

Jami Landen is being sought for the use of the checks in October.

Investigator Obert Wiltsie said about four checks were passed and around $100 worth of goods were purchased. Landed also got cash back.

Wiltsie said Landen frequents the South Rosemary area.

Anyone with information is encouraged to contact the police department at 252-533-2810; Wiltsie at 252-533-2823 or Crimestoppers at 252-583-4444.

Deputy Chief Andy Jackson reported on Thursday shortly after 3 p.m., Officer A.J. Green attempted to conduct a traffic stop at West Eleventh Street for fictitious tags.

The driver did not stop and continued down Eleventh Street to the 1000 block of Cedar before stopping.

The front seat and rear seat passenger fled from the vehicle and ran toward Vance Street.

Green pursued the rear seat passenger and noticed an object fall. Green continued the chase and caught the person.

Green located a bag of marijuana and Master Officer Jamie Hardy and his dog, Storm, located a second bag.

One bag contained 2.6 grams of marijuana and a second bag, with two bags inside, contained 62.9 grams.

Jamazia Tillery, 18, of Roanoke Rapids, was charged with resist, obstruct and delay, possession of paraphernalia, felony possession of marijuana and  possession with intent to sell and deliver marijuana.

He was jailed on $6,000 bond and has a January 3 court date.

On Friday around 4 p.m., officers H. Grimes and M. Hunsucker responded to Great Falls Shopping Center about a person who allegedly took a phone and damaged it.  

The victim told officers Born Allah, 46, of Garysburg, cleaned their vehicle’s headlight without asking and demanded payment.  

The victim recorded the ordeal on their phone. Allah grabbed the phone from the victim and demanded payment.

Hasty said the phone was broken when Allah allegedly slammed it on the ground.

Grimes arrested and charged Allah with common law robbery and damage to property.

He received a $10,000 bond and January 3 court date.

On Friday at approximately 10 p.m., Officer J. Spragins conducted a traffic stop for a violation on Roanoke Avenue at Jackson Street.  

The driver of the vehicle, Stanley Mason Johnson Jr., 61, of Littleton, was found in possession narcotics.  

Johnson was arrested and charged with failing to stop for steady red light, drive left of center and possession of marijuana.

He received a $500 bond and January 12 court date.

Officer R. Cross assisted.

On Sunday at approximately 12:15 p.m., Master Officer G. Colson and Hunsucker responded to the 900 block of Jackson Street about a person urinating in public.

When officers arrived they found Cornell Travis Pender, 31, of Roanoke Rapids.

The victim told officers they observed Pender urinating and he grabbed the victim’s buttocks while inside the building.

Hunsucker arrested and charged Pender with sexual battery, indecent exposure and intoxicated/disruptive behavior.

He received a $10,000 bond and January 26 court date.

Lieutenant J. Baggett and Officer J. DeSare assisted.

On Sunday at approximately 12:15 p.m., Grimes responded to Walmart about a fraud.  

Loss prevention told Grimes Karlus Lamonte Faulcon, 40, of Littleton, took a microwave from the store on December 23 and returned it for a refund.

Grimes arrested and charged Faulcon with obtaining property by false pretense, larceny and possession of stolen goods.

He received a $1,000 bond and January 3 court date.

DeSare assisted.

On Sunday at approximately 8:47 p.m., Master Officer A. Salmon and Cross responded to the 1800 block of Birdsong Street about a disturbance.  

Derrick Jermaine Harvey, 32, of Garysburg, was found intoxicated and making threats.

After numerous threats were made, Harvey was arrested and charged with communicating threats.  

He received a $1,500 bond and January 12 court date.

On Monday at approximately 10:45 a.m., Officer E. Johnson arrested Stanford Sequoia Daniels, 35, of Roanoke Rapids, on outstanding warrants for financial card theft, two counts of identity theft and possession of stolen goods.

He received a $ 10,000 bond and January 3 court date.

The charges stem from an investigation by Baggett reported on December 22.

Halifax Regional Chief of Security D. Daniels reported an employee had their debit/credit cards stolen while at work.  

Chief Daniels stated the crime was captured on video and showed Stanford Daniels reportedly going through the employee’s personal property and removing the card.

Daniels used the card a several different locations in Roanoke Rapids. Hasty said less than $500 was charged on the card.

On Monday at approximately 10:45 a.m., Master Officer G. Morris responded to a residence in the 700 block of Williams Street about an assault.

The victim reported Pamela Jean Gay, 47, of Roanoke Rapids, trespassed and assaulted them while two children were present.  

Warrants were obtained for breaking and entering to terrorize, assault and battery, assault with minors present, trespassing and damage to property.

Gay was arrested at approximately 4 p.m. at a residence in the 1200 block of Carolina Street without trouble.

She received a $5,000 bond and February 7 court date.

The victim did not require medical attention. It was unclear what prompted the matter.

Sergeant M. Peck assisted.

Two male suspects entered the store off the Bolling Road-Fifth Street area.

At least one of them was armed, Chief Chuck Hasty said.

No one was harmed and there were no further details immediately available as of this report.

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