Joseph Daniel Blacknall Jr. was jailed without the opportunity for bond after he was charged with murder in the death of Charles Leon Brinson Sr.

Brinson was cut in the upper body with a broken glass bottle that Blacknall reportedly had in his possession.

Tripp declined to immediately comment on the nature of the argument the men had that led to the stabbing. The matter that led to the murder occurred shortly after 5 p.m. in the Enfield area.

Brinson was rushed to Halifax Regional Medical Center where he was pronounced dead on arrival.

Blacknall has an April 29 court appearance.

Lieutenant George Evans saw the four pull into the health department parking lot Monday afternoon.

Warrants had been obtained for the arrests and Evans notified detectives. They were arrested without problems, Detective J.M. Clark noted in a statement.

Clark drew warrants on the four Friday after the sheriff's office received two separate reports of break-ins at the same location within a 24-hour period on Zoo Road South. Tools and collectible coins were taken, he said this morning.

Witness descriptions led investigators to identify a suspect vehicle. Further investigation led Clark to identity four people: Nina Pender, Tara Everette, Jessica Rawles and Benn Flagg.

Pender, 22 of Roanoke Rapids, was charged with two counts of felonious breaking and entering, two counts of larceny after breaking and entering, two counts of felonious possession of stolen goods, obtaining property by false pretense, two counts of conspiracy to commit breaking and entering and conspiracy to obtain property by false pretense.

Everett, 20, and Rawles, 19, of Roanoke Rapids, were charged with two counts of felonious breaking and entering, two counts of larceny after breaking and entering, two counts of felonious possession of stolen goods, two counts of conspiracy to commit breaking and entering, and conspiracy to obtain property by false pretense.

Flagg, 19 of Roanoke Rapids, was charged with one count of felonious breaking and entering, one count of larceny after breaking and entering, one count of felonious possession of stolen goods, conspiracy to commit breaking and entering and conspiracy to obtain property by false pretense.

Clark said the four are close friends and were familiar with the victim. They await May 20 court dates and were jailed on $20,000 bond.

According to a statement released this evening, the accreditation means Main Street Roanoke Rapids met the commercial district revitalization performance standards set by the National Main Street Center, part of the National Trust for Historic Preservation.

In total, 794 Main Street communities from around the United States earned National Accreditation based on 2014 performance.

“We congratulate this year’s nationally accredited Main Street programs for their outstanding accomplishment in meeting the National Main Street Center’s 10 Standards of Performance,” said Patrice Frey, president and CEO of the National Main Street Center. “As the National Main Street Center celebrates its 35th Anniversary, it is also important to celebrate the achievements of the local Main Street programs across the country, some of whom have been around since the beginning. These local programs work hard every day to make their communities great places to work, live, play and visit while still preserving their historic character.”

Main Street Roanoke Rapids’ performance is annually evaluated by the North Carolina Main Street Center, which works in partnership with the National Main Street Center to identify the local programs that meet 10 performance standards.

These standards, according to the statement, set the benchmarks for measuring an individual Main Street program’s application of the Main Street Four Point Approach to commercial district revitalization.

Of the 102 actively designated North Carolina Main Street Cities and Small Towns, only 35 North Carolina communities earned National Main Street Accreditation based on 2014 performance.

“These communities worked hard to meet the standards established by the National Main Street Center, and we are pleased to see them recognized for their achievement,” said John E. Skvarla III, North Carolina Commerce secretary. “Local Main Street programs across our state work every day to beautify our towns and bring businesses and jobs to their downtowns strengthening our overall economy.” Roanoke Rapids earned their North Carolina Main Street City designation in late 2009, which makes it the youngest city to earn national accreditation in the state.

“Main Street Roanoke Rapids has experienced growth over the last 12 months,” said Main Street President Carol Moseley in the statement.

For the fiscal year 2013-2014, the district saw close to $500,000 in new investments, a net gain of 29 jobs, and 1,800 volunteer hours.

“Thank you to the city of Roanoke Rapids for their partnership, Christina Caudle for her leadership and organization, and all of our board and committee members for their hard work and dedication to our program,” Moseley said. “Congratulations to all involved in our cause. National accreditation was made possible thanks to each and every one of you.”

In recognizing the program, council gave special recognition to Greg Lawson, who earned a North Carolina Main Street Champion award.

Lawson was one 33 recipients to receive the honor last month, said Caudle, Main Street development director. “In Roanoke Rapids, Greg Lawson has always been known as a local champion. He has served our community in many ways, including police chief and elected councilman.”

The Main Street Champion Award reflects Lawson's support of a formal partnership between the city and the Main Street program, Caudle said.

Since leaving council, Lawson was elected to the Main Street board of directors. “Since then, his major accomplishments include building a much-needed property and business database,” Caudle said. “Main Street Roanoke Rapids is eternally grateful for his dedication to uptown and downtown revitalization.”

Lawson told council, “I'm honored, but there are so many others that deserve this.”

Through his bicycling trips, Lawson said he has seen many Main Street communities throughout the state. “I've seen the impact. It takes a while.”

Lawson accepted the award but dedicated it to all who have worked with the Main Street program. “Our program has had its rises and falls. I think there is a future for it.”

In the portion of the meeting recognizing the accreditation, Moseley lauded Caudle and other volunteers. “This is really how it comes about, from hard work and dedicated leaders.We're just getting started.”

Judicial District 6 Assistant District Attorney Keith Werner did announce in Halifax County Superior Court today that the death penalty would not be sought in the August 4 murder.

All three defendants were brought into the courtroom today so the state could announce its intentions on how it would proceed in the cases against Dalonte Bradley, Semaj Clanton and Teddy Keith Anderson.

Werner noted that each will have separate trials.

Anderson's attorney revealed some of the motive behind the case as he sought a reduced bond for his client.

Michael Driver, a Raleigh attorney representing the 19-year-old Anderson, asked for a reduced bond for his client because he had no criminal convictions. “His mother and sister are in court. If he is released Mr. Anderson would live with his grandmother in Roanoke Rapids.”

Driver said two other shooting victims that evening have prior convictions. He identified one of them, Wilson Green, as a gang member.

He said a search warrant noted the events that led to the shooting death of Garner and the wounding of Green and Calvin Robinson on The Strip in Weldon were part of an arranged shootout to settle differences. “I believe $250,000 bond is adequate to assure his appearance in court.”

Werner argued, however, that the shooting of Garner led to retaliation “and a baby was killed. I don't believe anyone involved in any of the murders should be released.”

Hinton denied a reduced bond for Anderson.

Meanwhile, Werner announced the state would seek the death penalty for Victor Mallory, one of the four charged in the shooting death of 2-year-old Dy'Uanna Anderson, the toddler who was killed in retaliation, authorities believe, to the Garner murder.

Werner announced in December the state would seek the death penalty for three of the four charged in the child's murder, saying then the state would seek death for Semaj Short.

The third person the state plans to seek the death penalty for in the case remains unknown.

Scherer said following a work session this afternoon he is preparing the proposed financial plan without raising taxes.

Projected revenues stand around $13.8 million, Finance Director MeLinda Hite said. Estimated expenditures stand around $18.1 million.

Scherer said, however, that a good portion of the estimated expenditures will be assigned to a three- to five-year capital spending plan.

The $18 million figure includes the $1.8 million the city is still paying Bank of America for debt payments on what is currently called the Royal Palace Theatre, in which there are still 14 years of payments left.

“This is why it is important to try to reduce or extinguish ourselves or to look for alternatives to get it off city ownership,” Mayor Emery Doughtie said. “Just think of how nice it would be to fix things. We have to tell them we're doing the best we can. It makes a huge difference. We're looking at 14 years left. We can't continue going on that path for 14 years.”

Asked following the meeting about imposing a tax increase for the upcoming fiscal year, the mayor said, “We're looking at all options available. I'm not ready to say tax increase. We want to provide the best services we can. We don't want a tax increase to get more money but to try to improve the quality of life.”

Hite said of today's revenue projections, “They are the best revenue projections I can provide you with today. It's a moving target with what's taking place in the General Assembly, the uncertainty.”

In the proposed budget, Hite estimates the total tax levy to be $7,062,356.

That represents a $270,015 shortfall without an increase in revenue neutral tax rate.

Powell Bill funds, which are used for street improvements, have decreased by 1 percent to $465,358.

One of the biggest projected hits will be in the loss of privilege license fees.

The city budgeted $371,763 for the current fiscal year. The $1,000 that is budgeted in the line item, Hite said, comes from beer and wine sales.

The bright spot that could possibly fill the gap in the loss of privilege license fees comes in the form of House Bill 709. If passed, that bill, Scherer said, would allow cities to levy a one-quarter cent sales tax. For Roanoke Rapids that would bring in $525,000.

Scherer said following the work session he will be looking at the expenditures and revenues carefully so at the May 7 work session he can present a complete budget to council. “I think the main thing is to provide one to provide effective services to the community and to develop other options to consider.”

James Coleman Wheeler, 40 of Valentines, was given a $750,000 bond and May 13 court date.

Detective J.M. Clark of the Halifax County Sheriff's Office said investigation into the case began in March when it was reported Wheeler had violated a domestic protective order by having repeated contact with the victim.

Clark said in a four-day period the victim received a total of 432 phone calls. He said 239 of them were made in one day. “There was no content,” he said of the phone calls. “He just repeatedly called her over and over. She refused to answer.”

The investigation resulted in warrants being taken out for Wheeler's arrest on charges of felony stalking, felonious intimidation of a state witness, domestic violence protective order violation and harassing phone calls.

There are four other cases pending in court involving the victim and Wheeler has a history of violence with her, Clark said.

Wheeler surrendered to the sheriff's office today.

In an unrelated case, Lockie Daniel Richardson, 41, of Hollister, was arrested today as a result of investigations by Deputy C. Boden into a breaking and entering in the Hollister area.

Boden charged Richardson with injury to property, breaking and entering and larceny after breaking and entering.

It was not immediately clear what items were taken in Boden's case, but in a separate investigation by Detective O.L. Wiltsie and Clark he was charged in a case involving the theft of shrimp from a freezer.

In that case he was charged with breaking and entering, larceny after breaking and entering and possession of stolen goods.

He was jailed on $10,000 bond and has a June 17 court date.

April 20

Around 3:30 p.m., Lieutenant Jeff Baggett responded to a larceny call at Walmart.

Loss prevention observed Heather Dawn Stansbury, 34, of Roanoke Rapids, allegedly taking items from the store without paying.

Stansbury fled from the loss prevention officer and dashed across the parking lot.

Officer Patrick Smith arrived and saw Stansbury running towards Interstate 95 in the direction of Weldon.

Stansbury was taken into custody on Custer Drive in Weldon by Baggett and was charged with larceny and possession of stolen goods.

She was given an $8,000 bond and May 29 court date.

Deputy Chief Andy Jackson assisted. The items taken were recovered.

April 21

Around 3:15 p.m., Officer Joey Spragins responded to a larceny call at Walmart.

Loss prevention told Spragins that a white male had allegedly taken items from the store without paying and fled the area on a white car.

A description of the suspect and vehicle was given to law enforcement.

Baggett spotted a vehicle matching the description and stopped it on Highway 158 near the intersection of Highway 125.

Robert Sean Davis, 21, of Roanoke Rapids, was arrested and charged with larceny and possession of stolen goods.

Davis was given a $3,000 bond and a May 29 court date.

The items that were taken were located in the car and returned to Walmart.

“The great description of the suspect and the vehicle that the loss prevention staff provided and Baggett’s keen eye while patrolling resulted in the arrest of Mr. Davis for his alleged crimes,” Hasty said.

Around 6 p.m. Lieutenant Perry Parks responded to a larceny call at Walmart.

Loss prevention said Anna Rae Woodruff had allegedly taken items from the store without paying for them.

Parks arrested and charged Woodruff with larceny and possession of stolen goods.

She was given a $1,000 bond and a May 29 court date.

Officer Ryan Cross assisted and the items taken were recovered.

April 22

Agents from the task force, with the assistance of Master Officer Gerald Morris and canine Dozer, executed a search warrant at a residence on Vine Street.

Agent D.J. Hundley applied for a search warrant for the residence based on citizens complains and officer observation.

During the search of the residence agents located marijuana in the residence.

Hundley cited Melvin Martino Waker, 35, of Roanoke Rapids. for simple possession of marijuana. He was released until his court date of July 22.

Timothy Paul Truitt, 28, of Smithfield, Virginia, was charged with one count of first-degree sex offense on a child; one count of indecent liberties with a child and one count of incest with a child under 13.

The Isle of Wight County Sheriff's Office assisted in the execution of a fugitive warrant on Truitt, who was brought back to face the Northampton charges, Captain M.D. DeLoatch Sr. said.

DeLoatch said the offense reportedly occurred in 2013, but wasn't reported until this year through the Guilford County Department of Social Services where the family is located.

The offense reportedly occurred in the Conway area.

Truitt was jailed on $425,000 secured bond.

“I would like to thank Sheriff Mark Marshall and the Isle of Wight Sheriff’s Office for their assistance,” Sheriff Jack Smith said. “Also, I would like to thank Family Services of the Piedmont in Greensboro and the Guilford County Department of Social Services for their assistance. I would also like to commend Detective Sergeant Patrick Jacobs for his efforts in this case.”

Captain A.M. Harris of the City County Drug Task Force said the operation also resulted in the arrests of a husband and wife.

Its initiation was based on investigation by Agent C. Dixon as well as citizen complaints of high traffic volumes that would stay for only a short period of time and then leave the neighborhood off nestled between Julian R. Allsbrook Highway and Highway 158..

Kenneth Lassiter, 44, said he didn't know why he was being arrested, only that his name was on the arrest warrant. His wife, Linda Harris, said nothing.

Captain Harris said Lassiter is widely known as a reputed drug dealer in the area.

The morning raid, in which a bag of Molly containing containing 12.5 grams was seized, marks the second arrest for possession of the stimulant in three weeks.

Law enforcement began getting reports of Molly over the past two years, Harris said.

In addition to the Molly, agents seized 100 dosage units of crack packaged for sale and 42 units of Alprazolam.

Seized paraphernalia included razor blades and plastic bags.

Agents were still in the process of booking the couple as of this report, but Captain Harris said Lassiter will be charged with felony possession of cocaine, possession with intent to sell and deliver cocaine, maintaining a dwelling to keep a controlled substance and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Ms. Harris, 37, was going to be charged with possession of MDMA, felony possession of cocaine, possession with intent to sell and deliver cocaine, maintaining a dwelling to keep a controlled substance, possession of drug paraphernalia and possession of schedule IV.

The initiative, chamber President and CEO Allen Purser said, follows other programs being used in the community to promote healthier lifestyles.

Registration for the challenge is now open and teams of four are being sought to join. The teams can be made up of company employees, friends not associated with a local business or a combination of both.

(A sponsorship kit is included as a PDF at the end of this story. Photos from the Business Expo can be found on our Facebook page)

Registration, which costs $25 per person or $100 for a team, is done via the challenge's website.

“It's a way to hold each other accountable,” Purser said. “It's about changing unhealthy habits.”

The challenge begins on May 18 and once it is under way, Dolvett Quince of TV's The Biggest Loser fame will send motivational messages to team messages. Other past participants of the show will also serve as motivators.

“The Biggest Loser Community Challenge incorporates the same principles and techniques Hollywood uses to engage people in their shows week after week that produces results,” Purser said. “The Challenge provides a team of four, three months of platform access with health and wellness guidance, eight unique weekly challenges, fun competition with dynamic leader boards, guidance from celebrity trainers including Dolvett Quince, motivation from show contestants, interactive health tools, a convenient challenge mobile app and great prizes.”

The entire challenge lasts 56 days with an additional 30 days attached, Purser said.

April 22

Around 10:45 p.m., officers responded to a disturbance and shots fired call on Madison Street.

Lieutenant Perry Parks, Sergeant Mike Moseley, Master Officer Gorton Williams and Officer Jeffrey Mason were the responding officers.

Williams spoke with the victim and arrested Traver Norris Turner, 29, of Roanoke Rapids for trespassing after he refused to leave the property.

Turner was given a $2,000 bond and a May 15 court date.

This was the second time that officers had responded to the residence for some type of disturbance.

April 23

Around 3 a.m., Parks and Williams responded to a domestic dispute in the 800 block of East Twelfth Street.

Before the officers could arrive, one of the parties involved left on a vehicle.

Parks spotted the vehicle and conducted a traffic stop on East Tenth Street.

Tayvon Earl Moody, 24, of Roanoke Rapids was the driver of the vehicle.

During a search of Moody, Parks found marijuana and paraphernalia.

Parks arrested and charged Moody with possession of schedule VI and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Moody was given a $1,000 bond and has a June 19 court date.

Moseley, Officers Adam Salmon and Greg Colson assisted in the investigation.

April 23

Around 10 a.m., Lieutenant Jeff Baggett conducted a traffic stop in 1000 block of Franklin Street for a traffic violation.

Alton Ray Yellorday Jr., 22, of Garysburg, was the driver and Baggett discovered Yellorday’s license were revoked.

During a search of the vehicle marijuana and paraphernalia were discovered.

Yellorday was cited for a seatbelt violation, driving while license revoked, possession of marijuana, and possession of drug paraphernalia.

He was released until his court date on June 8.

Around 5:30 p.m., Officer Joey Spragins responded to a larceny call at Walmart.

After speaking with loss prevention, Spragins learned Crystal Lynn King, 38, of Roanoke Rapids, had allegedly taken items from the store without paying for them.

Spragins arrested and charged King with habitual larceny, possession of stolen goods, and trespassing, King was given a $400 bond and has a May 13 court date.

The items were recovered and returned to the store.

Around 6:30 p.m., Officer Ryan Cross responded to a larceny call at Belk.

A store employee told Cross Marquisha Kyshee Harris, 21, of Roanoke Rapids, allegedly took items from the store.

Cross arrested and charged Harris with larceny and possession of stolen goods.

Harris was given a $400 bond and a May 8 court date.

The items were recovered and returned to the store.

Gang membership, noted expert Hunter Glass said Thursday night, is much like religion.

“Basically, the gang structure looks like a church,” Glass told an audience at the second Gang Summit held by the Halifax County Sheriff's Office at Kirkwood Adams.

(See related story)

The OG — original gangster — serves as pastor to the collective congregation of followers. The assistant pastor is second in command while deacons serve as enforcers.

“Blind servitude is a requirement,” Glass said.

In his talk, Glass explained that small cities and towns where industries and jobs have been lost have become the new breeding grounds for gang membership and the hard truth, he said, is, “Gangs cross all socioeconomic barriers. Everyone is involved. Juveniles are easily manipulated. For people who don't have anything, a gang is going to take care of you. They have evolved as all cultures do. They have become popular.”

The end game, however, is gang membership “starts in violence and ends in violence.”

Glass said membership in gangs starts with a simple human trait. “Everybody wants identity and power. The belief is it helps them survive.”

The fact that many law enforcement agencies neither have the budgets or resources to combat the problem only helps the it spread.
Those who seek out gang membership, he said, “Need to belong to something greater than themselves.”

The gang problem ends up costing average citizens. “There are costs. Legal fees, court costs, incarceration, hospitalization. Half of them never pay their bills. We do. It costs you dearly.”

The gang problem, Glass said, “Is not going to go away. Gangs are not a law enforcement problem. Crime is. It's a social problem.”

Sheriff Wes Tripp made the announcement at end of Thursday night's gang summit at Kirkwood Adams.

“We have strong indications that it will possibly be awarded to us, but it's not official,” he said this morning. “There is a strong possibility it will be fully funded.”

(See related story)

A safe estimate shows there are as many 25 active gangs in the county, Tripp said. They range from Bloods to Crips and some local gangs. “Eighty percent of the murders in Halifax County have some type of link to gang activity.”

Evidence that came to light Wednesday in pre-trial motions involving those charged in the shooting death of 15-year-old Keyuon Garner showed the murder was tied to gang activity.

The sheriff said if the grant is awarded, the officer will be solely assigned to gang activity, from sharing intelligence and working closely with the United States Attorney's Office to coordinating cases in state court. “They will work with the already formed gang task force.”

Prior to the keynote address Thursday by noted gang expert Hunter Glass, local police chiefs or their designees gave an overview of the issues they face,

“We have some problems with gangs,” Scotland Neck Police Chief Joe Williams said. “They are offshoots of the Bloods. They have been involved in a murder. Three of our young people were involved in a situation in Northampton where all three were shot.”

The police department, Williams said, is documenting the activity. There are approximately 100 gang members in the town of 2,200. “These groups have been instrumental in the heroin trade.”

Roanoke Rapids Police Chief Chuck Hasty said gangs in the city are tied to the local drug trade, homicide and other crimes.

Many Roanoke Rapids gang members have given up wearing full colors and instead choose to wear one specific hat with a symbol as an identifier. “We have to all come together to share resources to help kids become productive and not destructive members of the community.”

Hasty said some signs of gang membership include unexplained wealth, having more than one cell phone, a radical change in friends and a change in the way they talk.

Weldon Police Department Deputy Chief James Avens said, “We do understand there is a gang issue. “It is a problem that is going to take all of coming together as law enforcement. We can't do it by ourselves.”

Lieutenant Jerry Powell of the Enfield Police Department said, “We can't do it alone. It's got to be a team effort.”

While the town has its homegrown gangs like the Fam, it also has ties to Rocky Mount and Nash County gangs. “They come to us.”

Keith Werner, an assistant district attorney for District Attorney Valerie Asbell, said, “We support law enforcement 100 percent.”

The gang problem is prevalent not only in Halifax County, but the three other counties District 6 serves, Werner said. “We know there's a problem and we're behind law enforcement 100 percent.”

Tripp said following the summit he was appreciative of support given him by the city of Roanoke Rapids, the Roanoke Valley Chamber of Commerce and Texas Steakhouse, which helped sponsor the event.

This morning he said, “Last night was all about awareness. Our job is to help save our children. My role as chief law enforcement officer is to be real.”

The company presented the library a check for $700 that will allow it to hold two programs from Mad Science, a science education enrichment program.

Head Librarian Jeff Watson said he is still working on dates for the programs.

Susan Tann, manager of member services for Roanoke Electric, said the $700 was raised through its Operation Roundup program and administered through Roanoke Cares.

Members round up their bills to the next highest dollar and the change is applied to worthwhile causes within the company's service area. “No one pays more than $11 per year,” she said, and the initiative raises close to $10,000 per quarter.

“We're very grateful for the grant to provide summer literacy programs for the students,” Watson said.

Shirley Rozier, library operations supervisor, said the theme of this year's reading program will be super heroes and the science of how they fly.

Expanding the hero theme, Rozier said the library will also have police, fire and Elle the Pit Bull come in for the program.

North Carolina Wildlife Enforcement Officer Patrick Brown said he was dispatched to the dam around 1 a.m. The mishap, in which the boat struck a pillar in the water, happened around 12:45.

Brown said witness accounts show that John Sutton, an experienced boater and fisherman from the Enfield area, had been bait casting with a net in the area of the dam called the boil, where the water from power generation is the most turbulent.

Sutton, 31, is experienced in handling a boat in the boil, and had made at least three trips that evening.

On the fourth trip, Brown said the boat hit the pillar at full throttle and Sutton was most likely thrown from the boat.

Dominion shut down the dam about 15 minutes after the 911 call.

A family member at the scene this morning declined comment.

Wildlife, Roanoke Valley Rescue Squad, the Weldon Fire Department and the Littleton Fire Department were continuing search efforts as of this report. The Halifax County Sheriff's Office assisted.

There is no intelligence currently available that links 22-year-old Omar Daqan Ponton to the local heroin trade, Roanoke Rapids Police Chief Chuck Hasty said this morning.

Captain A.M. Harris of the City County Drug Task Force said he was familiar with Ponton, of Weldon, but there was no intelligence that linked him to heroin, only marijuana and crack.

It was unclear how long Ponton had been in the area, Hasty said.

Hasty said in a statement Roanoke Rapids received information on Ponton around 5:45 p.m.

Sergeant Daniel Jenkins and officers Jamie Hardy and Scott Blythe responded to Church Street to investigate the information.

When Hardy pulled into Church Street, several people fled. Hardy spotted Ponton hiding behind a residence.

Ponton ran away after being told to stop.

Lieutenant Charles Burnette and Hardy located Ponton hiding inside a residence.

He was served a Maryland fugitive warrant for the sale of heroin and charged with resist, delay and obstruct.

He was given a $25,000 bond and May 22 court date pending extradition to Maryland.

Kajuana Fields, 43, surrendered to the Halifax County Sheriff's Office Friday to face a charge of obtaining property by false pretense.

Detective J.M. Clark conducted an investigation into the matter with the USPS Office of the Inspector General.

Through the investigation, Clark determined Fields was a mail carrier who went out on disability and obtained payments from October 2013 to October of last year.

Investigation determined, however, that she had taken job as a caretaker making $300 a week, but falsified United States Department of Labor documents that indicated her injuries prevented employment and that she was not employed.

She received a $2,000 bond pending a May 20 court date.

Enfield Volunteer Fire Department Chief Ronnie Locke said damage to the building was estimated at $159,000 and damage to the cotton seed was estimated at around $61,250.

Thirty firefighters from Enfield, Darlington and Whitakers responded to the blaze on Beaverdam Road shortly before 6:30 a.m.

A passerby called the fire in. It had been burning “a good while” before the call, Locke said.

The metal warehouse and cotton seed were part of a cooperative run by the Enfield Cotton Gin.

The blaze was contained in about an hour and a half and firefighters remained on the scene until just after noon to unload the warehouse.

The warehouse contained cotton seed that was ginned from this past harvest and was to be used for upcoming planting. “It was only a third full,” Locke said. “They had shipped a lot out.”

What seed was salvaged can be sold for cow feed and used to plant on weak soil, he said.

The fire was most likely generated within the stored seed Locke said. “Sometimes if it's not dry you get a spot and it happens.”

These calls are fairly frequent, said Locke, noting this was probably the third time in the last 10 years firefighters have been called there.

“The metal building, the tin is warped,” he said. “They will probably have to replace the whole building.”

North Carolina State Highway Patrol Trooper S. Corn has obtained warrants for the arrest of the driver, Gayonty Byrd, 43, of Petersburg, for reckless driving, and the passenger, Tremayne McKeever, 49, of Richmond, for assault with a deadly weapon.

The initial report notes that a domestic was taking place in the vehicle when it is believed McKeever grabbed the wheel of the vehicle to make it strike the bridge twice.

Chief Ed Porter Jr. of Gaston Fire and Rescue said in a statement Saturday firefighters responded to the southbound of the interstate at the 174 mile marker around 10:30 p.m.

The vehicle was found on the bridge with the driver still inside.

Both lanes of the interstate were closed. Both the driver’s side doors and B-post were removed by firefighters using hydraulic cutters and spreaders.

Both the female driver and male passenger were treated on scene by Northampton County paramedics. Helicopters from Vidant Medical Center and WakeMed were landed at the scene.

Both patients were transported to Vidant Medical Center in Greenville.

Firefighters remained on scene until midnight at which time the interstate was reopened.

The immediate conditions of Byrd and McKeever were not immediately known, the highway patrol said today.