Deputies arrested two men in separate felony cases during proactive patrols in the Boardman area.
The sheriff’s office said Damian Kelly Thompson, 38, of Wilmington was spotted near the Sun-Dew in Boardman during the overnight hours of May 23. A deputy performing a security check saw Thompson’s vehicle. The car had a Vermont license plate that was not registered to any vehicle, according to a press release from the sheriff’s office.
A records check showed Thompson was wanted for breaking and entering to terrorize. When deputies undertook an inventory of the car, they allegedly found “suspected narcotics and drug paraphernalia, including multiple bags of suspected mushrooms, suspected acid tabs, assorted pills, a crystal-like substance, an unknown white substance, digital scales, syringes, needles, plastic trays, and a container that appeared to contain mushrooms growing inside,” the release said. They also discovered an open bottle of vodka.
Animal Control seized a dog that was in the car, the sheriff’s office said.
Thompson was held on a $20,000 secured bond for the outstanding charge. He was transferred to New Hanover County before additional warrants charging him with the narcotics violations were ready, the release said.
In an unrelated case, deputies were assisting with a traffic stop when they saw a vehicle turn from Legion Drive to Virgil Street without using a signal. Deputies initiated a traffic stop on the vehicle at Central Baptist Church. The driver, Charleston Shipman, 24, was observed “making sudden movements inside the vehicle,” the report said.
“Deputies detected a strong odor of marijuana coming from inside the vehicle” as they approached, the press release said.
Shipman, who is a convicted felon, was allegedly carrying a concealed handgun. During a search of the vehicle, deputies discovered glass jars of marijuana, cash, scales, baggies and other paraphernalia. Shipman was charged with possession of a firearm by a fellow, possession with intent to manufacture, sell and deliver marijuana, maintaining a vehicle for drug activities, drug paraphernalia, carrying a concealed firearm without a permit, and resisting an officer. He was held under $150,000 bond.
His address was listed as 74 Freedom Blvd., Whiteville.
“These cases are a strong example of how routine patrol and attention to detail can lead to dangerous items being taken off the streets,” Sheriff Bill Rogers said. “Our patrol deputies are often the first line of defense in protecting our communities, and their work plays a critical role in keeping Columbus County safe.”
Copyright 2026 Columbuscountynews.com. All Rights Reserved.
