Public Safety

911 systems statewide are down, emergency officials said. Local calls are being routed to Robeson County and dispatched. Bladen, Brunswick, and Pender counties are reporting similar problems. Columbus County residents who cannot get through on 911 should call 910.317.5477, 910.317.5472 or 910.317.5476. This is a developing story.

The suspect in a drug investigation near Chadbourn is no stranger to law enforcement. Malik “Hatch” Billings, 26, has been arrested multiple times for narcotics and weapons charges. He is currently being held under $75,000 secured bond on charges of trafficking in opiates, possession with intent to sell and deliver cocaine and marijuana, maintaining a dwelling for drug activities, destroying evidence, drug paraphernalia and resisting. His address was...

More than 20 catalytic converters have been stolen from the Border Belt Research Station in since June. The sheriff’s office is searching for a suspect vehicle in the case. The red full-size SUV, possibly a Ford, was caught on surveillance cameras at the facility. Investigators have not been able to obtain information about the suspect. Catalytic converters are targeted by thieves because they are easily removed, and contain...