Public Safety

(Submitted photo) The driver of a heavy duty pickup towing a trailer left a trail of debris in South Whiteville that ended with a standoff at the Murphy gas station on Powell Boulevard tonight. Witnesses said the truck struck several vehicles, and possibly a pedestrian, before smashing several gas pumps round 6 p.m. The driver reportedly barricaded himself in the store for a short time. He was taken...

Surveillance cameras once again helped solve a theft case in Columbus, this time in Sandyfield. Robert Silvestia Bowen, 76, of 1001 East Arcadia Rd., Riegelwood, was released on a $7,500 secured bond in the November incident. A detective was called to a home at the intersection of N.C. 87 and N.C. 11 (Gen. Howe Highway) to a  report of a break-in on Nov. 17. The property had sustained...

A Southeastern Community College student sustained an accidental gunshot wound Wednesday when a firearm fell from the student’s vehicle. SCC said in a press release that no other students or staff were injured or were endangered. SCC Prudent Chris English said in the release that emergency personnel responded immediately, and the individual was transported to Columbus Regional Healthcare for treatment. “No other individuals were involved, and at no...