Public Safety

An alleged murderer and two other inmates have been charged with planning to murder a law enforcement officer and effect a jail break. Natrelle McKinnies, 28; Javon Bowen, 28; and the 17 year old were arrested Wednesday, according to the N.C. State Bureau of Investigation. McKinnies was in custody in Granville Correction Center on three unrelated murder charges. Warrants show that McKinnies approached Bowen and the juvenile, identified...

A stop for a speeding ticket led to the arrest of an alleged drug trafficker and shutting down a narcotics operation, Sheriff Bill Rogers said. Zaki Rashad Butler, 44, of 102 Pine Circle Road, Tabor City, is being held under $500,000 secured bond. He is charged with trafficking in opiates, possession with intent to manufacture, sell and deliver marijuana, maintaining a dwelling for drug activities, and possession of...

Two pedestrians were seriously injured in separate incidents involving automobiles in less than 24 hours. Lonnie Cardill is recovering after being struck by a car on Powell Boulevard near Hay Street Friday, Whiteville Police said. Cardill, 27, lives at a group home near where he was struck. He had apparently argued with a caregiver and led the home, according to police, when he darted into traffic near Hay...