Public Safety

A pre-dawn raid turned up crack cocaine and illegally shortened AR-15 rifle Tuesday in Green Acres. Banks Raphel Batten, 35, of 60 Pine Circle Drive, was held under $1.5 million bond. He is charged with trafficking in cocaine, possession with intent to manufacture, sell and deliver cocaine and marijuana, maintaining a dwelling for drug activities, and possession of a weapon of mass destruction, according to jail records. The...

Quick response by Whiteville Police led to the arrest of two armed felons Wednesday. Lafayette Treshaun Davis, 24, of 1855 Mill Pond Rd., Whiteville, and Jesse Lee Thomas Jr., 38, of 1465 Princess Ann Rd., Chadbourn were each charged with possession of a firearm by a felon. Thomas was also charged with carrying a concealed weapon. Bond was set at $20,000 each, jail records show. Both men have...

Whiteville Fire Chief David Yergeau is on suspension pending the outcome of an investigation. City Manager Darren Currie said he could not further comment on the suspension, citing personnel rules. “When the investigation is completed, Currie said, “then I will make a decision.” Emergency Services Director Hal Lowder is acting fire chief, Currie said. There will be no change in service. “If you need help, help will still...