Public Safety

Three suspects are in custody after an “extensive, ongoing investigation” into drug activities near Tabor City. The Columbus County Sheriff’s office reported that William Antwan Gaskins, 33; Douglas Wilson Branton, 41; and Terrance James Thomas, 33 were arrested Tuesday after a joint operation by Vice Narcotics investigators, the N.C. State Bureau of Investigation and the U.S. Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco and firearms. This operation was supported by the...

A rape suspect is being held in the county detention center while his residency status is confirmed. Alfonso Hernandez-Sanchez, 18, of 410 Britton St., Whiteville, was arrested Thursday by Whiteville Police on a single charge of second degree forcible rape, according to Detention Center records. He was held under no bond. The warrant shows that Hernadez is alleged to have forced a 17 year old female to have...

One suspect is in custody and others are still sought after a string of mailbox vandalism incidents in Columbus County. In one case, an opossum was discarded on the porch of a victim, in what the sheriff’s office called a “particularly unusual and concerning” incident. Walker Chase Richardson, 20, of Aynor was taken into custody April 13, according to the sheriff’s office. Deputies worked with Horry County Police...