Public Safety

An undercover investigation into one alleged drug dealer led authorities to a second suspect Jan. 31. Willie Albert Batten, 60, of Country Club Rd., Whiteville, was held under $25,000 secured bond on two counts of sale and delivery of opiates, and possession with intent to manufacture opiates, according to a press release from the sheriff’s office. Markus Eugene Thompson, 61, of Thompson Town Rd., Whiteville, was arrested on...

The surviving puppies and dogs seized from a Tabor City home Tuesday are recovering at Columbus County Animal Protective Services.APS workers said today (Thursday) that the mother of of the youngest puppies, estimated at less than five days old, is able to produce milk and is nursing her litter. One of those puppies was found dead in the mud where the puppies were being kept under a boat,...

100-mph Chase Goes from Bladen to Columbus A high speed chase that began in Bladenboro ended near the Columbus County line Tuesday. Bladen Sheriff James McVicker reported that Bladenboro Police tried to stop a silver BMW operated by Dylan Blake Burnette, and the vehicle fled down Center Road. A deputy with the community Impact Team (CIT) was in the area and observed the BMW traveling in excess of...