Public Safety

The sheriff’s office is searching for a shoplifter with a sweet tooth. On Jan. 16, the male individual entered the Riegelwood Scotchman and stuffed a number of candy bars in his pants, according to the sheriff’s office. He then paid for a drink and left the store in a red van. If you can identify the suspect, call the Columbus County Sheriff’s Office at 910-642-6551.      

Deputies have arrested the man who allegedly shot a Swamp Fox Highway resident while a bedridden family member was in the home. Jacques Ali Vereen, 26, was taken into custody Friday on charges of assault with a deadly weapon with intent to kill, inflicting serious injury, and attempted first degree murder. His bond was set at $500,000. Vereen gave his address as 1309 Clyde Norris Rd., Tabor City....

A collision between a sheriff’s deputy and another vehicle sent the officer and two civilians to the hospital Wednesday night. The Highway Patrol reported that the 6:50 p.m. collision occurred at the intersection of Tommy Wooten Road and U.S. 76 at Chadbourn. The deputy was one of four enroute to an emergency call at the time of the crash. Trooper A. Inman of the NCHP said initial investigation...