Press Releases

Laurinburg --On December 22 at approximately 2:15p.m. at Scotland Correctional Institution, multiple offenders were involved in an altercation in which nine inmates assaulted a fellow offender in their housing unit. That offender was transported to an outside facility for further medical attention for non-life threatening injuries. 

Asheville – State correctional and local law enforcement officers from Woodfin Police Department are seeking Craggy Correctional Center minimum custody inmate David W. Hinkle (#0716211), who was reported missing from the facility at approximately 10 p.m. Wednesday evening. Hinkle was last seen near the facility at approximately 7 p.m.    Hinkle, 35, is a 5-foot-8 white male, bald with brown eyes from Gaston County.  He was serving a sentence for speeding and eluding arrest and was admitted on Oct. 18, 2018. He was scheduled for release April 16, 2019. 

Craggy Correctional Center minimum custody inmate David W. Hinkle (#0716211), who was reported missing from the facility Wednesday night, was apprehended around 4:30 am. Hinkle was last seen near the facility at approximately 7 p.m.    Hinkle, 35, was serving a sentence for speeding and eluding arrest and was admitted on Oct. 18, 2018. He was scheduled for release this April.    Hinkle now faces escape charges.  # # #  

Offender Benjamin Williford (#1537738) died Tuesday afternoon at Maury Correctional Institution after an apparent suicide. He was found unresponsive in his cell at about 1:20 p.m. Prison medical staff and local paramedics responded and worked to resuscitate the offender but were unsuccessful. He was pronounced dead by emergency medical staff at 2:03 p.m. Williford, 32, was sentenced in Watauga County in 2017 and was serving a 35-year sentence for second degree murder and arson. He was scheduled to be released in August 2052.

As North Carolina recovers from the season’s first big winter storm, Governor Cooper is thanking responders and reminding residents to be prepared for more winter weather. “Winter is just beginning, and this will not be the last round of winter weather we see this season,” said Governor Cooper. “Families should make sure they are ready by restocking their emergency kits and keeping vehicles ready for winter weather.”

As the weather warms today, North Carolina’s interstates and major highways are returning to normal, but many secondary roads and neighborhood streets are still treacherous. Governor Roy Cooper urged people to be remain cautious if venturing out onto the roadways.

With some portions of North Carolina receiving up to 20 inches of snow and ice, Governor Roy Cooper is encouraging the public to remain cautious as cold temperatures will result in refreezing. “North Carolina has gotten through the worst of the storm, but we need to stay vigilant,” Governor Cooper stated. “Unfortunately, the snow has turned into a nightmare and a tragedy for some, claiming three lives. We mourn them and offer our deepest sympathies to their loved ones.”

With much of North Carolina under several inches of snow and more snow and ice on the way, Governor Cooper is urging residents to stay off roads that are extremely dangerous in many areas. “Enjoy the beauty, but respect the danger. This storm is treacherous, especially if you try to drive in it. Travel conditions are extremely hazardous. Don’t put your life and the lives of first responders at risk by getting out on roads covered with snow and ice,” said Governor Cooper.

Today, as parts of North Carolina begin to feel the effects of a major winter storm, Governor Cooper is urging residents to quickly finish their storm preparations, be ready for power outages and plan to stay off the roads once conditions worsen.  “This is a snow storm, not a snow fall. It’s serious,” Gov. Cooper said. “In the Piedmont to western parts of our state, we’re preparing for days of impact, not hours.”

With much of North Carolina forecast to feel the effects of a major winter storm, Governor Roy Cooper is encouraging the public to be ready, as the State Emergency Response Team makes its preparations. “This storm comes at a time of year when North Carolinians are usually hearing carols about snow, not actually seeing it. But this time, the real thing is headed our way and North Carolina is getting prepared,” Governor Cooper said. “A winter storm’s not a Christmas carol snow. It’s serious, and you need to take steps now to get your family ready.”