Press Releases
Correctional staff from Wake County and local law enforcement are searching for escaped inmate Larry J. Locklear (#0245809).
Locklear, 66, who was on a work assignment, is a minimum custody inmate serving a sentence at Wake Correctional Center as a habitual felon. His projected release date was October 2021.
Secretary Erik A. Hooks today met with employees at Pasquotank Correctional Institution to listen to ideas, observations and concerns following the violent attack Oct. 12 that resulted in the deaths of four employees. As part of his visit to the prison, he also took a tour of the facility and met with staff at all levels.
The Secretary had a brief message for employees, but his primary goal was to listen to them and hear what was on their minds.
Media Staging Areas
WHAT: Correctional Officer Wendy Shannon’s Memorial Service
WHERE: Floyd L. Robinson Auditorium
Burnim Fine Arts Center
Elizabeth City State University
Fine Arts Way, Elizabeth City, NC
*Two media staging areas have been established:
Geoffrey Howe, a maintenance mechanic for Pasquotank Correctional Institution, passed away Thursday at Sentara Norfolk General Hospital from injuries suffered during a failed inmate escape attempt on Oct. 12.
“Our thoughts, prayers and condolences go out to the Howe family,” said Department of Public Safety Secretary Erik A. Hooks. “This tragedy has horribly impacted the lives of four families, as well as co-workers and friends.”
Correctional Officer Wendy Shannon passed away Monday evening at Sentara Norfolk General Hospital from injuries suffered during an inmate escape attempt Oct. 12 at Pasquotank Correctional Institution.
“We mourn the loss of our colleague Correctional Officer Shannon,” said Department of Public Safety Secretary Erik A. Hooks. “Our deepest condolences go out to the Shannon family during this difficult time.”
Today, Governor Roy Cooper released the following statement on the passing of Pasquotank Correctional Officer Wendy Shannon:
"I'm deeply saddened that this brutal attack has taken the life of Correctional Officer Wendy Shannon who was doing her job protecting the public. Our hearts go out to the victim, her family, friends and coworkers. Prisons and their employees help keep our communities safe, and I've directed state prison officials to take the necessary steps to improve prison safety."
Cleanup and damage assessment work continues in several western North Carolina counties after Monday’s strong storms and tornadoes.
One person died this morning during that cleanup work. A 31-year-old tree service contractor for a utility company was killed early Wednesday morning while working to clear a tree from a power line in Alexander County. The worker was crushed when the tree snapped back and fell on him.
A line of strong storms moved across North Carolina Monday afternoon and evening devastating a regional airport, damaging dozens of homes, toppling trees, closing roads and leaving several western North Carolina communities without power.
“While this band of storms brought high wind, rains and some damage, we’re fortunate that we’ve had no reports of serious injuries or loss of life,” said Governor Roy Cooper. “Today, communities are surveying the damage and beginning the cleanup, and our state experts stand ready to help however needed.”
WHAT: Correction Enterprises Manager Veronica Darden and Correctional Officer Justin Smith’s Memorial Services
WHERE: Floyd L. Robinson Auditorium
Burnim Fine Arts Center
Elizabeth City State University
Fine Arts Way, Elizabeth City, NC
(*Media staging area next to the Thorpe Administration Building, Administration Way)
The Department of Public Safety is taking more action to make prisons safer following a violent attack at Pasquotank Correctional Institution in Elizabeth City that claimed the lives of two prison employees on Thursday, Oct. 12.
Following the Friday, Oct. 13 meeting with Governor Roy Cooper, Secretary Erik A. Hooks and state prison leaders, DPS immediately implemented prison safety action items. Today, at Secretary Hooks’ direction, more actions are being taken.