Press Releases

The State Highway Patrol recognized the promotions of 51 sworn and 5 civilian members today during a private ceremony held at Colonial Baptist Church in Cary. The event was conducted in celebration of those who received a promotion throughout the end of 2020 and the beginning of 2021.  The ceremony began with an invocation provided by Pastor Steve Stadtmiller and the singing of the national anthem by Sergeant Brent M. Tyler. Remarks were provided by Col. Glenn M. McNeill, Jr., who provided a challenge to those receiving their new promotion.  

A Nash Correctional Institution offender with pre-existing medical conditions, who tested positive for COVID-19, has died at a hospital. “We are continuing our extensive efforts to mitigate the impact of COVID-19 in our prisons. The health and safety of the staff and the offender population is our top priority,” said Todd Ishee, Commissioner of Prisons. The offender tested positive for COVID-19 on Jan. 22. He was hospitalized on Jan. 31. His condition worsened, and he died on Feb. 17.

Today, Governor Roy Cooper and Emergency Management Director Mike Sprayberry outlined impacts and response to today’s winter storm, including weather-related delays to vaccine distribution. “Delays in vaccine shipment from the federal government are frustrating to us all, but providers are working to get appointments scheduled and we are pushing to get more vaccine to our state,” said Governor Cooper.

Over the weekend, state and local officials seized marijuana, paraphernalia, cash and a large amount of alcohol from an illegal night club operating out of a Days Inn. ALE conducted an investigation and found an illegal nightclub, The Velvet Room, was operating out of the Days Inn hotel at 400 U.S. Highway 70 West in Havelock. Special agents found the owner and manager of the club, Dequann Jerell Hall, 31, Morehead City, was hosting parties and selling alcohol without a permit from the ABC Commission.

North Carolina residents should prepare today for the strong possibility of power outages due to an incoming winter storm that is forecast to arrive tonight. This storm will bring significant icing that’s likely to result in many fallen trees and power lines. “This forecast for icy weather is a real threat for widespread power outages,” said Governor Roy Cooper. "People need to be ready to stay home and be prepared to lose power for a while, especially in the northern, western and Piedmont counties."

A Nash Correctional Institution offender with pre-existing medical conditions, who tested positive for COVID-19, has died at a hospital. “We continue to work hard to mitigate the impact of COVID-19 in our prisons. The health and safety of the staff and the offender population is our top priority,” said Todd Ishee, Commissioner of Prisons. The offender tested positive for COVID-19 on Feb. 8 and was hospitalized the next day. His condition worsened, and he died on Feb. 15.

A Craggy Correctional Center offender with pre-existing medical conditions, who tested positive for COVID-19, has died at Central Prison after hospitalization. “We are working hard to mitigate the impact of COVID-19 in our prisons. The health and safety of the staff and the offender population continues to be our top priority,” said Todd Ishee, Commissioner of Prisons. The offender tested positive for COVID-19 on Dec. 16. He was hospitalized on Dec. 28. He was discharged on Jan. 14 and transferred to Central Prison. His condition worsened, and he died on Feb. 13.

Utility crews continued work Sunday to restore power to about 80,000 customers who were remaining without power after a freezing rain event that toppled trees and power lines in counties along the Virginia border and in the Triad area. “Utility workers are out in force, working to get everyone’s power restored as quickly as possible,” said Governor Roy Cooper.  Power outages peaked late Saturday morning with about 194,000 customers without power statewide, and the situation has been improving quickly since then. 

Leaders of the N.C. Department of Public Safety and the Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice will be available today for a dial-in media briefing at 2 p.m. to provide an update on COVID-19 vaccinations in state prisons. Please see below for details on how to join the call.

A Rutherford Correctional Center offender with pre-existing medical conditions, who tested positive for COVID-19, has died at a hospital. “We are working hard to mitigate the impact of COVID-19 in our prisons. The health and safety of the staff and the offender population continues to be our top priority,” said Todd Ishee, Commissioner of Prisons. The offender tested positive for COVID-19 on Jan. 14. He was hospitalized on Jan. 17. His condition worsened, and he died on Feb. 7.