Shootings

On Thursday at approximately 5:30 p.m., Sergeant T. Tyler and Officer C. Hagbourne responded to the 200 block of Walter Avenue about a residence struck by gunfire.  

The victims told officers around 10:30 p.m. Wednesday they heard a loud bang outside the residence but didn’t think anything of it.

When the victims came home the next afternoon they noticed the damage.

On Thursday at approximately 10:45 p.m., officers responded to the 900 block of Vance Street about a residence struck by gunfire. Officers found the residence was struck at least three times.

The department received several calls about shots fired in the 900 blocks of Cedar and Henry streets.

No one was injured in either shootings and Hasty said they aren’t believed to be related. He said motive is unclear in both cases.

Anyone with information is encouraged to contact the police department at 252-533-2810 or Halifax County Crimestoppers at 252-583-4444.

Fight call leads to drug charge

On Thursday at approximately 2:45 p.m., Master Officer A. Salmon responded to the 300 block of Jefferson Street about a fight.

When on the way he spotted one of the people reportedly involved.  

Salmon found Kenji Garner, 35, of Roanoke Rapids, in possession of marijuana.

Garner was cited for possession of schedule VI and released until his January 18 court date.

The company contributed more than $2,000 to the Halifax Community College Headstart program to help families buy presents.

It all came about because of the compassion of an HCC student who wishes to remain anonymous, the college said.

The student was interning at the HCC Early Childhood Center when she overheard the director discussing the difficulties for some of the families in the center.

The director, Eunice Hill, was trying to determine how best to help the families.

The student, who also works at KapStone during the evening shift, wrote a letter to human resources for the corporation to explain the situation.

The next day Lisa Floyd, the director of human resources for KapStone, contacted the student to get more information.

She learned the ECC serves low income families with several currently homeless as the parents struggle to make ends meet.

The employees of KapStone demonstrated generosity and collected $1,211 to help the ECC families.

To show support, KapStone matched employee donations, raising the total amount given to $2,422.

“I have been deeply impressed with the high level of commitment and compassion expressed by KapStone and others in this community,” said HCC President Michael A. Elam. “KapStone's response to the situation provided to them by one of our students is admirable. This company is a wonderful asset to our community that continually demonstrates their genuine concern for our citizens.”

Said Elam: “The contribution from KapStone is just another example of the commitment to community that is apparent in the Roanoke Valley. At least two families will have a wonderful holiday in part because of the compassion of a student and the generosity of fellow residents.”

J. Reuben Daniel City Hall & Police Station:1040 Roanoke Avenue

(252) 533-2800

CALENDAR OF MEETINGS 

(All City meetings are open to the public):

City Council Meeting (Cancelled)

Notice is hereby given that the Roanoke Rapids City Council meeting scheduled for

Tuesday, December 19, 2017 has been CANCELLED due to the lack of agenda items.

EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES:   

 The City of Roanoke Rapids is now accepting applications for the following positions:

Property Maintenance Worker (Parks & Recreation)

An employee in this position assists with the maintenance of parks and recreation property.  A high school diploma or GED is required and a valid NC Driver’s license.

(Part Time) Aqua Zumba Instructor

An employee in this class plans, coordinates and provides instruction for Aqua Zumba fitness program activities.  Qualifications:  - Zumba and/or Aqua Zumba Certifications (Preferred, but not required) – High School Diploma or GED – Must have excellent people service skills – Ability to provide service with integrity – Must have good verbal and written communication skills. 

ALL POSITIONS ARE OPEN UNTIL FILLED

 The City of Roanoke Rapids is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

We consider applicants for all positions without regard to race, color,

religion, creed, gender, national origin, age, disability, marital or veteran status, or any other legally protected status.

Applications may be obtained at www.roanokerapidsnc.com or may be picked up at

City Hall – 1040 Roanoke Avenue, Roanoke Rapids, NC 

Kathy A. Kearney – HR Manager – City of Roanoke Rapids 

Phone: (252) 533-2845 – Fax (252) 537-2097

BRIEFS

MUNICIPAL OFFICES CLOSED/TRASH COLLECTION:  

Municipal Offices will be closed on Monday, December 25^th and Tuesday, December 26^th in observance of Christmas. Trash collection routes for both Monday and Tuesday will be collected on Wednesday, December 27^th.

COMMITTEE VACANCIES:  

Contact Traci Storey, City Clerk, at (252) 533-2840 for committee information.

►Historic Preservation Advisory Committee         

►Planning Board/Board of Adjustment (ETJ)

►Canal Museum Advisory Committee 

ROANOKE RAPIDS CITY COUNCIL

Mayor Emery G. Doughtie       Mayor Pro Tem Carl Ferebee            

Council Members:  Ernest C. Bobbitt, Suetta S. Scarbrough, Carol H. Cowen, Wayne Smith

Joseph Scherer, City Manager   Gilbert Chichester, City Attorney

Traci V. Storey, City Clerk    Kathy Kearney, Deputy City Clerk

Faye was born August 14, 1943 in Halifax County to the late Edward Graham Hargrave, Sr. and Lillian Mae Pittman Hargrave. She was also preceded in death by her sister, Margaret Elaine Stevenson; her brothers, Johnny Odell Hargrave and Edward Graham Hargrave, Jr.

Faye worked as a spinner at J.P. Stevens for sixteen years and as a nurse’s aide at Halifax Regional Medical Center for fifteen plus years.

Faye is survived by her son, Ken Hargrave of Hampton, VA; her grandchildren, Brandon Hargrave of Roanoke Rapids, Dustin Hargrave of Hampton, VA, Dylan Hargrave of Roanoke Rapids and Nicole Hargrave of Hampton, VA; several great-grandchildren; her sisters, Linda Radford of Roanoke Rapids and Carol Sanchez of Great Bend, KS; numerous nieces and nephews.

Graveside services will be held at 2:00 P.M. Tuesday, December 19, 2017 at Cedarwood Cemetery with Rev. Joe Hunt officiating. The family will receive friends from 7:00 – 8:30 P.M. Monday, December 18, 2017 at Hockaday Funeral and Cremation Service and other times at the home of her sister, Linda Radford, 128 Harrison Street, Roanoke Rapids.

Memorials may be made to American Cancer Society, PO Box 22478, Oklahoma City, OK 73123.

Online condolences may be made at www.hockadayfs.com.

Officers found one person on the ground who had been shot multiple times, Chief Chuck Hasty said in a statement released this morning. He could not be immediately reached for comment as of this report.

The victim was transported to Halifax Regional by EMS and then transferred to a trauma center for further treatment.

Officers responded to the area around 11 p.m. to what Hasty described in the statement as a call about a party and shots fired.

Officers observed a large crowd running away and vehicles speeding away.

Currently there are no suspect descriptions or information on direction of travel.

Anyone with information is encouraged to call Captain B. Martin at 252-533-2820, Investigator G. Williams at 252-533-2821 or Halifax County Crimestoppers at 252-583-4444.

The Cornerstone Christian Lady Patriots are now 6-1 after a 49-19 win over TEACH Friday.

Patriots Stats:

Hana Brown scored 21 points

Ella Frances King scored 10 points

Anna Grace King scored 5 points

Abi Sloan scored 4 points

Somaliyah Smith scored 3 points

Jade Roberts scored 2 points

Casie Crawley scored 2 points

Roanoke Rapids High former Yellow Jackets football standout, NFL's Seattle Seahawks rookie Nazair Jones is on his third week on Seattle's injured list and still gives to the community. Jones and eighteen other players visited two local hospitals in the Seattle area as part of the team’s yearly tradition, Captains' Blitz, and interacted with fans of all ages to help them get their minds off of their circumstances. The players were also joined by members of the Sea Gals and posed for photos and signed autographs for patients and their families along with hospital staff. 

“We’re trying to determine what caused everything to happen,” Martin said this morning.

The male victim was shot numerous times in the torso, both Martin and Chief Chuck Hasty confirmed.

The shooting occurred outside the building in the 300 block of Eighth Street, which a private party not related to AMVETS had rented, Martin said.

It was not clear whether an argument inside the building may have led to the shooting outside. Both Martin and Hasty declined to discuss what type of weapon may have been used.

Officers responded to the area around 11 p.m. to what Hasty described in a statement as a call about a party and shots fired.

Officers observed a large crowd running away and vehicles speeding away.

Currently there are no suspect descriptions or information on direction of travel.

Anyone with information is encouraged to call Martin at 252-533-2820, Investigator G. Williams at 25

There were between 70 to 80 volunteers for the program, including spouses, Distinguished Young Women of the Roanoke Valley and other law enforcement officers from neighboring agencies helping out.

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Troy was born October 10, 1926 in Haywood County to the late Claude C. Rogers and Annie Clontz Rogers. He was also preceded in death by his wife of sixty-four years, Marie Viverette Rogers; two brothers, Richard R. Rogers and Ralph C. Rogers.

Troy was a member of Community Freewill Baptist Church. He was a godly man and a longtime church deacon. Troy retired from the N. C. Department of Transportation after thirty years, he was a fireman for the Town of Weldon for twenty-five years, a member of Woodmen Lodge 56. Troy served on the Weldon Planning Board for thirty years. He loved western movies, bluegrass music and NASCAR.

Troy is survived by his sisters-in-law Ruby Davis and Frances Viverette both of Halifax and Beverly Viverette of Sharpsburg; his god-daughter, Michelle Jackson and numerous nieces and nephews.

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Funeral services will be held at 2:30 P.M. Monday, December 18, 2017 in the chapel of Hockaday Funeral and Cremation Service with Rev. Larry Matthews officiating. Burial will follow in Crestview Memorial Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 12:30 – 2:00 P.M. prior to the service.

In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to Community Freewill Baptist Church, 1506 Washington Street, Weldon, NC 27890.

Online condolences may be made at www.hockadayfs.com.

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Travonta Quimane Whitaker, 22, is wanted for attempted murder in a shooting which took place shortly before 10:45 p.m.

The condition of the victim was not immediately available and Sheriff Wes Tripp said detectives continue to investigate motive.

He declined to immediately discuss how many shots were fired.

State Department of Public Safety records show Whitaker was sentenced to 12 months of probation on December 8 for assault on an officer, an offense which occurred in February.

His state record also shows a suspended sentence with probation for a charge with assault with a deadly weapon with intent to kill inflicting serious injury which was levied in 2012.

He was last seen in a dark green 1997 Mercury Grand Marquis with North Carolina tags PCD-7055.

Anyone with information is encouraged to call the sheriff’s office at 252-583-8201 or Crimestoppers at 252-583-4444.

“We’re on time,” Superintendent Dain Butler said after a ribbon-cutting and program which included songs by the school’s chorus, speeches by officials and a student. “We will have the kids in the building January 2.”

During the ceremony, Butler told a large audience, “You may have heard the phrase before:  Teamwork makes the dream work. What we see today is a prime example. This project started long before I arrived in Roanoke Rapids and there have been many advocates and community members that have worked diligently to see this become a reality.”

The superintendent said the school board should be commended for its “financial stewardship and vision to create such an opportunity for our community. The Halifax County Board of Commissioners should be commended for their trust, leadership, and their guidance throughout this project.  

“The staff of Roanoke Rapids Graded School District deserves tremendous credit for their diligence. I would like to personally thank Mr. Robbie Clements (director of facilities and operations) for his work overseeing this project and making sure we could be standing here today.”

Said Butler: “My wife had the opportunity to walk through this building a few days ago. When she returned to the office she was almost in tears and simply said, ‘that’s the kind of school the children deserve.’ I wholeheartedly agree.”

“It’s an awesome building,” school board Chair Jay Carlisle said after the ceremony. “It’s beautiful, state of the art. It’s been a long time coming for the community. I’m proud to be a part of making it happen.”

Board of commissioners Chairman Vernon Bryant told the audience, “The boys and girls at Manning Elementary School will have a new school that is comfortable and conducive to learning for many years to come.”

Bryant also thanked Clements “for a job well done.”

He said the $19.2 million school features wireless technology, advanced student and staff safety features as well as high-efficiency LED lighting, temperature controlled classrooms and pod spaces on each hall for interactive and collaborative learning.

All photos in the gallery were taken by rrspin.com, except the last two, which are courtesy of the RRGSD

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Commissioner Rives Manning, nephew of the man the school is named for, said after the program, “I’m absolutely very honored and pleased.”

Manning unveiled the plaque recognizing the dedication of the school and those responsible for bringing it to fruition.

Savannah Medlin, a Manning student, helped the commissioner and then spoke.

“I am most excited about having a big library because I have always loved the library and I can’t wait to have a big space to read and write.”

She said she was also excited about the new gym, “a big beautiful space indoors to run and play and learn.”

Medlin told those assembled she was also excited about having two floors.

“It’s a once in a lifetime opportunity to move into a brand new school with new classrooms and furniture,” she said. “Not everybody gets to do that and we appreciate the people who made this possible.”

Investigator G.L. Williams located D’Angelo Devonte Rawls, 19, of Roanoke Rapids, in the 100 block of Collins Avenue, Chief Chuck Hasty said, arresting him on the outstanding assault with a deadly weapon warrant as well as a warrant taken out by an individual charging him for contributing to the delinquency of a minor.

Hasty said the details concerning the contributing count were not immediately known.

Investigation by Investigator J. Benthall led to the issuance of the assault warrant, Hasty said in a statement.

What prompted the assault, in which the victim received lacerations with a sharp instrument, was not clear.

Rawls received a $12,000 bond and January 3 court date.

Hasty said the case remains under investigation.

Officers E. Johnson and D. Hundley assisted.

Stabbing

On Friday at approximately 8 p.m., Officer J. DeSare arrested and charged Barbara Ann Hudson, 47, of Roanoke Rapids, with assault with a deadly weapon and carrying a concealed weapon.

The charges stem from an investigation into a 911 call about a stabbing in the 1900 block of Carter Street.

DeSare found Hudson with blood on her clothing and during investigation the officer discovered there was an argument at a residence. When the victim tried to leave, Hudson allegedly tried to stab the victim with a knife.

She received a $5,000 bond and February 2 court date.

Lieutenant J. Baggett, Sergeant D. Jenkins and Master Officer G. Colson assisted.

Absconder arrested

On Saturday at approximately 12:45 p.m.,Officer C. Batchelor stopped a person riding a dirt bike on the roadway and sidewalk of Bolling Road.

Trevon Maurice Davis, 18, of Roanoke Rapids, was arrested on outstanding orders for arrest and during a search he was found in possession of marijuana.  

Davis was served the two orders for arrest for probation violation and was charged with possession of schedule VI.

He received a $4,800 bond. He has multiple court dates in January on several other charges, according to state records.

https://rrspin.com/roanoke-rapids-weldon-halifax-county-nc-news/item/15935-rrpd-roundup-domestic-assault-morning-stabbing.html

James Antwon Coleman III, 26, who was charged in the murder of Rynel Tyreek Gaines, is tentatively scheduled to appear in court on February 12 to face the first-degree murder charge, state court records show.

His arrest on charges associated with the traffic stop occurred around 3:15 Sunday morning, Roanoke Rapids police Chief Chuck Hasty said in a statement.

The arrests of Coleman and Jamil Markel Simmons occurred after the pair bolted from the vehicle and fled officers J. DeSare and M. Hunsucker. They were taken into custody following the brief chase.

Coleman, 26, was charged with carrying a concealed weapon, possession of a firearm by a felon, possession of a firearm with an altered serial number, possession of marijuana, possession of drug paraphernalia, assault on a government official and resist delay and obstruct.

Captain Bobby Martin said the assault on a government official charge stems from Coleman allegedly physically resisting officers after his arrest.

He received a $411,000 bond and January 3 court date.

Simmons, 26, of Roanoke Rapids, was arrested and charged with resist, delay and obstruct an officer. He received a $500 bond and December 22 court date.

Lieutenant J. Baggett, Sergeant D. Jenkins and Officer H. Grimes assisted.

In the October, 2015 murder case, Coleman surrendered to the Halifax County Sheriff’s Office that December.

The investigation stemmed from a motor vehicle collision call at Fourth and Madison streets.

When Hunsucker arrived he found the victim in the vehicle unresponsive. Officers discovered Gaines had a gunshot wound and was deceased.

Martin said motive in the murder remains undetermined.

Trevonta Q. Whitaker, 22, was jailed on $30,000 bond and faces charges of attempted first-degree murder, assault with a deadly with intent to kill inflicting serious injury, possession of a firearm by a convicted felon and carrying a concealed gun.

Detective Matt Brown said the victim in the case is in fair condition after being shot in the chest outside a convenience store just outside the city limits off Highway 48.

Chief Deputy Scott Hall said this evening Whitaker and the victim have had prior trouble which have included instances of violence.

It was not clear whether a 2012 charge of assault with a deadly weapon against Whitaker was related to the ongoing dispute.

The shooting took place around 10:45 p.m. Friday and deputies responded to Halifax Regional after a call of a gunshot victim was received. The victim was later flown to an undisclosed medical facility for further treatment.

An investigation conducted by Lieutenant Randy Keeton, Corporal Dustin Newsome, and Brown developed Whitaker as the alleged shooter.

He has a January 10 court date.

Investigation, however, revealed Joshua Hester, 19, and Robert Hester, 20, were the alleged aggressors in an assault of a victim.

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Chief Deputy Scott Hall of the Halifax County Sheriff’s Office said this evening the brothers allegedly struck the victim about the head with a sharp object.

Hall said in a statement deputies responded to Halifax Regional after a call about two victims being stabbed.

Detective Matt Brown said both brothers sustained injuries from allegedly striking the victim.

The brothers allegedly reported a man pulled a knife on them and assaulted them both.

Investigation revealed the opposite, Hall said in a statement.

Brown said the victim was the father of a teen the brothers have been feuding with.

They were charged with simple assault, filing a false police report and second-degree trespassing.

They received $2,000 secured bonds and January 10 court dates.

She was honored for the first week and second weeks of the season (Nov. 20 and Nov. 27). This is Williams' seventh Player of the Week honor in her career.

After a break for finals, Randolph-Macon returned to the hardwood Sunday against Lawrence University in the Cruzin Classic in Ft. Lauderdale, Fla. The Yellow Jackets defeated the Vikings 68-52 under Williams' lead of 22 points and 22 rebounds. She also had four blocks, a pair of steals and an assist.

Through games on December 14, Williams led the country in rebounds per game (19.3) and was second in the country for points per game (24.9) and blocks per game (3.86). She was also in the Top 10 in the country for total blocks (27) and total number of double doubles (6). In addition to her national accolades, she was number one in the conference for all of the above categories.

As a team, Randolph-Macon is a Top 5 team in number of offensive rebounds per game (23), rebounding margin (19.4) and total rebounds per game (53).

Mini Mites

12/11: Lloyds Decorating: Win – Chaloner Alumni: Forfeit

Mighty Mites

12/11: Express Signs: 18 – Boones Bombers: 8

12/12: Fred’s Boats: Win - Boone’s Bombers: Forfeit

12/12: Quality Cuts: 21 - Brown Hornets: 14

12/14: RRSpin Sports: 34 - Express Signs: 20

12/14: Brown Hornets: 28 - Roanoke Raptors: 15

12/16: Quality Cuts: 26 - Express Signs: 22

12/16: Boone’s Bombers: 34 - Brown Hornets: 33

12/16: Roanoke Raptors: 22 - Fred’s Boats: 16

PeeWee

12/12: San Jose: 52 - Kapstone: 33

12/12: Cavaliers: 47 - Price’s: 32

12/14: San Jose: 40 - Cavaliers: 17

12/14: Farm Bureau: 46 - Price’s: 31

12/16: Wrenn Sports: 25 - Cavaliers: 22

12/16: San Jose: 64 - Price’s: 25

12/16: Kapstone: 41 - Farm Bureau: 35

Junior Boys

12/14: Optimist Club: 59 - M.J. Price: 43

12/14: Kapstone: 40 - RVCHI: 38

12/16: Kapstone: 42 - M.J. Price: 28

12/16: Optimist Club: 42 - Harrison Auto: 33