Funeral arrangements are set for a Wake County K9 Deputy Ned Byrd who paid the ultimate sacrifice after he was murdered in the line of duty last week.

Visitation will take place on Thursday, August 18, 3-8 p.m., at Mitchell Funeral Home, 7209 Glenwood Ave., Raleigh. The funeral will take place Friday, August 19, 11 a.m., at Providence Baptist Church, 6339 Glenwood Ave., Raleigh.

The Wake County Sheriff’s Office continues to request the public’s assistance in identifying the person or persons responsible for the killing of Deputy Byrd, shot while on patrol last week.

Anyone with information is urged to contact the Wake County Sheriff’s Office at 919-306-6931 or 919-306-7748.

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The Wake County Sheriff’s Office has charged four inmates after they allegedly assaulted a detention during an incident earlier this week.

Deputies have charged Jeffrey Ward, age 31, Shabar Marshall, age 25, Deondray Williams, age 33, and Stanley Scarboro, age 41. All the inmates face one count of Assaulting Physically injuring a Detention Officer and one count of Felony Conspire Assault.

Ward and Marshall were in temporary custody of the Wake County Sheriff’s Office, pending transfer to the Granville Correctional Facility when the attack took place.

According to information gathered during the investigation, the unprovoked attack occurred shortly before 11 p.m. Monday night, when a detention officer was attacked while sitting at the officer’s station. It believed that inmates Ward and Marshall initiated the attack, with Scarboro and Williams aiding in the assault. Detention officers arrived in minutes to take the men into custody.

The detention officer received minor injuries and was transported to a local hospital, where he would later be treated and released.

The four suspects remain in custody at the Wake County Detention Center.

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The Wake County Sheriff’s Office announces today the arrest of three subjects believed to be responsible for burglaries occurring in northern Wake County. The arrests are related to over 40 separate cases, affecting multiple victims. The Sheriff’s Office began receiving reports of burglaries in the area last month.

During the arrests, the Wake County Sheriff’s Office also discovered a juvenile female who was accompanying the suspects that is a reported missing juvenile in the State of Pennsylvania. Wake County Child Protective Services and the Department of Homeland Security were notified to assist in the juvenile female’s case. That case is in its early stages.

Wake County Investigators have arrested Isaac Joshua Munoz, age 20, Keshaun Christopher Byrd, age 20, and Nelson Gomez Perez, age 19. Munoz and Byrd are from Raleigh and Perez is from Durham.

The suspects have been charged with 17 counts of Burglary, 67 counts of Breaking and Entering a Motor Vehicle, 8 counts of Larceny of Motor Vehicles, 4 counts of Damage to Property, 9 counts to Larceny of Firearms and one count of Larceny of Ammunition.         

Twelve Wake County Investigators were assigned to the case, along with the surveillance expertise of the Technical Operations Division which includes the Criminal Analysis and Apprehension Team, Drugs & Vice, Tactical Response Team, and the Crash Reduction Unit.                 

Background

The Wake County Sheriff’s Office received an unprecedented number of calls regarding individuals entering victims’ cars and opening their garage doors, stealing luxury style vehicles, computers, guns, and many other personal effects. On several occasions the suspects were observed on video surveillance cameras committing these offenses. In each case, the suspects were wearing clothing to disguise their appearance.

As these cases began to accumulate, other jurisdictions were also reporting the same style offenses with suspects stealing cars, guns and entering garages through unlocked car doors (garage openers).

During the crime wave, the Wake County Sheriff’s Office began to utilize members of the Criminal Investigative Division and Technical Operations Division to saturate the areas of concern overnight. The suspects were spotted on (2) two occasions in what appeared to be stolen motor vehicles from the neighborhoods victimized and eluded law enforcement at high rates of speed. All the vehicles that were stolen from Wake County were either eventually recovered the next morning or the next day abandoned at either an apartment complex, downtown Durham, a house under construction or in the middle of the road with the engine running in northern Wake County.

Apprehension of Suspects

Early yesterday morning, members of Wake County’s Criminal Investigative Division spotted one of the stolen vehicles and attempted to make a traffic stop. The suspects eventually alluded deputies, fleeing the area at a high rate of speed.

Later in the day, through investigatory means, deputies spotted the stolen vehicle entering an apartment complex. Two subjects in the car matched the description of those allegedly committing the crimes. During the operation, deputies observed three people exiting an apartment and entering another vehicle. Shortly after the suspects left the complex, a traffic stop was conducted, and they were detained.

The subjects were taken to the John H. Baker Jr. Public Safety Center to be interviewed by investigators. It was at that time that Byrd and Munoz were identified. The third person was the juvenile female.

During the interview, Byrd and Munoz confessed to the crimes in northern Wake County. At the same time, Investigators searched the suspects’ apartment and found a large amount of evidence including guns, cash, counterfeit money, lawn equipment, electronics, and other items.

“Over the past several weeks, the Wake County Sheriff’s Office has used every available deputy and resource to apprehend those responsible for the burglaries,” said Wake County Sheriff Gerald Baker. “These arrests should send a clear message that this office will use all available resources to go after those who commit criminal acts in our County. Despite the recent arrests, the Sheriff’s Office will continue to follow leads to determine if there are other subjects involved in the burglaries. I’m so proud of the work of this office, especially our Criminal Investigative, Technical Operations and Patrol Divisions, did in making arrests in this case.”

Both men were taken to the Wake County Detention Center and processed. Keshaun Byrd received a secured bond of $300,000 and Isaac Munoz received a secured bond of $2 million.

Warrants for the third suspect, Nelson Gomez Perez were sworn out as he is currently at the Chatham County Jail, under a $50,000 secured bond. Perez will be processed for the same offenses.

This investigation is still ongoing. Additional charges are forthcoming.

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The Wake County Sheriff’s Office (WCSO), U.S. Attorney’s Office, along with partnering Wake County law enforcement agencies, will participate in Wake County’s portion of the North Carolina Law Enforcement Torch Run (LETR) for Special Olympics, Thursday, June 2, 2022, beginning at 8:30 a.m., at the Little River Park, N.C. Highway 97, in Zebulon.

Motorists are urged to pay attention as they travel through in Eastern Wake County in the morning (see map).

The torch run, which raises funds for Special Olympics North Carolina (SONC), officially begins when members of the Zebulon Police Department pass the torch to Wake County Sheriff’s deputies at the Little River Park, N.C. Highway 97, 1800 W. Gannon Avenue, in Zebulon

The WCSO will run for 4.2 miles to the Sheetz Store on Wendell Blvd/U.S. 64, where they will take a break. From Sheetz, they will run 3.3 miles and then hand the torch to members of the Knightdale Police Department, at their city limits, around 9:45 a.m., at 7633 Knightdale Blvd. Knightdale police officers will carry the torch through town and pass it back to members of the WCSO at the intersection of Highway 64 and Hodge Road.

The torch run will end at the Exxon Gas Station, 4301 New Bern Ave., near the Hamrick’s Retail Store, where the torch will be passed to members of the Raleigh Police Department, around 11 a.m.

“We are so proud and honored to partner with Special Olympics North Carolina,” said Wake County Sheriff Gerald Baker. “The Wake County Sheriff’s Office will continue to assist in raising funds for a program that provides year-round sporting events to children and adults with intellectual disabilities. This agency cares about the entire community it serves.”

Law enforcement officials throughout North Carolina will carry the Special Olympics ‘Flame of Hope’ through June 2. The 2022 Carry the Flame of Hope Torch Run will culminate in the Final Leg and lighting of the cauldron on the steps of the North Carolina Capitol, in downtown Raleigh on June 3.

The NC Law Enforcement Torch Run involves more than 2,500 law enforcement officials from more than 200 agencies who take part in a 2,000-mile, month-long torch relay covering 2,000 miles throughout North Carolina.

MEDIA NOTE: There will be opportunities along the route for members of the media to interview officers who are participating in the torch run.

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The Wake County Sheriff’s Office has arrested a Wake Forest man after he allegedly attacked another man at a local motel.

Wake County Investigators have charged Anthony Thompson, age 32, with one count Felony Breaking and Entering to Terrorize or Injure, and Simple Assault.

Shortly after 10 p.m. last night, Wake County Deputies responded to a stabbing call at the Starlite Motel at the 10000-block of Star Road in Wake Forest.

When Deputies and EMS arrived, they located Thompson, near the motel with a large laceration to his face.

Through investigative means, Wake County Deputies discovered that prior to the incident, Thompson and his wife had been involved in a domestic disturbance at the motel. Following the argument, the suspect’s wife ran into a neighbor’s room and locked the door behind her. Witnesses told investigators that Thompson began banging on the door of the victim's room and broke the room’s front window. Thompson began assaulting the male victim by allegedly punching him several times, resulting in the victim defending himself by cutting the suspect in the face, causing a large laceration. 

After being transported to an area hospital for treatment of his injuries, Thompson was transported to the Wake County Detention Center and is currently being held on a $15,000 bond.

                                                                                             ###

The Wake County Sheriff’s Office is investigating a shooting that injured a man.

Shortly before 9 a.m. today, deputies were dispatched to a shooting call at the 5200 block of Poole Road, in Raleigh.

Upon arrival they found one male victim with a gunshot wound. The unidentified victim was transported to an area hospital for treatment.

Wake County Investigators continue to gather information pertaining to the details of what led up to the shooting.

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Due to the forecast for freezing rain, sleet and snow beginning later this evening and continuing through the weekend, the Wake County Sheriff’s Office will close the John H. Baker Jr. Public Safety Center tomorrow, January 21, for the safety of Sheriff’s Office staff and citizens.

The Public Safety Center is located at 330 S. Salisbury Street, in downtown Raleigh.  

Some of the public services that will not be open to the public include:

• Gun Permits
• Recruiting
• Civil Process

Pending improved weather conditions, the Public Safety Center is expected to return to normal operations on Monday, January 24.

###

The Wake County Sheriff’s Office has arrested a man following the discovery of deceased animals at his home.

Wake County Deputies have charged Tavis Pearce, age 29, with 2 felony counts of Animal Cruelty and one count of Animal Cruelty, which is a misdemeanor.

Shortly before 3 p.m., earlier today, deputies were requested to assist Animal Control Officers at a reported animal cruelty case at the 5900 block of Leamon Wright Drive, in Raleigh.

Once on scene, deputies observed one recently deceased dog chained to a tree, one malnourished dog that was still alive and what appeared to be another dog’s remains chained to another tree. Pearce was identified as the person in charge of taking care of the dogs.

Pearce was booked into the Wake County Detention Center, with the bond set at $10,000.

###

###

The Wake County Sheriff’s Office has arrested and charged a Knightdale man for allegedly committing illegal sex acts with a child.

Deputies have charged Ricardo Villarreal-Robles with one (1) count of Statutory Sexual Offense with a Child by an Adult. The victim disclosed details of the ongoing sexual abuse by Villarreal-Robles.

Earlier today, deputies responded to a domestic call in the 1000 block of Knighthood Lane, in Knightdale. Responding deputies discovered that the dispute was regarding a disclosure by the female juvenile alleging that the suspect assaulted her. 

Following the victim’s statement, and through investigative means, Wake County Investigators were able to corroborate the victim’s account.

Wake Investigators arrested Villarreal-Robles, who was booked into the Wake County Detention Center, with a $500,000 bond.

###

The Wake County Sheriff’s Office is asking for public assistance in locating a subject that led Wake County deputies on a brief chase this morning.

Deputies continue to search for Raequan Mudd, age 24, who is wanted for allegedly firing into an occupied dwelling last night. Mudd also faces an arson charge.

Shortly after 10 this morning, deputies identified Mudd driving near the intersection of Durant Road and Falls of Neuse and attempted to make a traffic stop before the subject fled from deputies. A brief pursuit ended less than a minute later, when Mudd crashed his vehicle at Durant and Honeycutt Roads, fleeing from the scene on foot.

Deputies, with the assistance of the Raleigh Police Department and the North Carolina State Highway Patrol, spent several hours searching for the subject, on foot and in the air. Residents in the area were asked to briefly shelter in place while the search for the suspect was underway.

Wake County deputies continue to conduct an active search for Mudd, who is described as a black male, last wearing a dark jacket and black pants. Mudd should be considered armed and dangerous. Anyone who may have noticed the suspect is asked to call 9-1-1 or the Wake County Sheriff’s Office at 919-856-6911.

###

As school systems nationwide take precautions over unconfirmed TikTok posts which threaten violence at schools, the Wake County Sheriff’s Office continues to monitor these threats.

“The Wake County Sheriff’s Office remains on alert and is ready to respond to any incident that threatens the safety of students and school staff. Along with School Resource Officers that are assigned at all middle schools in the Wake County Public Schools System and one high school, East Wake High School, the Sheriff’s Office has a plan in place to add additional resources if necessary.

Whether the threats are credible or not, the Wake County Sheriff’s Office remains vigilant and on the ready to respond to any incident.”

Gerald M. Baker, Sheriff

The Wake County Sheriff’s Office (WCSO) wants to warn residents about a scam pertaining to social security claims.

In the last few weeks, the WCSO has received numerous calls from citizens who say that Social Security claims have been filed fraudulently in their names.

If anyone believes they may be a victim of this fraudulent act, the Wake County Sheriff’s Office urges them to contact the Social Security Administration’s (SSA) Fraud Hotline at 800-269-0271 or visit the SSA’s Office of the Inspector General online.

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The Wake County Sheriff’s Office has arrested and charged a Wendell man for allegedly committing illegal sex acts with a child.

Deputies have charged Jose Alberto Maya Orozco with three counts of taking Indecent Liberties with a Child. The alleged incidents occurred between July and October of this year.

Wake County Investigators were first notified in October after the victim completed a school assignment in which she disclosed that she had been inappropriately touched by the suspect. Following the victim’s statement, and through investigative means, Orozco was arrested for the alleged illegal acts.

The Selma Police Department has also been notified that Orozco may have committed similar offenses in their jurisdiction.

Earlier this week, Orozco was booked into the Wake County Detention Center and posted a $45,000 bond.

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This morning, the Wake County Sheriff’s Office, with assistance from a local dive team, recovered the body of a man in Harris Lake, located in Southwestern Wake County.

The subject has been identified as Timothy Crockett Mullins, age 47.

The Fuquay-Varina Police Department opened a missing person case after members of Mullins’ family had not seen or heard from him since last Friday.

Fuquay Police received a tip that Mullins’ SUV was located parked near a bridge at Harris Lake.

Shortly before 9 p.m., last night, the Wake County Sheriff’s Office’s Marine Team, Patrol and K-9 Units, Fuquay Police Department members and the Stony Creek Rescue Dive Team from Nash County, initiated a search for Mullins.

After hours of searching the lake and surrounding areas earlier this morning, rescuers recovered the body of Mullins. While this is an ongoing investigation, initial reports indicate that the death is not associated with any criminal activity.

###

The Wake County Sheriff’s Office conducted a DWI checkpoint last evening, with the assistance of state and local law enforcement agencies, held the checkpoint at the intersection of Hodge and Poole roads in Knightdale.

The checkpoint resulted in the arrest of four motorists who were charged with Driving While Impaired, one motorist who tried to flee from law enforcement officers and one motorist who was wanted by law enforcement.

Additional statistics from last night’s operation:

DWI/Driving While Impaired                           4

DWLR/Driving While Licensed Revoked        5

NOL: No Operators License                           24

Registration Violations                                    3

No Insurance Violation                                    1

Seat Belt Violations                                         1

Child passenger seat violations                      1

Misdemeanor Drug Violations                        3

Vehicle Seizure (Run and you’re Done)         1

Felony Speeding to Elude                              1

RDO (Resist, Delay, or Obstruct)                   4

Wanted Persons                                             1

Warrants Served                                             1

Partnering agencies:

• North Carolina Highway Patrol
• Wake Forest Police Department
• Apex Police Department
• Knightdale Police Department
• Raleigh Police Department
• Rolesville Police Department
• Mothers Against Drunk Driving

The Wake County Sheriff’s Office has arrested a Raleigh man who faces numerous child sex offenses.

Earlier today, deputies arrested Miguel Antonio Cazares, age 21, and charged him with three counts of First Degree Sexual Exploitation of a Minor, three counts of Second Degree Sexual Exploitation of a Minor, four counts of Disseminating Harmful Material to Minors and Statutory Sex Offense with a Child by an Adult.

In March of this year, Wake County investigators received a tip from the Internet Crimes Against Children unit, about a cyber tip concerning a social media account. Through investigative means, it was discovered that the social media account contained images suspected to be Child Sexual Abuse Material (CSAM). The account was linked back to the address of the suspect.

As the investigation continued, deputies were notified that Cazares told a medical provider that he had admitted to sexually abusing a juvenile, known to the family.

In June of this year, investigators were again notified that a juvenile victim had stepped forward to disclose that Cazares allegedly performed sexual acts on her and her sister, last year. After being interviewed by Wake investigators, Cazares later admitted to the illegal acts and was taken into custody.

Cazares was transported and booked into the Wake County Detention Center. His bond is set at $1,975,000 secured.

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The Wake County Sheriff’s Office has made a second arrest in last week’s shooting that injured a man.

Through investigative means, deputies identified Ethan Jeremiah Mitchell, age 25, as the second suspect in a shooting that occurred last Friday, in the parking lot of Car Cosmetology, in Raleigh. Mitchell was taken into custody, without incident, earlier today.

Mitchell is charged with assault with a deadly weapon with intent to kill, robbery with a dangerous weapon, conspiracy to commit assault with a deadly weapon with intent to kill and conspiracy to commit robbery with a dangerous weapon.

Investigators were looking for two suspects, after the shooting victim told deputies he was shot after an altercation, while sitting in his truck. Mitchell has been identified as the shooter.

Less than 24 hours after the shooting, deputies made their first arrest in the case after capturing Tyrin Daquan Stubbs, who is currently held without bond in the Wake County Detention Center.

Mitchell is currently being held in the Wake County Detention Center, on a $350,000 bond.

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With classes resuming for students on the Wake County Public School System’s traditional calendar, the Wake County Sheriff’s Office (WCSO) reminds motorists that our roadways and school zones will see a dramatic increase in vehicle, pedestrian, and school bus traffic.

“As we begin the new school year, it is important our community’s children remain safe as they begin, what I hope will be a wonderful, educational experience,” said Wake County Sheriff’s Gerald Baker. “As the grandfather of a kindergartener, it’s important that we remain vigilant as we travel through school zones and near bus stops so that our children can safely travel to school and back home safely.”

Back-to-School Safety Tips

Students and Parents

• For children who will be waiting at bus stops, parents many want to consider that they have some sort of reflective clothing to help increase their visibility to motorists.
• Children who will be unaccompanied by an adult at their bus stop should be shown where to safely await their pick-up.
• For children who will need to walk considerable distances from their home to and from their bus stop, parents should talk to them about “stranger-danger” and have an agreed upon designated travel path.
•  

Teen and Adult Drivers

• Never pass a bus from behind – or from either direction if you're on an undivided road – if it is stopped to load or unload children.
• If the yellow or red lights are flashing and the stop arm is extended, traffic must stop.
• The area 10 feet around a school bus is the most dangerous for children; stop far enough back to allow them space to safely enter and exit the bus.
• Be alert; children often are unpredictable, and they tend to ignore hazards and take risks
• Be mindful of children waiting for school buses in residential areas, especially where subdivisions converge with main roads.
• Always know where the school zones are located throughout your travel routes and abide by the reduced speed limits
• Be prepared to leave earlier than usual to account for increased vehicle traffic and bus routes
• Remember to not follow close behind a school bus due to frequent, unexpected stops.
• On foggy mornings, remember to drive slower and be prepared to stop for children awaiting their bus.
• For those who live near high schools, be prepared for increased traffic and younger drivers.

Additional Tips:

• Wear seatbelts always, especially when driving to school. Make sure all passengers are buckled too.
• Avoid all distractions by not using mobile devices while driving.
• Follow the “10-minute” rule. Teen drivers should get in the habit of always leaving ten minutes early. Running late for school causes teens to drive faster, tailgate and weave through traffic.

Drivers who fail to abide by North Carolina’s “School Bus Stop” law by illegally passing a school bus with its red lights flashing and stop-arm extended should note that North Carolina’s The North Carolina "School Bus Stop" law makes it illegal to pass a stopped school bus with its red lights flashing and stop-arm extended, faces a fine of $500 or more.

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The Wake County Sheriff’s Office has made an arrest in an early morning shooting that occurred last week in Raleigh.

Deputies arrested Tyrin Daquan Stubbs this weekend for allegedly shooting 58-year-old Scott Glenn Wright during the early morning of hours of Friday, August 20, in front of Car Cosmetology located at 5800 Knightdale Boulevard.

Less than 24 hours following the shooting, Wake investigators identified Stubbs as a suspect and was subsequently charged with the crime and processed into the Wake County Detention Center, with no bond.

Stubbs is charged with assault with a deadly weapon with intent to kill, robbery with a dangerous weapon, conspiracy to commit assault with a deadly weapon with intent to kill and conspiracy to commit robbery with a dangerous weapon.

Shortly before 5 a.m., Wake County Communications received a call about a possible shooting-attempted carjacking, in the parking lot of Car Cosmetology. When deputies arrived, and before being transported to a local hospital, the victim told deputies that he picked up two men who asked for a ride to an unknown location.

Shortly after the victim picked up the men, Wright pulled into the business and asked the subjects to exit the vehicle. A struggle ensued and the suspects shot him, before fleeing the scene.

The investigation is ongoing. 

                                                                                           ###

Following an intense 24-hour search for a man that reportedly drowned at Falls Lake yesterday, The Wake County Sheriff’s Office, along with partnering agencies, located the man just before noon today.

The victim has been identified as Jamal Keshawn Brinson, age 30, from Charlotte, N.C.

Shortly before 2 p.m. yesterday, the Wake County Sheriff’s Office received a report of a possible drowning near the lake’s Highway 50 Boat Launch Ramp. Wake County Sheriff’s Office’s Boat Team responded quickly on scene. Additional units from Durham, Lee and Franklin Counties provided support with divers and additional rescue apparatus.

It was discovered through several witness statements that Brinson was part of a group of friends that rented a boat for the day. At some point during the outing, witnesses say Brinson entered the water with no issues. Later in the day, Brinson jumped into the water again to retrieve an article of clothing that had been blown into the water, and moments later, he went under and never resurfaced.

The search continued throughout the evening and overnight, until the body was discovered 11-feet below the surface of the lake this morning.

Wake investigators continue to gather additional information in the case.

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Due to numerous requests to assist a Wake County deputy shot while in the line of duty last week, the Wake County Sheriff’s Office (WCSO), with assistance from the State Employees Credit Union of North Carolina (SECU) and with the support of his family, has set up a bank account to help.

Concerned residents who want to help Sergeant R. J. Waller, who was shot in the line of duty at a Raleigh apartment complex June 2, can do so by visiting any of the 272 SECU branches statewide. All donations will be credited to the “Ronald Waller Fund.”

“Sgt. Waller’s life is forever changed as he continues to recover from his injuries,” said Wake County Sheriff Gerald Baker. “The Wake County Sheriff’s Office created this account, with the family’s blessing, to assist the family as he continues the road to recovery.”

Donations can be mailed to:

State Employees Credit Union NC

c/o Ronald Waller Fund

1595 Corporation Parkway

Raleigh, N.C. 27604

The Wake County Sheriff’s Office continues to be encouraged by Sgt. Waller’s determination to overcome from his injuries. His family would also like to extend their sincere gratitude to the public for their support and concern for Sgt. Waller.

                                                                             ###

The Wake County Sheriff’s Office (WCSO) has charged a man, currently in custody in a Mississippi jail, for allegedly engaging in inappropriate acts with juveniles.

Investigators have charged Kenneth Joiner, age 27, with Statutory Sex Offense and Indecent Liberties with a Child.

“I commend our investigators for their work in this case,” said Wake County Sheriff Gerald Baker. “This agency will continue to do what’s necessary to bring alleged child sex offenders to justice, which we take very seriously. Furthermore, we will continue to aggressively monitor registered sex offenders who reside in this County.”

Deputies became aware of the alleged activity in September of last year, after responding to a call, in reference of a possible sexual assault of a child.

Through investigative means, deputies discovered inappropriate text messages between Joiner and one of the victims. The alleged victims also admitted to their mother of the inappropriate acts. Evidence of sexual assault was discovered during a follow-up investigation.

During the investigation, Joiner left North Carolina and is in jail in Mississippi after pleading guilty to a similar case involving a minor child in that state.

The WCSO is working with the Wake County District Attorney’s Office to have Joiner extradited back to Wake County to face the charges.

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The Wake County Sheriff’s Office will officially launch its new patrol boat in preparation for the upcoming recreational water season.

The media is invited to cover the launch tomorrow, Thursday, March 4, beginning at 10 a.m., at the Bartley-Holloman Boat Ramp, 4420 Bartley-Holleman Road, in New Hill.

The purpose of the launch is to give deputies an opportunity to test out the boat, while ensuring that all emergency equipment is fully operational and prepared for the upcoming boating season.

The boat will be used to patrol and respond to emergencies at all Wake County lakes, including Falls Lake and Shearon Harris Reservoir.

The WCSO obtained the boat through a grant provided by Duke Energy. The reservoir not only provides cooling water for the Harris Nuclear Power Plant, but the lake is a popular spot for boating and fishing. The new boat replaces one of the two boats, currently in the agency’s possession.

The 21-foot Bay boat is updated with the latest equipment including Sonar and GPS, that will assist deputies in locating individuals on the water quickly. Improved lighting has also been installed to assist with night searches.

“We are extremely excited to announce the launch of this patrol boat,” said Wake County Sheriff Gerald Baker. “This is just one, of several initiatives that will enable this agency to respond to any emergency, whether it be by land, air or water.”

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Wake County Sheriff’s Office has arrested a man following a 4-hour standoff in a Wake Forest neighborhood.

Around 5 p.m. today, deputies with the Domestic Violence Unit responded to the 11000 block of Jeffrey’s Lane to serve a warrant and restraining order to the subject, after he allegedly assaulted his wife earlier this week. The subject has been identified as Brad Woodlief. Woodlief once serve as a Wake County deputy in a previous administration.

When deputies attempted to contact Woodlief by phone, he made threats against the safety of the deputies. It was believed that Woodlief was armed. Several unsuccessful attempts were made to get Woodlief to come out of the house peacefully. The Wake County Sheriff’s Office’s Tactical Response Team (TRT) was dispatched and responded to the scene.

Shortly, before 9 p.m., TRT made entry into the home, deploying tear gas to end the standoff. It was believed that Woodlief was armed. The subject was taken to a local hospital for evaluation.

Woodlief is charged with Second degree Kidnapping and Assault on a Female-Communicating Threats. Woodlief will be transported to the Wake County Detention Center upon his release from the hospital.

Press Release

Contact: Eric F. Curry 

wcso.pio@wake.gov

Three Wake County detention officers’ quick action during their lunch break, may have helped to save a man in a medical crisis.

Shortly after noon today, Sergeant Joshua Holmes, Officer Lamar Parris and Officer Ruben De Los Santos jumped into action to assist a man in a medical emergency.

According to witnesses, as Sgt. Holmes was turning into Bojangles’ parking lot on S. Wilmington Street, he noticed a female trying to perform CPR on a man in the parking lot. Holmes quickly jumped into action and continued to perform life-saving measures.

Minutes later, Officer Parris would also arrive at the restaurant and noticed his colleague assisting the victim. Parris jumped out and used the training they received as detention officers to relieve his colleague and continued to render aid. Seconds later, Officer Santos arrived rendering valuable support.

 The detention officers remained with the unidentified victim until Wake County EMS arrived.

No information is available on the condition of the man.

Press Release

Contact: Eric F. Curry 

wcso.pio@wake.gov

A two-month investigation into alleged misconduct by a Wake County detention officer has led to an arrest this evening.

Wake County Sheriff’s investigators arrested Rodale Pippen, without incident earlier this evening, during his regular shift within the detention facility located inside the John H. Baker Jr. Public Safety Center.

Pippen is charged with one Felony Count of Give/Sell Phone/Electronic Device to Another-Deliver Inmate, One Felony Count of Conspiracy to Provide a Cellular Device to an Inmate and Give/Sell/Tobacco/Vapor Product to an Inmate, which is a misdemeanor.

Investigators received information that a detention officer was supplying contraband to inmates inside of the facility. Pippen was charged and subsequently terminated and is being booked into the Wake County Detention Center and placed under a $27,000 secured bond.

The investigation is ongoing.

Wake County Sheriff’s deputies have arrested a Raleigh man for allegedly using a device to secretly record his female victims.

Investigators have charged Lin Honeycutt, of Raleigh, with a felony count of Secret Peeping. The crime occurred at Honeycutt’s Fieldstream Farm property located at the 8000 block of Old Stage Road, where Honeycutt has hosted a drive-through Christmas light display, in the past few years.

Deputies became aware of the incident earlier this week after one of his victims found a recording device in a bathroom stall and reported it to investigators.

Honeycutt was taken into custody this afternoon.

The investigation into the incident is ongoing.

Wake County Sheriff’s Deputies have taken a man into custody for allegedly sexually assaulting a female family member.

Earlier today, with the assistance of the Technical Operations Division of the Wake County Sheriff’s Office and other local law enforcement agencies, investigators arrested 29-year-old Kaylor “Michael” Fenner, of Durham.

Fenner is charged with two counts of First-Degree Rape, Attempted First Degree Rape, three counts of First-Degree Sex Offense, Felony Breaking and Entering to Terrorize, First Degree Kidnapping and Common Law Robbery.

During the investigation, deputies obtained information that the crimes committed occurred on January 12 and January 13, and that the victim reported the incident to investigators the following day.

It was learned that on January 12, Fenner sexually assaulted the family member before leaving the residence. The next day, the suspect broke into the victim’s home and continued to sexually assault his victim, over a 24-hour period.

The suspect then forced the victim into her car and drove to several ATM machines, where he made withdrawals from her account totaling $1,000. After the robbery, the suspect drove to a location in Durham, where he fled from the area.

Warrants for Fenner’s arrest were obtained after investigators consulted with the Wake County District Attorney’s Office. The suspect, who was arrested without incident, has been booked into the Wake County Detention Center.

Press Release

Contact: Eric F. Curry 

wcso.pio@wake.gov

Wake County Sheriff’s Office (WSCO) investigators have taken a Wake County man in custody and charged him with sexually assaulting a female acquaintance.

WCSO investigators were notified by WakeMed Hospital Police, on January 17, that one of their patients had reported being sexually assaulted by the suspect, at his Garner residence.

After consultation with the Wake County District Attorney’s Office, investigators arrested 49-year-old David Poole Hicks Jr., and charged him with two counts of Forcible Sex Offense.

Arrest warrants were issued for Hicks and he was taken into custody at his residence and booked into the Wake County Detention Center.

The Wake County Sheriff’s Office is looking for a male subject that witnesses say is responsible for shooting a man in a Wake Forest home.

Around 7:30 tonight, deputies responded to a reported shooting at 4021 Burlington Mills Road. When deputies arrived, they found the victim with a non-life-threatening gunshot wound to his hip.

The alleged shooter fled the home on foot before first responders arrived. It’s believed that the victim and suspect know each other.

The victim was transported to WakeMed for treatment of his injuries.

Investigators continue to determine the cause of the shooting.

As a result of planned protests anticipated to begin this weekend in downtown Raleigh, through next week, the Wake County Sheriff’s Office’s John H. Baker Jr. Public Safety Center will be closed to the public on Tuesday, January 19, and Wednesday, January 20.

The office will resume normal business hours on Thursday, January 20.

As the global community continues to deal with the challenges of coping with COVID-19, the Wake County Sheriff’s Office has not become immune to the same issues affecting the community it serves.

The WCSO has identified staff, as well as residents housed in the Wake County Detention Center (WCDC) and the John H. Baker Jr. Public Safety Center (PSC) that have either tested positive for the virus or have been placed in quarantine pending results of a COVID-19 test.

“No one has ever faced a something like this before,” said Wake County Sheriff Gerald Baker. “This pandemic has forced us to change our practices and policies constantly to ensure that we do our best to keep staff and residents safe from contracting this potentially deadly disease.”

To date:

• Employees tested positive: 17
• Inmates with positive tests: WCDC: 43 – PSC-56
• All positive residents are housed in isolation dorms, separated from general populations and placed in single cells

Precautions implemented to reduce exposure/spread of COVID-19:

• All arrestees receive a COVID-19 screening before admission.
• All arrestees, upon entry to the jail, are issued masks.
• New admissions are housed in a quarantine dorm, in single cells; separated from general population, swabbed for COVID-19 and remain in that area for 14 days; if positive, arrestees are moved to a separate isolation dorm for an additional 14 days.
• All residents are required to wear masks.
• All civilian and sworn employees are required to wear masks.
• There is mass resident COVID-19 testing.
• All employees are required to receive COVID-19 testing.
• WCSO implemented a COVID-19 Staff Services Hotline in March of last year, available to all staff for questions, pre-screen and medical referral.
• Thermoscan machines have been placed at all visitor and employee entrances at all WCSO buildings
• All movement is restricted in both jail facilities.

How does the WCSO believe the outbreak occurred?

It’s difficult to say, because this pandemic has no boundaries. However, Sheriff’s Office medical staff have detected positive cases among new arrestees in the jail. The facility is also a congregate living space where inmates reside for extended periods of time, in shared spaces. Because of the proximity in the congregate setting; WCSO is doing all it can to lessen the transmission.

Communication between legal counsel and clients:

Attorneys in need of communicating with their clients, who are in the custody of the Wake County Sheriff’s Office, may do so through video conferencing, upon request. Attorneys are instructed to visit the Wake County Detention Center, where they are screened and then escorted to the visitation area. A staff member connects them to a monitor which is linked to a monitor in the housing area. Legal counsel and inmates are then able to communicate in a private setting.

A Raleigh teenager faces several charges after he led Wake County deputies on a short chase this evening before crashing his vehicle.

Deputies arrested 19-year-old Caleb Douglas Prescott who faces charges including careless and reckless driving.

Shortly after 8 p.m. this evening, a deputy was patrolling on Rock Service Station Road, when he observed the driver of a white Ford Focus operating in a careless and reckless manner. When the deputy attempted to conduct a traffic stop, the driver sped away. As the subject continued to flee the area, a motorist, travelling in the opposite direction, swerved to avoid a collision with the suspect and crashed into a ditch.

Considering road conditions and public safety, the pursuit was quickly terminated, by a Wake County Sheriff’s supervisor. A short time later, witnesses reported that the vehicle that fled from deputies had crashed and that the driver fled from the scene on foot.

K-9 responded and begun a track through the woods, when Douglas returned to the scene to turn himself in. The State Highway Patrol is investigating both motor vehicular accidents.

That decision to call-off the pursuit is in line with Wake County Sheriff Gerald Baker’s decision to revise the agency’s chase policy, which has resulted in a reduction in reported crashes and injuries involving deputies and innocent motorists, due to the negligence of fleeing motorists.

“In the past, supervisors were discouraged to call off pursuits, which meant that you could put deputies and citizens at greater risk than necessary,” said Sheriff Baker. “The revised policy, which was used in this incident, resulted in none of our deputies or bystanders getting hurt. This was a fortunate conclusion of what could have turned tragic.”

Douglas was taken into custody and transported to the Wake County Detention Center.