ReportWire

Tag: Daniel Gray

  • Accused Hedingham shooter’s father pleads guilty to improper gun storing

    Accused Hedingham shooter’s father pleads guilty to improper gun storing

    [ad_1]

    RALEIGH, N.C. — The father of an accused Raleigh mass shooter pleaded guilty to improperly storing weapons Wednesday morning, according to court documents.

    Alan Thompson pleaded guilty to a misdemeanor charge of improperly storing firearms to protect minors, Wake County court documents show.

    What You Need To Know

    • Alan Thompson plead guilty to a misdemeanor charge of improperly storing firearms to protect minors Wednesday, according to Wake County court documents

    • Alan Thompson was sentenced to 45 days in jail, followed by a year of probation, along with paying some court fees. The judge suspended the jail sentence

    • On Oct. 13, 2022, Austin Thompson, then 15, allegedly shot and killed his older brother in their family home. He took a shotgun and a handgun and left the house, killing another four people in Raleigh’s Hedingham neighborhood and injuring two more, police and the district attorney’s office say

    • Austin will be tried beginning Sept. 22, 2025


    Alan Thompson was sentenced to 45 days in jail, followed by a year of probation, along with paying some court fees. The judge suspended the jail sentence, documents show.

    Police quickly moved to shut down the neighborhood as they searched for the Hedingham shooting suspect Oct. 13, 2022. (AP File Photo)

    On Oct. 13, 2022, Austin Thompson, then 15, allegedly shot and killed his older brother in their family home. He took a shotgun and a handgun and left the house, killing another four people in Raleigh’s Hedingham neighborhood and injuring two more, police and the district attorney’s office say.

    Five people died that day: Raleigh Police Officer Gabriel Torres, James Roger Thompson, Mary Elizabeth Marshall, Nicole Connors and Susan Karnatz. Marcille Lynn Gardner and Raleigh Police Officer C. Clark were injured in the shooting, according to police.

    In August, a grand jury in Wake County returned indictments against Austin Thompson for five counts of murder and two for attempted murder. Multiple guns were found inside the Thompson’s home after police served a search warrant.

    Austin will be tried beginning Sept. 22, 2025, according to Wake County Chief Public Defender Deonte L. Thomas.

    [ad_2]

    Daniel Gray

    Source link

  • Photos: Tar Heel communities remember 9/11

    Photos: Tar Heel communities remember 9/11

    [ad_1]

    Communities across the country took time Wednesday to remember the Sept. 11, 2001, attack.

    Twenty-three years ago, hijacked planes crashed into the World Trade Center towers, the Pentagon and Shanksville, Pennsylvania, killing thousands of people.

    Communities in North Carolina took time to pay their respects and donate their time to service projects. Take a look at the photos.

    [ad_2]

    Daniel Gray

    Source link

  • New details released in wreck that killed driver, injured Charlotte officers

    New details released in wreck that killed driver, injured Charlotte officers

    [ad_1]

    CHARLOTTE, N.C. — A 29-year-old man was killed and two Charlotte-Meckleburg police officers were hurt in a crash on an Interstate 485 off-ramp in Charlotte Wednesday morning, officials said.

    What You Need To Know

    • One person is dead and two Charlotte-Mecklenberg police officers were injured after a crash Thursday morning

    • It happened on Interstate 485 near Mt. Holly Road Wednesday morning

    • CMPD said the officers were investigating a report of a stolen car when a vehicle crashed into the police cars and another car


    Officers said they were investigating a reported stolen car on the side of I-485 near Mt. Holly Road when the driver of a motorhome slammed into the two CMPD cars, as well as the car of the person who originally made the call.

    The person who made the call, identified by police as 29-year-old Brian Lavon Battle, died at the scene, according to MEDIC. A CMPD officer had to be pulled from a car by first responders before being sent to the hospital, police said. Another CMPD officer also was taken to the hospital.

    CMPD Maj. Ryan Butler said during a Thursday afternoon press conference that one officer remains at Atrium Health hospital. The other had minor injuries and was released.

    “Nobody involved in a situation like this walks away unaffected by it,” Butler said. “This impacts multiple people.”

    “We’re dealing with multiple people injured and most importantly we’re dealing with the loss of life. That does not just impact that one individual, their immediate family members, their friends or their co-workers, that affects a much wider circle. That certainly affects the wider Charlotte community — that affects all of us,” he said.

    CMPD’s Major Crash Division is handling the investigation.

    Charlotte-Mecklenburg police said no formal charges have been filed at this time against the driver of the motorhome, who received minor injuries.

    Anyone with additional information is asked to call Crime Stoppers at 704-334-1600.

    [ad_2]

    Jennifer L. Roberts

    Source link

  • Religious freedom in prison: N.C. promises changes after feds sue

    Religious freedom in prison: N.C. promises changes after feds sue

    [ad_1]

    CHARLOTTE, N.C. — The North Carolina Department of Adult Correction will expand religious opportunities in state prisons, ending a federal investigation into religious freedoms in state prisons. 

    The settlement makes kosher meals available to inmates during Passover and allow Seders and reduces the minimum number of people needed for a religious gathering.

    What You Need To Know

    • The North Carolina Department of Adult Correction, or NDAC, will expand religious practicing opportunities in prisons

    • It has adopted a policy that reduces the minimum number of people for group worship to two and no longer requires the presence of a faith helper for religious gathering

    • The agreement includes provisions for kosher-for-Passover meals and Seders for state inmates



    “This agreement will protect the religious practices of incarcerated people across North Carolina by allowing members of minority faiths to gather, worship and study,” said Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division. “Whether at home with their families, in houses of worship, or behind bars, every person should be able to celebrate religious holidays and gather with their communities of faith.”

    The state said it has adopted a policy that reduces the minimum number of people for group worship to two and no longer requires the presence of a faith helper for religious gathering.

    “Under the prior policy, NCDAC had minimum participant and faith helper requirements for congregate religious practices by ‘minority faith groups’ that often prevented these groups from gathering for worship, celebration and study. Minority faith groups were defined as non-Christian faiths, including adherents of Islam or Judaism,” the DOJ said in a news release.

    The new policy will allow Jewish inmates to receive kosher food during Passover and “provide the opportunity for people who observe Passover to participate in two Seder ritual observances, which will include a Seder plate of ceremonial foods,” according to federal officials. 

    “It is our duty to ensure that incarcerated persons are afforded the same religious rights, freedoms and protections as any other citizen,” said U.S. Attorney Dena King for the Western District of North Carolina.

    [ad_2]

    Daniel Gray

    Source link

  • ‘Prepare now’: Cooper calls in the National Guard

    ‘Prepare now’: Cooper calls in the National Guard

    [ad_1]

    RALEIGH, N.C. — Gov. Roy Cooper and state emergency management officials held a news conference Wednesday morning warning residents to make those final preparations as Debby moved toward the state. 

    What You Need To Know

    • Governor Cooper said over 350 air National Guard soldiers are ready to serve

    • 17 swift water rescue teams have been strategically positioned ahead of the storm’s arrival

    • There are 200 employees monitoring the storm across the state


    The State Emergency Response Team, or SERT, has been fully activated, and if residents need somewhere to stay, call 211 for shelter options.

    Since declaring a state of emergency, the governor said over 350 air National Guard soldiers are ready to serve.

    “Never drive through flooded roads or around barricades,” Cooper said. It takes 6 inches of water to sweep an adult off their feet, Cooper said, and 12 inches to carry away a car.

    He added 17 swift water rescue teams have been strategically positioned ahead of the storm’s arrival. They use data to help make best judgments on where to position resources. Flood Inundation Mapping & Alert Network, or FIMAN, is a flood mapping system that collects such data where residents and state officials can look to see prediction of river cresting across the state.

    (Photo credit: FIMAN’s website)

    Gov. Cooper also said there are 200 employees monitoring the storm across the state, with at least one in each county as this slow-moving storm passes.

     

    [ad_2]

    Daniel Gray

    Source link

  • N.C. Gov. Cooper declares state of emergency in anticipation of Debby

    N.C. Gov. Cooper declares state of emergency in anticipation of Debby

    [ad_1]

    Gov. Roy Cooper declared a state of emergency Monday afternoon ahead of Debby, which is expected to bring a large amount of rain to parts of the state throughout the week.

    What You Need To Know

    • Gov. Roy Cooper declared a state of emergency Monday afternoon ahead of Debby’s rain and storm impacts

    • It initiates operation plans and suspends select transportation rules to expedite the movement of essential supplies 

    • The storm is expected to move northward through the Tar Heel state later in the week

    • Get interactive radar and hyperlocal weather alerts on the Spectrum News App


    Anticipating the storm, the governor’s state of emergency initiates operation plans and suspends select transportation rules to expedite the movement of essential supplies.

    The emergency mode is beneficial for first responders, farmers, and protects against price gouging. The governor can call up the national guard if and when needed because of the declaration.

    Gov. Cooper asked residents to monitor the forecast carefully and restock whatever emergency supplies they may need.

    The storm is expected to move northward, and start impacting the Tar Heel state with rain Tuesday and Wednesday as it moves closer to the Carolinas, and is expected to arrive later in the week. 

    As North Carolina braces for impacts from the storm’s remnants, the governor and emergency officials offered these tips to help people be prepared:

    • Have multiple ways to receive emergency information, including watches and warnings. Make sure emergency alerts are enabled on a cell phone and download a weather app

    • Have an emergency plan. Know where to go if there’s a need to evacuate. Make a plan to stay with family, friends or at a hotel. Public shelters should be a last resort

    • Gather some emergency supplies or refresh an emergency kit. Visit ReadyNC.gov for info on how to build an emergency kit

    • If people live at the coast, be aware if you live in a coastal evacuation zone. Visit KnowYourZone.nc.gov to see if you are located in a pre-determined evacuation zone. Learn your zone and listen for it if evacuations are ordered by local governments

    Get interactive radar and local weather alerts on the Spectrum News App.

    [ad_2]

    Daniel Gray

    Source link

  • Vacationers beware: BBB warns of rental scams across the Carolinas

    Vacationers beware: BBB warns of rental scams across the Carolinas

    [ad_1]

    MYRTLE BEACH, S.C. — The Better Business Bureau of Eastern Carolinas is cautioning customers about a travel scam targeting rental properties in the region, they said in a news release Wednesday.

    What You Need To Know

    • The scam involves major cabin or home rental brands, like Airbnb or VRBO, according to the BBB

    • The scammer offers to book the property around the rental brand to avoid the heavy fees

    • The person the customer is messaging is a con artist as soon as it’s sent via Venmo or Cashapp

    • Airbnb and VRBO may be pricey, a BBB official explained, but they also have policies in place to protect both the customer and the host in these instances


    The scam involves major cabin or home rental brands, like Airbnb or VRBO.

    The home is listed on Facebook, or another site, and the owner, who may actually be the owner or not, offers to book the property around the rental brand to avoid the heavy fees. The customer simply has to pay in advance.

    The BBB says one of two things has been going wrong at this point. First, the person the customer is messaging is a con artist as soon as it’s sent via Venmo or Cashapp. Second, the exchange could be legitimate, but in the event the customer needs to cancel, the host is tending to not respond with no contact information.

    “Just because a vacation home is posted on a site you’ve used before doesn’t necessarily mean it’s trustworthy. Always read reviews and do your research before booking,” Mallory Wojciechowski, president and CEO of BBB serving Eastern Carolinas said.

    Airbnb and VRBO may be pricey, Wojciechowski explained, but they also have policies in place to protect both the customer and the host in these instances.

    If you find a scam while booking online travel, you can help consumers by reporting it here.

    [ad_2]

    Daniel Gray

    Source link

  • Fayetteville PD clarify details in K9 handler video

    Fayetteville PD clarify details in K9 handler video

    [ad_1]

    FAYETTEVILLE, N.C. — The Fayetteville Police Department has issued a statement saying that they have taken what they consider appropriate action in response to a video circulating on social media depicting a K9 handler hitting his dog.

    What You Need To Know

    • A video was reportedly shared across social media, showing the unnamed handler hitting his dog

    • After that, the dog bit the handler’s thigh for about 10 seconds, refusing to let go
    • The handler hit the K9 seven times before his dog finally released his grasp
    • In its statement, the Fayetteville Police Department did not reveal the handler’s or the dog’s name, nor the investigation’s conclusion


    A video was reportedly shared across social media, showing the unnamed handler hitting his dog. The department posted a statement on social media June 24, saying they we’re aware of the video and an investigation was launched.


    “Based on this incident, the Fayetteville Police Department has received numerous complaints and comments expressing concerns about the incident, the involved K9 and K9 Handler,” Fayetteville Police Department said in a statement. “These complaints and comments have been heard and documented.”

    The handler and the K9 were called to perform a “sniff” search of a car, where the K9 sat down, symbolizing a positive alert.

    After that, the dog bit the handler’s thigh for about 10 seconds, refusing to let go. The handler hit the K9 seven times before his dog finally released his grasp, according to the department.

    Once the handler regained control of his K9, he got him back in the car and commanded the dog to sit.

    Police added the K9 was checked out by a veterinarian and cleared, and the handler was treated for the dog bite on his thigh.

    “The video released to social media does not depict the entirety of the incident,” the statement said.

    The department’s “Master Handler” and three other external “Master Handlers” from different agencies within the state, along with legal counsel, examined the evidence and statements from all parties involved, as stated in the release.

    In its statement, the Fayetteville Police Department did not reveal the handler’s or the dog’s name, nor the investigation’s conclusion.

    “There is no further information to update the public on as it pertains to this incident,” the release ended, citing protective personnel statutes.

    [ad_2]

    Daniel Gray

    Source link

  • One dead after police shooting in Greensboro

    One dead after police shooting in Greensboro

    [ad_1]

    GREENSBORO, N.C. — A police officer shot and killed a man armed with a knife Wednesday morning, according to a release.

    Greensboro Police were sent to the 2100 block of Crestridge Road at about 8:20 a.m. after the man called threatening suicide.

    Police shot at Titus Kopp, 28, when he charged at them with a knife. He was sent to an area hospital, where he died.

    North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation is investigating and the officer is on administrative duty, which is standard procedure.


    [ad_2]

    Daniel Gray

    Source link

  • Mom of Madalina Cojocari pleads guilty, set to be deported

    Mom of Madalina Cojocari pleads guilty, set to be deported

    [ad_1]

    CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Diana Cojocari, the mother of missing 13-year-old Madalina Cojocari, pleaded guilty to failure to report a missing child and is expected to be deported, according to Cornelius Police Chief David Baucom. 

    What You Need To Know

    • Diana Cojocari plead guilty and is expected to be deported

    • Madalina, then 11 years old, was last seen getting off the school bus on Nov. 21, 2022

    • It would take until Dec. 15 for her mother, Diana Cojocari, to report her missing

    Madalina, then 11 years old, was last seen getting off the school bus on Nov. 21, 2022.

    It would take until Dec. 15 for her mother, Diana Cojocari, to report her missing. 

    Diana Cojocari is still being held in a Mecklenburg County Detention Center, where she has been since Dec. 17, 2022.

    She was charged with failure to report the disappearance of a child. 

    Madalina’s stepfather, Christopher Palmiter, was also charged with failure to report the disappearance of a child. He was released on bond in August, according to jail records. 

    Palmiter was originally expected to appear in court Monday morning, but his trial was delayed until further notice.

    [ad_2]

    Daniel Gray

    Source link

  • CLT airport issues ground stop due to weather Tuesday

    CLT airport issues ground stop due to weather Tuesday

    [ad_1]

    CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Weather is causing mutliple flights to be delayed at Charlotte Douglass International Airport and across parts of the country Tuesday morning.

    A look of Charlotte’s departures list on the airport’s website shows about half of the flights with an estimated delay of 30 minutes or longer.

    Thunderstorms and poor visibility have been the primary cause, the Federal Aviation Administration said. Flights at Boston, Orlando, Laguardia and other airports are also experiencing delays, according to the National Airspace System.

    Be sure to check your flight’s status before heading out Tuesday, and stay updated on the weather by following our Weather on the 1’s team of meteorologists.

    [ad_2]

    Daniel Gray

    Source link

  • Hornets hire Charles Lee as head coach

    Hornets hire Charles Lee as head coach

    [ad_1]

    CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Charles Lee will be the next head coach for the Charlotte Hornets, the team announced Thursday.

    What You Need To Know

    • Charles Lee becomes the 12th coach in Hornets’ franchise history

    • Lee currently serves as the top assistant on the Boston Celtics

    • A welcome news conference will be held after Boston’s playoff run

    Lee is currently with the Boston Celtics, serving as the primary assistant. His 10 years of experience also features time with the Atlanta Hawks and Milwaukee Bucks, reaching the playoffs nine times.

    In his latest season with Boston, Lee helped take the team to a 64-18 record, the best in the NBA and fourth most wins in franchise history.

    Before the NBA, he started his career at his home university of Bucknell. The Washington, D.C. native also played for the Bison for four years before playing four seasons professionally overseas.

    “The Hornets have a talented young core of players and I’m excited about our future and what we can build here,” Lee said. “There are few places as passionate about basketball as the Carolinas, and I look forward to coming to Charlotte and getting to work.”

    The hire comes after former Hornets head coach Steve Clifford stepped down in early April. Clifford went 48-116 in his two seasons of his second stint as coach of the Hornets and just 21-61 this season, and 340-461 in parts of 10 seasons as a head coach, most of them in Charlotte. 

    “I can’t wait for our Hornets community to meet Charles, his wife Lindsey and his beautiful daughters, and feel Charles’ passion for the game and the intensity of his desire to win,” Executive Vice President of Basketball Operations Jeff Peterson said Thursday. “He shares our vision for this organization, and I look forward to partnering with him in building something special here in the Carolinas.”

    The Hornets will hold a news conference after Boston’s playoff run ends, according to their social media post Thursday.

    [ad_2]

    Daniel Gray

    Source link

  • Police raid suspected gambling operations in Charlotte and Raleigh

    Police raid suspected gambling operations in Charlotte and Raleigh

    [ad_1]

    CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Photos shared by police show a dark room with neon lights, crowded with chairs around gaming tables. Police, along with state and federal officers, raided illegal gaming arcades in Raleigh and around the Charlotte area, according to the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department.

    What You Need To Know

    • The raids happened in Charlotte, Raleigh, Gastonia and Matthews, producing over 800 charges
    • The illegal fish arcades consist of games where customers are given credits for winning, which they’ll later trade-in for cash
    • In Charlotte, law enforcment seized 177 gaming stations, $18,000 and two guns

    The warrants to search the properties included 800 different charges for people accused of illegal gambling in the Charlotte area, according to the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department.

    The illegal fish arcades consist of games where customers are given credits for winning, which they’ll later trade in for cash, police said.

    Locations of Charlotte-based raids included the 4800 block of Albermarle Road and the 5000 block of Providence Road Law enforcement seized 177 gaming stations, $18,000 and two guns. Raleigh’s raid was on the 3000 block of Wilmington Street.

    “Often the most vulnerable members of our communities are targeted to gamble at these locations. We are very thankful for our local, state and federal law enforcement partners to help us send a message that we will not tolerate these establishments preying on our citizens,” said CMPD Chief Johnny Jennings.

    Khalil Okasha was arrested and charged with gambling-related crimes.

    A group of others face different charges as well. In a release, it was reported that Mecklenburg County filed 496 charges and Gastonia filed 304 charges.

    “Apparently, these suspects never heard the adage that crime doesn’t pay, but thanks to this investigation they will learn that lesson and face the consequences of their criminal actions,” said Kyle Burns, acting Special Agent in Charge of HSI Charlotte that covers North and South Carolina.

    [ad_2]

    Daniel Gray

    Source link

  • Fares to resume for most GoTriangle riders starting July 1

    Fares to resume for most GoTriangle riders starting July 1

    [ad_1]

    Starting July 1, GoTriangle riders will have to start paying fares again, officials said.

    Riders haven’t had to pay those fees since March 2020. The regional transit operator dropped the fares during the COVID-19 pandemic.

    There will be, however, new ways to pay those fees, according to GoTriangle. That includes things like digital ticketing and what they call a “convenience pass” for the community’s lower-income riders. People can still pay in cash, but will need exact change.

    Weekly and monthly fare caps will be added as well, according to GoTriangle.

    Some things will stay the same, though. Teens 18 and younger and seniors 65 and older will still ride at no charge.

    To qualify, those riders must join a GoPass program and use the Umo phone app, which will hold their digital tickets. 

    “Through the Umo app, users already can track their trips to see where their buses are in real time. GoPass will allow us to roll out a range of fare options to fit everyone’s needs,” GoTriangle President and CEO Charles Lattuca said in a news release.

    Bus boarding will also revert from the front. Riders had been boarding from the back during the pandemic.

    Before the pandemic, rider fares generated $2 million in revenue annually, according to a release.

    (GoTriangle)

    Find more details on GoTriangle fare options.

    [ad_2]

    Daniel Gray

    Source link

  • School bus flips in Harnett County, officials say. No injuries reported

    School bus flips in Harnett County, officials say. No injuries reported

    [ad_1]

    ERWIN, N.C. — A school bus carrying six students flipped over In Harnett County Monday morning, according to Natalie Tucker Ferrell with Harnett County Schools.

    The bus was originally headed to Harnett County Early College, Ferrell said. No one was hurt, she said. 

    Nine students and two adults were injured when a school bus in Burke County ran off the road and flipped last week, as reported by the North Carolina State Highway Patrol. 

    [ad_2]

    Daniel Gray

    Source link