Protests Surrounding Confederate Flag Go Peacefully
(Asheville, NC) -- Demonstrations involving the Confederate battle flag in downtown Asheville seemed to go peaceful on Saturday. A group showed up with flags mounted on the College Street parking garage before heading towards the Vance Monument. Counter-protesters reportedly engaged the flag-bearers to talk about their differences, with no violence reported. One man told WLOS-TV that peace was maintained all day and the conversations were beautiful.
President Trump Visiting NC Again
(Wilmington, NC) -- President Trump is heading back to North Carolina. He's scheduled to help celebrate the 75th anniversary of the end of World War Two in Wilmington on Wednesday. A Raleigh visit is expected the next day for Vice President Mike Pence, who will attend an anti-abortion event hosted by the Susan B. Anthony List. Both Trump and Pence appeared in Charlotte a week ago during the Republican National Convention.
Asheville Police Reviewing Neck Hold Policy
(Asheville, NC) -- The city of Asheville is taking a deeper look at its use of force policies. The state's new Task Force for Racial Equity in Criminal Justice compiled a list of recommendations this summer. According to directives passed in May, Asheville police officers are banned from using choke holds unless lethal force is necessary. The city attorney revealed last week the new task force recommendations prohibit neck holds, which is more stringent than Asheville's policy.
Haywood Students Start Classes After Online Hack
(Haywood County, NC) -- A western North Carolina school system is resuming class today. Haywood County Schools were closed last week after a cyber attacker hacked into the district's network and demanded ransom. The superintendent said the system was forced into rebuilding the network, and refused to succumb to the threats. The school district announced that Chromebooks will be ready to use for virtual learning today.
One Arrested After Henderson County Standoff
(Henderson County, NC) -- The sheriff's office is investigating a standoff in Henderson County. WLOS-TV reports the suspect was involved in a domestic dispute on Saturday near the Horse Shoe United States Postal Service. The man allegedly ran into nearby woods, where the standoff with deputies lasted for several hours. He was finally arrested on assault charges.
Fairview Teen Wins National Volunteer Award
(Fairview, NC) -- A western North Carolina teen is bringing home a National Park Service recognition. The Citizen-Times reports 15-year-old Virginia Ward of Fairview was recently the only youth in the country to receive the 2019 Outstanding Volunteer Service award. She worked throughout the year helping an ecologist identify rare plants along the Blue Ridge Parkway. There were close to 280-thousand volunteers nationwide considered for awards.
One Dead, One Injured In House Party Shooting
(Union County, NC) -- Union County investigators are looking for details in a deadly house party shooting. The sheriff's office says at least 200 people were gathered at an Airbnb rental home on Idlewild Road when gunfire erupted early Sunday morning. One person died, while another was injured. It's currently against Airbnb policy to hold any parties.
Panthers' Player On Reserve List Over COVID-19
(Charlotte, NC) -- The first Carolina Panther is on the reserve list due to COVID-19. Defensive back Derrek Thomas had to undergo testing last week while rehabbing an injury at the team facility. His placement on the reserve list means Thomas either tested positive for COVID-19 or was exposed to it. He's expected to isolate at home.
Teen Dies In Rowan County Drowning
(Rowan County, NC) -- A 19-year-old is dead in an apparent Rowan County drowning. Investigators say the Concord teen went under while swimming with a group of friends at the Balfour Quarry in Salisbury yesterday. Emergency crews found his body within an hour after a search began. The quarry is on private property, with access through a locked gate.
Longtime CMPD Officer Dies Unexpectedly
(Charlotte, NC) -- The CMPD is mourning the loss of one of its longtime officers. The Charlotte Fire Department initially tweeted last night it was sending condolences concerning the death of an officer. The police department later confirmed that 20-year veteran Officer Michael Rorie died unexpectedly, but it's unclear what led to the death. WBTV reports he was also a school resource officer for Piedmont Open Middle School.
COVID-19 Cluster Reported At Davidson College
(Davidson, NC) -- Some Davidson College baseball players are isolating over COVID-19. The school said over the weekend that five student-athletes tested positive, but it was most likely transmitted in a social setting. More than a dozen of Davidson's 16-hundred students on campus have tested positive since August 17th. The baseball team is suspending activities for two weeks.
Gyms To Use Legal Loophole To Reopen Tomorrow
(Raleigh, NC) -- A number of North Carolina gym franchises have announced plans to reopen starting tomorrow. This despite the state still being under Phase 2 of an executive order requiring gyms to remain closed. Planet Fitness, O2 Fitness and Crunch Fitness, all say they will open under a legal loophole that provides an exception allowing the use of indoor gyms or fitness facilities, when the use is prescribed by a medical professional.
New COVID-19 Cases Trend Down In 24-Hour Period
(Raleigh, NC) -- Data released by the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services showed there were one-thousand-51 new cases of the coronavirus confirmed on Sunday. That was one the lowest single-day totals reported in several weeks. The figures also brought the total number of positive cases since the beginning of the outbreak to just over 166-thousand. Of that number, 917-COVID-19 patients were in the hospital, a decrease of 48-from the day before. At last report, North Carolina's positive test rate was 9-percent.
Proactive Get Tough Security Measures Helped Deter Violence During Protest March
(Raleigh, NC) -- Raleigh city officials are crediting weekend curfews and enhanced security measures for the relatively minimal amount of property damage done during protest marches through downtown Friday night. An estimated 12-people marched and rallied in response to the police shooting of 29-year old Jacob Blake in Kenosha, Wisconsin last Sunday. An act that left him paralyzed from the waist down. Fourteen people were arrested for violating curfew. Four others were arrested on charges of disorderly conduct an assault on a law enforcement officer.
Police Chief Apologizes For Officer's Arrest Of 15-Year Old Boy At Gunpoint
(Durham, NC) -- The police chief of Durham has offered an apology and expressed her deep remorse after police officers mistakenly drew guns and handcuffed a 15-year old boy. It happened on August 21st after officers received a call of a suspicious person with a weapon at the Rochelle Manor apartment complex in east Durham. A video of the incident recorded by witnesses show the officers forcibly arresting 15-year old Jalen Harris outside his home with several children watching. The boy said after realizing they had the wrong person, police left without apologizing.
Police Looking For Silver Or Grey Jeep In Hit And Run
(Chapel Hill, NC) -- Authorities have released a video of a vehicle believed to have been involved in a hit and run incident in Chapel Hill Sunday. It happened around 6 p.m. on Old Durham Road near Scarlet Drive. Police say a person driving a silver or gray SUV struck a pedestrian and failed to stop. The victim was taken to UNC Hospitals and treated for unspecified injuries. Anyone with information is asked to contact the Orange County Sheriff's Office.
Stormy Weather Possible Today
(Greensboro, NC) -- Stormy weather is possible today around the triad. The weatherman says the scattered storms may bring high wind gusts and the possibility of tornadoes. There is also a risk of flash flooding from heavy rains. The stormy conditions are forecast all day long and should subside by tonight.
Greensboro Man Killed In Wrong-Way Wreck
(Greensboro, NC) -- A Greensboro man is dead after a head-on collision on I-40. The wreck happened early yesterday morning near Gate City Boulevard. Fifty-nine-year-old Oscar Gonzalez was driving the wrong way when he collided with a minivan. An Audi then crashed into the back of the minivan. Gonzalez was killed and four people in the van, including three kids, were hurt. The driver of the Audi took off before police arrived.
Missing Inmate Captured In High Point
(High Point, NC) -- A Wake County inmate who walked off a job assignment is back in custody after he was captured in High Point. Michael Willis-Rockett was found yesterday morning at a hotel in the area. The Department of Public Safety says he was working at their warehouse in Apex when he walked away. He'd been serving time for identity theft and is now charged with escape.
Four COVID Cases Tied To Republican Convention In Charlotte
(Charlotte, NC) -- Mecklenburg County officials say four people who attended the Republican National Convention in Charlotte tested positive for COVID-19. Two were attendees and two were "supporting the event," according to a statement from the county. They were all immediately sent home. All 792 people at the convention were tested for the virus.
Senator Tillis Admits He "Fell Short" After Not Wearing Mask
(Washington, D.C.) -- Senator Thom Tillis, who represents North Carolina's 13th Congressional district, says he should have worn a mask to President Trump's Thursday night acceptance speech. The Republican said he "fell short" of his own expectations, even after stating the seriousness of wearing a face-covering. Tillis said he can "accept responsibility" for his mistakes, unlike his opponent, Senator Cal Cunningham.
High Point Woman Killed After Crashing Into Tree
(High Point, NC) -- A High Point woman is dead after crashing her car into a tree. The accident happened Saturday night in the 12-hundred block of Cedrow Drive. Police say 45-year-old Michelle Garlington was speeding down a residential trees when she lost control and slammed into the tree. An investigation is ongoing.