Local and State Headlines for Friday, March 15th, 2019

NC Senator Flips National Emergency Vote

(Washington, DC) -- A North Carolina Senator says conversations with the Trump administration led him to vote against the resolution to block the national emergency declaration. Republican Thom Tillis previously voiced opposition to the declaration, saying he couldn't justify providing the executive with more ways to bypass Congress. Administration officials were able to sway Tillis to flip his vote by assuring him they'll make changes to prevent a future left-wing president from misusing authority. President Trump plans to veto the disapproval resolution, which passed the Senate yesterday.

Non-Profit Supports CEO After Criminal Charges Resurface

(Asheville, NC) -- A Western North Carolina non-profit is standing in support of its CEO, who pleaded guilty to indecent liberties with a minor 30 years ago. Eblen Charities executive Bill Murdock gave back his honorary diploma this month to UNC-Asheville after the allegations resurfaced recently. He maintains that he didn't have a sexual relationship with the girl. Eblens' board of directors said yesterday that Murdock has been forthright about everything and they believe in giving people a second chance.

APD Investigates Shooting

(Asheville, NC) -- Asheville police are investigating a shooting near I-240 West. Officers say one person was injured by gunfire late Tuesday night around Charlotte Street. They believe two vehicles were involved, but no suspects have been named. The victim suffered serious injuries.

Asheville BBQ Joint Named NC's Best

(Asheville, NC) -- An Asheville restaurant is being named the state's best barbecue joint. Southern Living magazine named Buxton Hall at the top of the list for its Carolina-style whole-hog barbecue and pies. Pastry Chef Ashley Capps was recently named as a James Beard award semifinalist. The restaurant was opened by Chef Meherwan Irani in 2015.

Suspect Arrested After Chase In Buncombe County

(Buncombe County, NC) -- A Buncombe County man is accused of leading deputies on a chase with a stolen SUV. He was followed on U.S. 70 to Buckeye Cove Road in Swannanoa late Wednesday night. A deputy says he jumped out of the SUV and ran on foot, but didn't make it far. The suspect was arrested for felony fleeing and drug possession charges.

Asheville Approves Money For Park Repairs

(Asheville, NC) -- The city of Asheville is using funds to help repair a soccer complex damaged by flooding. WLOS-TV is reporting that the city will pay 875-thousand-dollars to repair the astroturf at the John B. Lewis soccer complex at Azalea Park. Last May's flooding from the Swannanoa River left silt and debris covering the artificial grass. Events were forced to cancel or reschedule because of the damage.

Six Republicans File For Ninth District Race

(Raleigh, NC) -- The number of Republican candidates in the ninth district congressional race is up to six. The Charlotte Observer says State Senator Dan Bishop, former commissioner Matthew Ridenhour and Kathie Day, all of Mecklenburg County, filed yesterday. Candidates have until five this afternoon to qualify at the board of elections office in Raleigh. Dan McCready is expected to be the Democratic candidate.

Former Officer Turns Himself In On False Report Charge

(Hickory, NC) -- Hickory Police say a former Statesville officer turned himself in last night for allegedly filing a false report. Investigators believe Christopher Rivera wrecked his car in Hickory after partying on New Year's Eve and then lied about it. They had been trying to reach Rivera at his address several times, but couldn't locate him until last night when he surrendered. He faces two misdemeanor charges.

Victim Stabbed In South Charlotte Armed Robbery

(Charlotte, NC) -- The CMPD is investigating a violent armed robbery in south Charlotte. Investigators said a person was stabbed during the robbery on Flagstaff Lane yesterday afternoon. Injuries weren't considered life-threatening. There was no word on any arrests.

Business Owner Accused Of Selling Stolen Goods

(Charlotte, NC) -- A Charlotte business owner is being accused of selling stolen goods online. The owner of Tool King USA on North Tryon Street allegedly paid crooks who stole items from businesses and then sold them on EBay for more money. Federal prosecutors say the value of the goods he was trying to sell topped three-and-a-half-million dollars. WSOC-TV said yesterday that the man has agreed to plea to one count of transportation of stolen property.

Two Suspects Arrested For Sexual Assault

(Charlotte, NC) -- Two suspects are accused of sexually assaulting a woman in uptown on Wednesday night. The CMPD says a female jogger was attacked by two men on East Bland Street near the light rail path. One of the men allegedly identified himself as a police officer when they approached a second person thirty minutes later. A nearby officer was able to arrest the men on charges of sexual battery.

ACC Semifinals Held Today At Spectrum Center

(Charlotte, NC) -- The ACC basketball tournament is nearing an end in Charlotte. Virginia and Florida State tip off in the first semifinal game tonight at seven in the Spectrum Center. North Carolina and Duke with follow in the second semifinal game. The championship game will follow tomorrow.

Vigil Held For Murdered Greensboro Student

(Greensboro, NC) -- Hundreds of students at Page High School in Greensboro gathered for a vigil on Thursday to remember a student who was murdered. Sincere Davis, who played on the school's football team, was shot and killed earlier this month. A classmate and teammate said during a news conference earlier Thursday that students will re-paint a large rock at the school's front entrance, which often gets re-decorated, to show the number 26, which was the number worn by Davis in football.

Police Believe Hulk Mask-Wearing Robber Has Struck Again

(Kernersville, NC) -- Police believe a man who robbed an Aldi store in Kernersville on Thursday while wearing an Incredible Hulk mask may have robbed other Aldis in the state wearing the same mask. The suspect reportedly forced some staff members into an office and made it out with an undisclosed amount of cash. No injuries were reported. Anyone with information is asked to call the Kernersville Police Department.

I-73 Detour To Fix Bridge Begins Tomorrow

(Greensboro, NC) -- A detour will begin tomorrow to allow repairs to an Interstate 73 bridge in Greensboro that was damaged in a crash last year. State transportation officials say the closure is expected to last for about five weeks. Traffic on I-73 south will be re-routed to Business 85 North and then to U.S. 220 South. The bridge took heavy damage in December when a fuel tanker driver who was said to be going too fast lost control, and the truck burst into flames.

Potentially Severe Storms Today

(Undated) -- The Triad could see some severe weather today. The National Weather Service says showers and a few thunderstorms will move across the area this afternoon and evening ahead of a cold front. Damaging wind gusts will be the primary threat.

UNC-Greensboro Men's Hoops Lobbies For Tournament Invite

(Greensboro, NC) -- Ahead of Selection Sunday, UNC-Greensboro is making the case for its men's basketball team to be picked for the NCAA Tournament through social media. The school has started a hashtag, all one word - UNC-G At Large - and has changed the team's Twitter handle accordingly. The Spartans were hoping for a second-straight automatic bid to the Big Dance, but failed to get that consideration upon losing this week in the conference tournament


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