Press Releases

State correctional and local law enforcement officers are seeking Rutherford Correctional Center minimum custody inmate James Pittman (#0559036), who was reported missing from his work release assignment in Marion on Tuesday. Pittman was last seen near the intersection of U.S. 221 and Interstate 40 at approximately 11:30 a.m.

The American Association of State Troopers has kicked off the 2018 “Best Looking Cruiser Contest” and the NCSHP will be represented again this year with a 2018 marked Dodge Charger.  We want all of our SHP friends and family to “Like” our picture and “Share” it so your friends and family can show their support as well.  The contest will run today July 18th through July 25th at 5 p.m., so vote now!

The Governor's Crime Commission Special Committee on School Shootings will meet on Thursday, July 19, from 1-4 p.m.

The 25th session of the North Carolina American Legion and North Carolina State High Patrol "Student Trooper Program" is scheduled for Friday, July 20.

The State Highway Patrol, in partnership with the Governor’s Highway Safety Program, has concluded a multi-agency initiative entitled Survive the Drive. 

Gaston Correctional Center minimum custody inmate Montavious Miller (#0696992), who was reported missing from the facility on May 2, was captured in Chamblee, Ga. on June 12. Law enforcement officials returned Miller to North Carolina today, and he will be placed in a higher custody facility.

A Polk Correctional Institution inmate died after setting a fire in his cell this afternoon. The inmate set the fire at approximately 3:30 p.m. and was taken to a local medical facility for treatment. He was pronounced dead at 4:47 p.m.  The inmate’s name is being withheld pending notification of next of kin. The incident was contained to the inmate’s cell and staff extinguished the fire. No staff or other inmates were injured in the incident. DPS, local law enforcement and fire officials are investigating the incident.

The Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice has named Caroline Riddick-Taylor as the new superintendent at Tyrrell Prison Work Farm in Columbia. Riddick-Taylor replaces Fentress Bryant, who retired.

Two incidents at Gaston Correctional Center are being investigated involving rules violations that occurred on June 27. Inmate Deway Caldwell (#0061973) was found in possession of alcohol. At approximately 11 p.m., another inmate was taken to outside medical for evaluation for a possible drug-related issue. He was returned to the facility.  DPS is currently investigating both incidents.  

At approximately 8:53 p.m. on June 22 at Albemarle Correctional Institution, inmate Tremayne Lynch (#0818126) assaulted a correctional officer by head-butting and biting him while being moved to his cell after a shower. Staff attempted to complete a cell search for contraband when the incident took place. Other staff restrained Lynch. There were no injuries to Lynch or other staff. The assaulted officer was taken to an outside medical facility, where he was evaluated and released with non-life threatening injuries.