Press Releases

Governor Roy Cooper today named District Attorney Robert A. Evans of the Seventh Judicial District as the new chairman of the Governor’s Crime Commission. “District Attorney Evans will bring deep knowledge of the justice system and law enforcement along with even-handed judgment to guide the 44 members of the Crime Commission,” Cooper said. “I’m grateful that D.A. Evans is willing to take on this challenging and crucial role on behalf of our state.”

Governor Roy Cooper has declared March 5-11 Severe Weather Preparedness Week and urges North Carolinians to prepare and practice safety plans in case severe weather strikes, which could happen as soon as tonight according to weather forecasts.

MEDIA ADVISORY TO:               News Producers, Editors FROM:         Sgt. Michael Baker RE:               Troopers Participate in Read Across America Day

MEDIA ADVISORY What: Crime Victims Compensation Quarterly Commission Meeting

Department of Public Safety Secretary Erik Hooks has named David E. Jones as the interim director of the Governor’s Crime Commission. “David Jones is one of the most knowledgeable individuals when it comes to handling federal grants for North Carolina’s criminal justice system,” said Hooks. “He has provided more than 30 years of outstanding service to the citizens of North Carolina, and I am grateful that he is willing to serve on an interim basis.”

MEDIA ADVISORY What: Governor’s Crime Commission Quarterly Meeting When: Thursday, March 2, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Where: Governor’s Crime Commission, First Floor Conference Room, 1201 Front St., Raleigh Committee chairs for Crime Victims Services, Criminal Justice Improvement and Juvenile Justice will present their recommendations to the commission on the new fiscal year funding.

Four State Troopers' heroic actions saved the life of a young female in Henderson County on Tuesday, Feb. 14.  Trooper Christopher Jeffries was on routine patrol when he was approached by a motorist advising him they had observed a young female, possibly in her twenties, standing on the overpass of U.S. 25 which crosses over I-26.   Trooper Jeffries immediately traveled to the location where he located the female, obviously distraught, standing on the southbound side of the U.S. 25 overpass. 

Inmate Michael Rollins, 36, was pronounced dead at WakeMed on Sunday. He was transported to the hospital Saturday afternoon after a nurse found him unresponsive in a shower at Central Prison, after an apparent suicide attempt. Rollins was a pre-trial inmate from New Hanover County facing charges for robbery with a dangerous weapon (4 counts) and possession of drug paraphernalia. The State Capitol Police Department is investigating the death, with assistance from the Raleigh/Wake City-County Bureau of Identification (CCBI).

At approximately 7:15 Friday morning the Highway Patrol was asked to assist the Robeson County Sheriff’s Office in the pursuit of a murder suspect from South Carolina. A chase was underway on I-95, north of Rowland and the NC/SC state line. The Highway Patrol made several attempts to stop the suspect’s vehicle. Once the vehicle stopped, an armed confrontation ensued and the suspect died on the scene. The State Bureau of Investigation was requested to investigate, which is the protocol for trooper involved shootings.

Clarence N. Godley, food service manager III at Maury Correctional Institution, received the prestigious John R. Larkins Award Jan. 15 during the 2017 State Employees Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. celebration in downtown Raleigh. This award is the highest civil rights honor that can be won by a state employee.