Press Releases

Correctional staff with the assistance of law enforcement evacuated a portion of Neuse Correctional Institution this morning following a disturbance that started late Sunday afternoon. Due to damage inside some sections of the facility, approximately 500 inmates were transferred to other prisons leaving about 288 at Neuse CI. One corrections staff member and one inmate were both treated and released from a local hospital for non-life threatening injuries. 

Inmate Christopher Blackett #1515843 was found unresponsive in his cell at Lanesboro Correctional Institution Sunday afternoon, after an apparent suicide.  Efforts to resuscitate him were unsuccessful and he was pronounced dead.   Blackett, 25, was serving more than 26 years in prison after convictions for second degree murder and conspiracy to commit murder.

Governor Pat McCrory this afternoon received a federal disaster declaration to help local governments and individuals in Lee, Moore and Wake Counties recover from the massive flooding caused by Hurricane Matthew.

Correction and law enforcement officers bring a disturbance at Neuse Correctional Institution that lasted approximately four hours under control.  One corrections staff member has been taken to the hospital for non-life threatening injuries. One inmate received non-life threatening injuries and has been treated and released.  

Governor Pat McCrory this evening received a federal disaster declaration to help individuals in Onslow County recover from the massive flooding caused by Hurricane Matthew. “This announcement marks another step forward in providing assistance to hardworking families and businesses in Onslow County," said Governor McCrory."While it will likely take months to fully recover, these funds will help those who are suffering to begin to rebuild their lives."

The Department of Transportation has reopened a section of U.S. 74 closed by floodwater from Hurricane Matthew last week. A section of the highway at the Robeson-Columbus County line has been put into a two-lane, two-way pattern while repairs to the roadway are continuing. A second section of U.S. 74 has a right lane closure near N.C. 130 in Robeson County.

Governor Pat McCrory is urging people to be aware of dangerous conditions that persist in flooded areas even as relief efforts are making progress in central and eastern North Carolina in response to Hurricane Matthew. "Although floodwaters are receding and relief efforts are making progress, all residents and visitors need to remain vigilant in areas that were impacted by Hurricane Matthew," said Governor McCrory. "We will continue working together with local and federal partners to help those in need."

UPDATE: 10/18/2016  9 p.m. Escaped inmate Dennis Carver #0478723 was captured at about 8:20 this evening in Kings Mountain.  He had escaped early this afternoon from Gaston Correctional Center, a minimum-security prison in Dallas. Carter was serving a 5-year sentence for vehicle theft. He will be charged with felony escape from prison.  His daughter, Tonya Carver, is also being charged, with aiding in his escape.  ---------------------------------

Food and Nutrition Services beneficiaries in eastern North Carolina who lost food because of Hurricane Matthew are asked to contact the Electronic Benefits Transfer Call Center to request replacement benefits. The Call Center number is 1-866-719-0141. Callers are asked to be patient since call volumes may be high. Food and Nutrition Services recipients have until tomorrow, Tuesday, Oct. 18, to request replacement of their benefits if they experienced food losses that can be attributed to Hurricane Matthew.

Thanks to Department of Transportation and contractor crews working around the clock over the weekend, I-95 was reopened in both directions in Cumberland and Robeson counties this morning.