Press Releases

The North Carolina prison system has safely returned around 220 minimum custody offenders who had been evacuated Monday night/Tuesday morning from the Forsyth Correctional Center in Winston-Salem due to a fire at a nearby plant. In the meantime, they were housed at the Alexander Correctional Center in Taylorsville, around 60 miles away. The return operation was completed without major incident today, Feb. 4.

ELIZABETH CITY - The staff at the Pasquotank Correctional Institution are mourning the passing of Correctional Officer Helen Mae Smith, who suffered a medical emergency after responding to an offender incident today, Feb. 3. “Our thoughts and prayers go out to Officer Smith’s family during this difficult time,” said Secretary of Public Safety Eddie Buffaloe, Jr. “She had a great reputation and was dedicated to her job; this is a huge loss for our DPS family.”

Friday evening, ALE concluded a months-long investigation which resulted in over 30 arrests and more than 200 drug, alcohol, and weapons charges. The operation addressed the illegal sales of guns, drugs and alcohol from ABC-licensed businesses and residences throughout Columbus County.

For the third weekend in a row, North Carolina is preparing for a winter storm and Governor Cooper and state leaders are reminding residents to be ready for winter weather. “Today is the day to get the essentials you need, so you can stay off the roads tonight and Saturday if conditions are dangerous in your area,” said Governor Cooper. State emergency leaders remind people to pay close attention to their local forecast.  Accumulating snow could lead to hazardous travel Friday night through midday Saturday.  

For the third weekend in a row, North Carolina is preparing for a winter storm and Governor Cooper and state leaders are reminding residents to be ready for winter weather. “Today is the day to get the essentials you need, so you can stay off the roads tonight and Saturday if conditions are dangerous in your area,” said Governor Cooper. State emergency leaders remind people to pay close attention to their local forecast.  Accumulating snow could lead to hazardous travel Friday night through midday Saturday. 

A Maury Correctional offender with pre-existing medical conditions, who tested positive for COVID-19, has died at a hospital. The offender tested positive for COVID-19 on Jan. 15 and was hospitalized on Jan. 24. His condition worsened, and he died on Jan. 26, 2022. He had declined to be vaccinated for COVID-19.

Tabor Correctional Institution offender Robert B. Walker (#1512464) has died after an apparent suicide. He was found unresponsive in his cell around 6:06 p.m. yesterday, Jan. 26, 2021. The prison’s first responders arrived to his cell promptly, carefully assessed the situation and summoned local paramedics, who pronounced Walker deceased at 6:44 p.m.

Governor Cooper cautioned people to stay home today and stay safe, as most roads remain snow and ice covered, and thousands of homes and businesses in some coastal counties are without power. “If you’re in the affected areas, the best way to stay safe is to stay home unless you absolutely have to travel,” Governor Cooper said. State and local crews are out in force clearing roads today, but temperatures below or near freezing will not offer much help. Refreezing tonight will cause icy roads again tomorrow morning.

Department of Public Safety Secretary Eddie M. Buffaloe Jr. has named Laura Howard as DPS general counsel. Howard will begin her new position on Jan. 24. As general counsel, she will lead the DPS legal team. “Laura’s experience with the U.S. Department of Justice and in civil ligation will be a great benefit to our department,” said Buffaloe. “I look forward to the energy and vision she will bring to DPS senior leadership.”

Governor Roy Cooper and state officials are advising residents to not let their guard down, as the worst part of this winter storm is still to come later today and tomorrow. “Roads will become more dangerous and power outages are still expected tonight in southeastern counties,” said Governor Cooper. “If you can, stay put and off the roads as that’s the best way to stay safe.” Even though most of the state had a break in precipitation Friday morning, snow, sleet and freezing rain are forecast to resume later Friday and continue through Friday night.