Green Rural Redevelopment (GRRO)

GRRO Hires 25 Community Health Workers to Fight COVID-19 in Rural NC

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-Press Release, Green Rural Redevelopment, Inc. 

On Friday, September 25, 2020, 25 community health workers will complete their training and be deployed into communities in Granville, Vance, Franklin, Warren, Nash, Pitt, Halifax and Wake Counties.

Green Rural Redevelopment, Inc. (GRRO) a non-profit organization, has been focused on providing access to healthy food and meals to people in the Kerr-Tar region. Henry Crews, the Executive Director of GRRO notes, “We saw the devastation that the pandemic has brought to our community, and we used our organizational flexibility to expand our programming and grow our team, to reach the ever-increasing numbers of rural residents who have been impacted by the Coronavirus.”

In a partnership with Curamericas Global, Duke Family Medicine & Community Health and the North Carolina Department of Health & Human Services, GRRO will join a statewide network of agencies that provide frontline support services, resources and help for residents impacted by the Coronavirus. These efforts are made possible by funding from The Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act, Federal funding made available to the State for pandemic relief services.

Working with local county Health Departments, the trained CHW teams will work with families and individuals who have been directly and indirectly impacted by COVID-19.

On Friday, area Medical Directors and others from the health department will meet with the new support teams to coordinate referrals and service delivery to area residents.

Green Rural Redevelopment, Inc. (GRRO) is a 501(c)(3) organization committed to positively impacting our community by providing avenues of economic development using food agriculture and food supply chain economics in the face of persistent poverty; access to fresh, healthy foods for vulnerable members of the community; and support for health providers to reduce certain chronic diseases through patient access to better, fresh foods.

If you would like more information about this topic, please call Lucette Mercer at (303) 912-2520 or email lucettem@grronc.org.

NC Governor Logo

Governor Announces Additional Small Business Relief, Reopening of Large Outdoor Venues

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-Press Release, Office of Governor Roy Cooper

Some North Carolina small businesses that have experienced extraordinary disruption to their operations due to the COVID-19 coronavirus pandemic may benefit from a $40 million relief program to help offset fixed costs like rent, mortgage interests and utility bills, Governor Roy Cooper announced.

“Small businesses are the backbone of our economy – powering our local communities and giving back in so many ways. They deserve our support, and this new initiative can help them weather this tough time,” said Governor Cooper.

The N.C. Mortgage, Utility and Rent Relief (MURR), administered by the North Carolina Department of Commerce, can provide up to $20,000 in relief funds per qualifying business location. Business applicants from certain industry sectors that have not been able to operate during the COVID period may apply for up to two of their business locations.

Applicants can apply for up to four months of mortgage interest or rent expenses, and utility expenses.  The help offers relief for some of the fixed costs a business cannot easily control on its own. Applications to the program should open next week and will be handled on a first-come, first-served basis. Applicants must certify that they were closed during the period April 1 through July 31, 2020; they expect to be able to operate after the COVID crisis has passed and they have not been reimbursed by any other federal source for the expenses for which they seek reimbursement through this program.

Eligible applicants include:

  • Amusement parks
  • Banquet Halls (with catering staff)
  • Bars, taverns, night clubs, cocktail lounges
  • Bingo parlors
  • Bowling alleys/centers
  • Dance halls
  • Indoor fitness and recreation centers
  • Motion picture/movie theaters (except drive-ins)
  • Museums

The Department of Commerce will begin accepting applications soon. Business leaders can learn about the MURR program by registering for one of the free educational webinars offered by the Department of Commerce over the next two weeks.

For the webinar schedule and additional information on the program, visit www.nccommerce.com/murr.

Large, Outdoor Venues

Governor Cooper and NC DHHS Secretary Dr. Mandy Cohen also announced that effective October 2, large outdoor venues would be permitted to open at 7% capacity with key safety precautions in place. The announcement was made so these locations could begin putting safety measures in place in order to operate.

Large entertainment venues are those that can seat over 10,000.

“We will continue analyzing our data and indicators as we determine how to move forward safely in other areas that may be included in the new order on October 2. In it, we hope to ease some other restrictions, while still keeping safety protocols like masks, social distancing, and mass gathering limits in place,” said Governor Cooper.

”With more things open and people moving around more, we need everyone to stay vigilant about wearing a mask, waiting six feet apart, and washing their hands often,” said Secretary Mandy K. Cohen, M.D. “Our progress is fragile and will take our continued hard to work to protect it.”

State and public health officials will continue watching the key COVID-19 trends over the next week to determine if any further restrictions can be eased when the current Executive Order expires on October 2 at 5 p.m.

Franklin County Sheriff

Louisburg Man Chokes, Kills Father

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-Press Release, Franklin County Sheriff’s Office

On September 18, 2020, at approximately 7:30 p.m., the Franklin County Sheriff’s Office responded to 26 William Perry Road, Louisburg regarding a male subject assaulting his father by choking him. Upon arrival, deputies were unable to locate a pulse on the victim, who was identified as Darren Hobgood

The Sheriff’s Office Special Response Team made entry into the residence and the suspect, Xavier Vishal Billups, was taken into custody without incident. 

Mr. Billups was transported to Wake Medical Hospital and upon his release will be charged with Second Degree Murder

Xavier Vishal Billups – 26 William Perry Road, Louisburg – 27 years of age 

This matter remains under investigation and no further information will be released at this time. If anyone should have any additional information pertaining to this investigation, please call Detective Brian Jacobson at (919) 3403285.

NC Governor Logo

Public Schools Now Able to Implement Plan A for Elementary Schools

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-Press Release, Office of Governor Roy Cooper

After several weeks of stable COVID-19 trends and continued low virus spread in school settings, Governor Roy Cooper today announced that beginning on October 5, North Carolina public school districts and charter schools can choose to implement Plan A for elementary schools (grades K-5).

Plan A continues to include important safety measures like face coverings for all students, teachers and staff, social distancing, and symptom screening but does not require schools to reduce the number of children in the classroom.

“We are able to open this option because most North Carolinians have doubled down on our safety and prevention measures and stabilized our numbers,” said Governor Roy Cooper. “North Carolinians are doing the hard work to improve our numbers and trends. Many people are wearing masks, keeping social distance and being careful to protect others as well as themselves. We have shown that listening to the science works. And I’m proud of our resolve.”

As the Governor announced in July, every district will continue to have the flexibility to select Plan A, B or C based on their unique needs. In addition, districts should still provide an option for families to select all remote learning for their students. Read the Strong Schools NC Public Health Toolkit to learn more about the requirements under each plan.

Dr. Mandy Cohen, Secretary of the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services shared an update on North Carolina’s data trends. Dr. Cohen explained that North Carolina has seen a sustained leveling or decrease of key metrics.

“Our trends show that we are on the right track. It’s up to all of us to protect our progress. Our individual actions like those 3 Ws will help keep our school doors open.,” said Secretary Cohen.

Dr. Cohen also explained that as schools have opened, the current science shows that younger children are less likely to become infected, have symptoms, experience severe disease or spread the virus.

“It’s great news today that we are a step closer to providing the option of in-person learning to families who want their children to return to school,” said Superintendent of Public Instruction Mark Johnson. “While the Governor, the State Board of Education, and I have our differences, I join with them today to encourage local school board members to take advantage of this change and open all schools safely. I thank the many parents and teachers across North Carolina who have been vocal advocates on this important issue.”

“For the past six months, superintendents, principals, teachers and local BOE have worked diligently to care for the safety of our students and staff while educating our children. While we are anxious to return all students, we know that teachers, principals, and students need a gradual transition over the next three months. I ask our parents to remain patient, knowing that we are moving as quickly as is safely possible. And I ask our teachers to continue to assist our students by supporting this deliberate, thoughtful transition,” said Eric Davis, Chairman of the State Board of Education.

Trajectory in COVID-Like Illness (CLI) Surveillance Over 14 Days

  • North Carolina’s syndromic surveillance trend for COVID-like illness is declining.

Trajectory of Confirmed Cases Over 14 Days

  • North Carolina’s trajectory of lab-confirmed cases is declining.

Trajectory in Percent of Tests Returning Positive Over 14 Days

  • North Carolina’s trajectory in percent of tests returning positive is declining.

Trajectory in Hospitalizations Over 14 Days

  • North Carolina’s trajectory of hospitalizations is declining.

In addition to these metrics, the state continues building capacity to be able to adequately respond to an increase in virus spread. These areas include:

Laboratory Testing

  • Access to testing has expanded. No-cost testing events are being deployed across the state and testing turnaround times have improved.

Tracing Capability

  • Contact tracers continue to be hired to bolster the efforts of local health departments. A new exposure notification app will be launched soon.

Personal Protective Equipment

  • Personal protective equipment (PPE) supplies are stable
COVID Rapid Response Testing

St. Paul Presbyterian Church to Hold COVID-19 ‘Rapid-Response’ Drive-Thru Testing

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-Information courtesy the Henderson-Vance Recreation and Parks Department

St. Paul Presbyterian Church will hold a COVID-19 “rapid-response” testing drive-thru on Saturday, September 19, 2020, from 9 a.m. until 1 p.m. The church is located at 928 South Main St. in Louisburg, NC.

Participants must pre-register by calling (919) 632-6495 to schedule an appointment time. There are no out-of-pocket costs to be tested.

Jim Gusler

Gusler Named Franklin Co. Emergency Medical Services Director

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-Press Release, Franklin County Government

Franklin County Manager Angela L. Harris has named James R. (Jim) Gusler, Jr Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Director. Mr. Gusler will assume the position on October 5, 2020.

Jim Gusler

James R. (Jim) Gusler, Jr. has been named Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Director for Franklin County. Gusler will assume the position on October 5, 2020.

Mr. Gusler has served in various roles in the EMS field, most recently as EMS Training Officer for Orange County since 2016. In that role, he was the training liaison for the County. Mr. Gusler‘s previous experience includes over five years as a Planner/Trainer at the UNC Burn Center and six years as the Emergency Services Director in Caswell County. He holds an EMS Management Program and Community Preparedness Certificate and is currently a member of the NC EMS Advisory Board.

Mr. Gusler also holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Public Health from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro and an Associate’s Degree in Emergency Medical Science from Guilford Technical Community College. Mr. Gusler is a dedicated public servant and community volunteer. He has been a volunteer for Boy Scouts for many years and has two sons who have both achieved the rank of Eagle Scout.

“Franklin County Administration is delighted to welcome Mr. Gusler to the Emergency Services Department,” Harris said. “Emergency Medical Services are essential services for our citizens, and ensuring the ongoing delivery of high-quality services will continue to be our goal.”

For additional information, please contact Angela L. Harris, Franklin County Manager, at (919) 496-5994.

VGCC Logo

VGCC Names 255 Students to President’s and Dean’s Lists

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-Press Release, Vance-Granville Community College

Vance-Granville Community College has announced that 110 students earned President’s List academic honors and another 140 earned Dean’s List academic honors for the Spring 2020 Semester, while two made the President’s List and three made the Dean’s List for the Summer 2020 Term.

The President’s List recognizes students who achieved a perfect 4.0 grade-point average (GPA) while carrying a “full load” (of at least 12 credit hours) in 100-level or higher curriculum courses. To qualify for the Dean’s List, a student had to earn a GPA that was at least 3.5 but less than 4.0, and have no grade lower than “B,” while carrying a “full load” of such courses.

Spring Semester President’s List honorees are listed below by program of study and then by residence. 

Accounting & Finance:

Andres-Manuel Mata Espino of Creedmoor.

Air Conditioning, Heating & Refrigeration Technology:

Chandler N. White of Raleigh.

Associate Degree Nursing:

Alexis N. Brown-Fincher of Henderson.

Associate in Arts:

Carson A. Blalock of Butner;

Tanaura R. Harrison and Cintly Vargas-Arias, both of Creedmoor;

Emma M. Cascino of Durham;

Susanna P. Ciferni and Cassidy A. Holmes, both of Franklinton;

Mason B. Boone, Tashanta S. Bryant, Emily M. Castro Freites, Kyrie D. Coverson, Jonathan B. Duran, Hannah P. Foster, Caroline A. Nutt, Sarah R. Parish and Alondra M. Torres-Ornelas, all of Henderson;

Chance S. Hayes of Louisburg;

Spencer T. Huff, Henry J. Pahl, Jonah W. Pahl, Mary E. Richardson and Erin P. Whitt, all of Oxford;

Jacob A. Comer and Grayson B. Williams, both of Rougemont;

Tomas J. Olivares-Beddoes of Zebulon.

Associate in Fine Arts – Visual Arts:

Rachel R. Hughes of Creedmoor;

Tyler R. Potter of Youngsville.

Associate in General Education – General Science:

Gabriella M. Fuentes-Wilson of Stem.

Associate in Science:

Alexis P. Whitfield of Butner;

Astrid Portillo-Granado and Briana S. Williams, both of Creedmoor;

Terrance J. Gowan of Franklinton;

Aniya Palmer and Evin F. Swilley, both of Henderson;

Miguel M. Magana, Rolando Rosado and Isaac D. Sutton, all of Louisburg;

Zion T. Page of Raleigh;

Bessie L. Alexander of Warrenton;

John E. Moore of Youngsville.

Bioprocess Technology:

Alicia R. Davis of Rocky Mount.

Business Administration:

Hunter P. Barbrey of Creedmoor;

Raven K. Kay of Henderson;

Vanessa L. Crabtree of Kittrell.

College Transfer Pathway:

Nicholas S. Ellis of Bullock;

Jillian Hanchey of Louisburg;

Ava E. Stoddard of Rolesville;

Chase A. Tuttle of Wake Forest;

Lilly W. Kramar of Youngsville.

Cosmetology:

Maura Surles of Butner;

Brandi N. Mitchell of Franklinton;

Megan N. Henderson and Yolanda D. Ragland, both of Henderson;

Kristen L. Smith of Kittrell;

Cannon G. Bigham and Leslie B. May, both of Louisburg;

Edna J. Johnson of Raleigh;

Brittaney J. Kilmer of Youngsville.

Criminal Justice:

Ricardo L. Ellis of Creedmoor;

Alexis R. Lincoln of Franklinton;

Natasha A. Alston of Henderson;

Jessica M. Wiles of Norlina;

Jason B. Williams of Roanoke Rapids.

Early Childhood Education:

Emily S. Bickerstaff of Raleigh;

Leighana E. Dail of Stem;

Samantha M. Fields of Wilmington.

Electrical Systems Technology:

Timothy L. Reid of Creedmoor.

Electronics Engineering Technology:

Dakota L. Hodnett of Oxford.

Histotechnology:

Marianna Coppola of Fayetteville.

Human Services Technology/Substance Abuse:

Donna M. Spencer of Butner;

Heidi M. Kulhawik-Angelini of Franklinton;

Diane V. Henson of Henderson;

Noah D. Yeargin of Oxford.

IT – Simulation & Game Development Track:

Benjamin A. Johnson of Henderson.

Information Technology:

Steven T. Pearce and Amy E. Reagan, both of Franklinton;

David B. Ayscue, Jr., Marvion A. Criddle, Koty R. Glover, Katelynn A. Ray and Elizabeth H. Wonsetler, all of Henderson;

Caleb S. Currin and Nicholas C. Parker, both of Oxford;

Marsha S. Musick of Warrenton.

Mechatronics Engineering Technology:

Triston L. Tilley of Stem.

Medical Office Administration:

Jessica L. Boone of Durham;

Maryjo M. Parks, Melanie A. Slaton and Roslyn C. Wynn, all of Henderson;

Paola Rebollar and Elizabeth L. Wiggins, both of Louisburg;

Rebecca A. Elliott of Wake Forest.

Paralegal Technology:

Rachel G. Roberson of Franklinton;

Emari N. Ragland of Henderson.

Radiography:

Charles M. Maina of Cary;

Travis S. Banka of Durham;

Mackenzie L. Cates of Efland;

Matthew S. Denton of Henderson;

Carly M. West of Littleton;

Mariah S. Lawson of Raleigh;

Victoria K. Swain of Roxboro;

Robyn N. Perry of Zebulon.

Welding Technology:

Ethan D. Hughes of Creedmoor;

Lacy E. Pfohl of Franklinton;

Kadarius D. Perry and Adrine L. Pettaway, both of Henderson;

Colby C. West of Norlina;

Rudy V. Pearce, III, of Raleigh.

Spring Semester Dean’s List honorees are listed below by program of study and then by residence.

Accounting & Finance:

Aaron W. Rettig and Isaac A. Saleh, both of Oxford.

Air Conditioning, Heating & Refrigeration Technology:

Jeremy M. Johnson of Manson.

Associate in Arts:

Tania J. Cruz, Devon T. Padgett and Mallory K. Richard, all of Butner;

Amir L. Branch, Elizabeth A. Browning, Madison Daniel, Mya N. Harris, Jalia J. Medlin and Brennon M. Warren, all of Creedmoor;

Tekkia C. Cooper of Durham;

Zari Pearson and Kimberly Ross, both of Franklinton;

Courtney D. Adcox, Wafa A. Alazab, Ayanna K. Anderson, Taylor V. Cavanaugh, Kimberley M. Coghill, Alejandro Duran, Cheyenne M. Guerrant, Yumyah M. Hargrove, Alya N. Hawter, Lakaevyn C. Holden, Yazi Majette, Jesse C. Sawyer and Saray Trejo-Vega, all of Henderson;

Cameryn A. Bostic, Justin M. Jackson, Kaleb M. Pulley and Sara G. Woodard, all of Louisburg;

Quinten T. Perrineau of Macon;

Shoaeeb Hauter of Norlina;

Courtney A. Cox, Erica L. Evitts, Jacob T. Grissom, Bree Kromah and Carla Rodriguez, all of Oxford;

Summer M. O’Brien of Roxboro;

Kamille G. Klubert of Stem;

Jordyn E. Brown and Dustin D. Walters, both of Wake Forest;

Victoria L. Dorge of Warrenton;

Sonia Gonzalez, Sarah M. Lowery and Braden C. Roberts, all of Youngsville.

Associate in Fine Arts – Visual Arts:

Brandon K. Lewter and Alix L. Wallace, both of Franklinton;

Naomi Harrison-Carder and Aliyah Wright, both of Henderson;

Ethan M. Brown of Stem.

Associate in General Education – General Science:

Bernetta M. Daniels of Henderson;

Callie G. Englebright of Oxford.

Associate in Science:

Christyn M. Campbell, Haley R. Franklin and Timothy D. Hunter, all of Creedmoor;

Jessy A. Calamaco of Franklinton;

Sarah Alzubairi, Amanda J. Cease and Cameron K. Overton, all of Henderson;

Shaniya T. Boyd of Kittrell;

Nancy J. Alvarez Lopez and Madeline R. Beck, both of Louisburg;

Wilcliff Senatus of Mount Olive;

Rewees A. Ebrahim, Anna L. Just and Landon J. Parrott, all of Oxford;

Cheyenne M. Carroll of Warrenton;

Bryson W. Bridges of Zebulon.

Business Administration:

Gadiel A. Ogaz of Franklinton;

Crystal D. Wilkins of Henderson;

Breanna L. Lewis of Oxford;

Amanda C. Phillips of Roanoke Rapids;

Courtney Adcock and Kimberly Brogden, both of Stem;

Jonathan A. Olund of Wake Forest;

Katlynn C. Price of Zebulon.

College Transfer Pathway:

Hailee J. Bissett of Bullock;

Kara N. McIlroy of Franklinton;

Kaleigh V. Booker of Norlina;

Samuel V. Dickerson, Anthony D. Goreman, Lindsey G. Haley and Alexander M. Slack, all of Oxford.

Cosmetology:

Carter E. Gilliam of Franklinton;

Dynasty A. Hargrove and Camri N. Ross, both of Henderson;

Autumn B. Finch-Gilliam and Cameron S. Hayes, both of Louisburg;

Katurah D. Davis of McDonough, Ga.

Criminal Justice:

Wyatt D. Mote of Wake Forest.

Culinary Arts:

Michael J. Stephens of Henderson;

Karsen O. Garrett of Youngsville.

Early Childhood Education:

Lee Christine Bennerson and Coretta D. Harris, both of Henderson;

Brittaniana M. Channell and Chermella E. Durham, both of Oxford.

Histotechnology:

Daniel C. Smith of Creedmoor;

Nigoria B. Alston of Henderson.

Human Services Technology:

Pattie E. Harrison of Manson;

Ruth A. Terry of Oxford.

Information Technology:

Evan J. Williams of Creedmoor;

Troy West of Henderson;

Julian W. Causey, III, of Oxford;

Christopher R. Deitz of Stem.

Mechatronics Engineering Technology:

Anthony C. Morrotto of Franklinton;

Herbert H. Davis of Henderson.

Medical Assisting:

Tyaisa S. Jones and Kayla N. Whirley, both of Henderson;

Emily L. Adcock of Oxford.

Medical Office Administration:

Beverly Fearrington of Chapel Hill;

Yamileth D. Portillo of Creedmoor;

Bambi F. Coleman of Durham;

Desiree Annis of Franklinton;

Stacie B. Currin, Ashley A. Hedgepeth, Rebecca S. Keene and Davida L. Overby, all of Henderson;

Shannon M. Hester of Kittrell;

Savannah K. Alford of Louisburg;

Chassity A. Evans of Middleburg;

Tiera T. Cross and Kasey V. Evans, both of Oxford;

Keishla M. Garcia of Wake Forest.

Paralegal Technology:

Jashetta D. Freeman of Henderson;

Stacy W. Rideout of Zebulon.

Radiography:

Osvaldo H. Martinez of Butner;

Coleen N. Green, Terri L. McGarr and Katie A. Rumsey, all of Creedmoor;

Belete A. Dress and Eden N. Ketema, both of Durham;

Geneva A. Duncan of Henderson;

Ashley L. Hicks of Louisburg;

Sierra Holland of Raleigh.

Technical Special Student:

Remington J. Heathcoat of Franklinton.

Welding Technology:

Hunter A. Norwood of Henderson;

Seth T. Glover and Dylan P. Lawson, both of Oxford.

Summer President’s List honorees are listed below alphabetically by last name.

Heidi M. Kulhawik Angelini of Franklinton (Human Services Technology/Substance Abuse); and

Zion T. Page of Raleigh (Associate in Science and Bioprocess Technology).

Summer Dean’s List honorees are listed below alphabetically by last name.

Rebecca G. Currin of Henderson (College Transfer Pathway);

Jessica N. Jones of Louisburg (Business Administration); and

Latasha R. McWilliams of Roanoke Rapids (Business Administration).

Dequarius Johnson

New Hope Mini Mart Armed Robbery Suspect Apprehended

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-Press Release and photo, Vance County Sheriff’s Office

On September 7, 2020, the Vance County 911 Center received a call for service regarding an armed robbery that had just occurred at the New Hope Mini Mart located on NC Hwy 39 North at the intersection of Morgan Road. The incident occurred at approximately 7:35 a.m.

An unknown black male entered the store and approached the counter, at which time the suspect produced a handgun and demanded money. The clerk provided the suspect with an undisclosed amount of US currency, at which time the suspect fled the area on foot and was last seen running towards Morgan Road

Through investigative techniques, the suspect was later identified as Dequarius Johnson of Louisburg, NC. Warrants were obtained for the arrest of Johnson for Robbery with a Dangerous Weapon.

Members of the Franklin County Sheriff’s Office located Johnson in the early morning hours of September 9, 2020, at which time he was arrested without incident.

Johnson has been placed in the Vance County Jail pending his ability to secure a bond in the amount of $70,000 secured.

Dequarius Johnson of Louisburg, NC

Mike Waters

Use of Deadly Force in Death of David Brooks, Jr. Deemed Lawful

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-Press Release, Office of District Attorney Michael D. Waters

Investigative Summary and Concluding Memorandum in Use of Deadly Force Against David Brooks, Jr

On the morning of July 24, 2020, Roxboro Police Chief David Hess notified the District Attorneys Office an officer with the Roxboro Police Department had discharged his weapon after answering a call for service. David Brooks, Jr., 45 years of age, was killed as the result of a single gunshot wound.

Roxboro Police Chief David Hess asked me to join him in requesting the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation (SBI) to conduct an independent investigation of the incident. The investigation conducted by the SBI, and the subsequent review by the District Attorneys office, was limited to whether the State of North Carolina should bring criminal charges against the officer. The investigation did not concern the separate internal investigation of whether any officers involved followed the correct procedures of the Roxboro Police Department

After a review of the SBIs independent investigation, I determined no charges will be filed against the law enforcement officer for discharging his firearm that resulted in the death of David Brooks, Jr. Before making this decision, my office reviewed all the evidence available to us from the SBI, and carefully examined the relevant law

911 Call and Communications 

On July 24, 2020, Person County Emergency Communications received a 911 call for suspicious activity. Roxboro Police Department dispatched patrol units to the area to investigate. Four officers were on shift. All officers checked en route and were advised the caller stated that there was a black male along the roadway on Old Durham Road near Oxford Road carrying what appeared to be a shotgun or a rifle. The first officer on the scene observed the same and notified other officers en route that he had located the subject of the call, had verified the individual had a weapon and was going to initiate a stop

Dash Cam and Body Cam Video Recordings 

As seen and heard from the incar video at a timestamp of 1:07.5, the officer pulls onto the northbound shoulder of old Durham Road facing David Brooks, Jr., and can be heard placing the police cruiser in park. At 1:11.4 the officer exits the vehicle and yells Hey Bro.At 1:12.5 the officer yells drop the gun.” At 1:13 the officer chambers a round into his shotgun. At 1:13.3 Mr. Brooks begins raising his gun towards the officer. At 1:15 the officer yells drop the gunagain. At 1:16 the officer yells drop the gunagain and fires a single shot.

A video, enhanced by the North Carolina State Crime Lab, shows these events more clearly, including that Mr. Brooks raised his gun, and pointed it at the officer in the seconds before the officer fired the single, fatal shot. The entire encounter, from the time the officer stepped out of the car, to the time the fatal shot was fired, was approximately five seconds. The fatal encounter occurred approximately one minute and ten seconds into the nearly two-hour-long video footage

Bodycam footage collected from the Person County Sheriffs Office from moments after the shooting showed officers and deputies rendering aid to Mr. Brooks, and placing markers and tape to secure the scene for the arrival of the SBI

Crime Scene and Collected Evidence 

Immediately after the shooting, other officers with the Roxboro Police Department and Deputies with the Person County Sheriffs Office arrived on scene. While some began rendering medical aid to Mr. Brooks, others redirected traffic and began setting up a secure perimeter. The officer who discharged his weapon returned to his car and placed his shotgun in his patrol car and locked the same. When Chief David Hess arrived, the officer handed his keys to Chief Hess and was transported away. The scene integrity was maintained by the Roxboro Police Department until the SBI arrived and began processing the scene later in the afternoon

A loaded, .410gauge, double-barrel shotgun with a fashioned sling was removed from Mr. Brooks prior to first aid being rendered. It was recovered and unloaded by a Roxboro Police Officer and then photographed and turned over to the SBI when agents arrived. The shotgun and two shotshells were submitted to the NC State Crime Lab for analysis. The State Crime Lab concluded that the shotgun stock and barrels had been altered from the original length. The barrel was shortened to 14.72 inches and the overall length was shortened to 24.47 inches overall. The shotgun was operational, and the shotshells were unfired.

Officer and Witness Interviews 

SBI agents interviewed all persons known to them with possible knowledge of this incident. Among the persons interviewed was the 911 caller that stated he first encountered an individual in front of the cemetery and asked if he was okay and that the individual responded by shaking his head up and down and tapping his finger on the trigger of what the 911 caller believed to be a sawed-off shotgun. The individual was approximately ten feet away and never pointed the shotgun at the caller

The first officer on scene was interviewed before the dashcam footage was released or made available to him. He stated he checked en route and answered the call because he was closest to the location. He stated that he turned right off Weeks Drive south onto Old Durham Road, and saw a person fitting the description of the caller walking down the right of way.

The officer stated that as he passed the individual, the dual attempted to blade himself,and reduce his profile in what the officer believed to be an attempt to conceal a long gun. The officer further stated he relayed this information to other officers and executed a Uturn at the intersection of Oxford Road and pulled in front of the individual. The officer further stated that he activated his blue lights and placed his car in park before stepping out. The officer reached for his shotgun because the individual was carrying what the officer believed to be a shotgun or rifle, and that as he stepped out of the car, he yelled to drop the gun. The officer placed a shell in the chamber of the shotgun and yelled to drop the gun again.

The officer stated he could see the individual’s left hand on the foregrip of the gun, and his hand was at the pistol grip section of the stock as he began to raise the gun. The officer believed the individual was going to fire and so he fired a single shot. The officer stated he ran to the individual to secure the weapon. At that time, he recognized the individual as David Brooks, Jr

The officer stated that he had two previous professional encounters with David Brooks, Jr. The first, several years ago, when Mr. Brooks was arrested on a misdemeanor traffic violation. He stated that Mr. Brooks was polite, and the encounter uneventful. Most recently the officer encountered Mr. Brooks at his home while investigating an assault by pointing a gun call at a nearby apartment complex. The officer said that Mr. Brooks appeared to be having a mental health crisis and that the weapon was secured and placed into evidence, and Mr. Brooks was transported to the hospital for treatment. Mr. Brooks was not charged

Autopsy 

An autopsy of the body of David Brooks, Jr. was completed on July 25, 2020. An agent with the SBI attended the autopsy and interviewed the pathologist at the conclusion. The pathologist concluded the deceased had seven shotgun pellets enter the left side of his chest and one on the right side of his chest near his shoulder. The pathologist indicated the pellets that entered his chest were consistent with one shot, traveling front to back, left to right and slightly downward. Mr. Brooks did not have any other injuries besides this single gunshot wound to his chest

Applicable Law and Analysis 

Officers are routinely instructed to only use deadly force as a measure of last resort. The law authorizes an officer to take preemptive action and use deadly force to prevent death or serious injury to himself or others. The same legal standards apply to officers as to ordinary citizens. Officers do not lose their right to selfdefense by becoming officers. In fact, they are more likely to be placed in situations where they would confront potentially dangerous people in dangerous situations. However, the use of deadly force must be reasonable

North Carolina General Statute 15A401 provides that an officer may use deadly force to defend himself from what he reasonably believes to be the imminent use of deadly physical force. As the North Carolina Supreme Court has observed, the calculus of reasonableness must allow for the fact that police officers are often forced to make splitsecond judgments in circumstances that are tense, uncertain, and rapidly evolving

Likewise, Federal Court decisions have established that the use of deadly force is reasonable where there is an imminent threat of serious injury or death. In determining whether the officer faced an imminent threat, the United States Supreme Court has stated that reasonableness should be gauged from the perspective of an officer on the scene and should not use the 20/20 vision of hindsight. Graham v. Connor, 490 U.S. 386, 396 (1989).

Furthermore, the Court explained that [t]he calculus of reasonableness must embody allowance for the fact that police officers are often forced to make splitsecond judgments in circumstances that are tense, uncertain, and rapidly evolving about the amount of force that is necessary in a particular situation.Id. At 39697

Based on the facts and applying applicable law, it is the conclusion of the District Attorney that the officer reasonably believed that his life was endangered when he shot David BrooksJr., and therefore the use of deadly force was lawful.

Luis Alonso Sanchez

FCSO: Sanchez Charged With Sexual Offense, Indecent Liberties With a Child

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-Press Release and photo, Franklin County Sheriff’s Office

The Franklin County Sheriff’s Office Criminal Investigations Division issued warrants for the arrest of Luis Alonso Sanchez, a Franklin County resident, on August 28, 2020.

Charges consisted of the following: Statutory Sexual Offense with a Person who is 15 years of Age or Younger, Indecent Liberties with a Child, and Felony Child Abuse-Sexual Act.

Charges followed after an extensive investigation conducted by the Franklin County Sheriff’s Office and Franklin County Child Protective Services.

On September 3, 2020, Luis Alonso Sanchez was arrested at the Franklin County Sheriff’s Office without incident.

Luis Alonso Sanchez was given a $400,000 secured bond and is currently being held in the Franklin County Detention Center.

Luis Alonso Sanchez
53 years old
115 Autumn Court
Zebulon, NC 27597

Luis Alonso Sanchez