Dequarius Johnson

New Hope Mini Mart Armed Robbery Suspect Apprehended

100.1 FM ~ 1450 AM ~ WIZS, Your Community Voice ~ Click to LISTEN LOCAL

-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

100.1 FM ~ 1450 AM ~ WIZS, Your Community Voice ~ Click to LISTEN LOCAL

-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

100.1 FM ~ 1450 AM ~ WIZS, Your Community Voice ~ Click to LISTEN LOCAL

-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

Census 2020

N.C. Residents Urged to Return 2020 Census Forms or Risk Loss of Federal Funds

100.1 FM ~ 1450 AM ~ WIZS, Your Community Voice ~ Click to LISTEN LOCAL

-Office of NC State Treasurer Dale R. Folwell, CPA

State Treasurer Dale R. Folwell, CPA, is encouraging North Carolinians to complete their 2020 Census Bureau forms to ensure the state receives its proper share of hundreds of billions of federal dollars.

Federal funding distributions to the state and local governments are critical for everything from education and housing to public works projects and roads.

“Many local governments and utilities are struggling, especially in rural areas, and the economic lockdowns in reaction to the COVID-19 pandemic have made their situations worse,” Treasurer Folwell said. The Local Government Commission housed in the Department of State Treasurer has been working to help those towns, cities, counties and municipal utilities at risk of failure and state takeover of their finances.

“If we don’t all do our part to ensure the census count is thorough and accurate, we will forfeit North Carolina’s fair share of money that could be a lifeline to those at-risk governments,” Treasurer Folwell said.

The census is constitutionally mandated to occur every 10 years. As of Sept. 1, North Carolina had a 77.1% household response. There were only eight states with lower counts. The U.S. rate was 84.1%. If you haven’t done so yet, you can fill out your census form by phone (844-330-2020), by mailing back the paper questionnaires that were sent to households, or online.

The population count determines how the 435 congressional seats are divided among the states, and how state legislative districts are drawn up. But many people are unaware that the census data are used by planners and policymakers when they are considering the need for highway planning and construction, hospitals, schools and other public works investments.

“Businesses and corporations rely on census data when choosing where to locate factories and headquarters, offices and stores. Developers review census figures to determine where to build new homes and subdivisions,” Treasurer Folwell said. “All of those activities and growth generate tax revenue and jobs, which are the lifeblood of local and state economies, and help them to meet budgetary needs to serve their communities.”

Many local public utilities and services in North Carolina are in disrepair or in need of funds. Census data are used to allocate federal funds to water and waste disposal systems for rural communities, emergency community and water assistance grants, assistance grants to firefighters and rural business enterprise grants. Local governments incorporate census numbers into public safety and emergency preparedness policies.

The decennial population count also is used in allocating unemployment insurance and Community Development Block Grants. As the nation faces the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, it is instructive to note that epidemiologists and public health officials rely on demographic details from the census to track disease outbreaks, improve health and more.

The publication “Uses of Census Bureau Data in Federal Funds Distribution” offers an overview of how states can benefit from accurate census figures.

Kerr Tar Regional Council of Governments

‘Open for Business’ Loan Opportunity Available for Small Businesses Affected by COVID

100.1 FM ~ 1450 AM ~ WIZS, Your Community Voice ~ Click to LISTEN LOCAL

-Press Release, Kerr-Tar Regional Council of Governments 

Many small and local businesses in the Kerr-Tar Region have been negatively affected by COVID-19. In an effort to provide support to those businesses, the Kerr-Tar Regional Council of Governments is rolling out the Open for Business Loan Program.

This loan program is designed to help small to medium size businesses recover from the economic effects of this pandemic.

The Open for Business Loan is a non-forgivable interest-free loan, ranging from $10,000 – $100,000. Eligible borrowers are small to medium size (1-99 employees) businesses who have been in business for at least 12 months and must be located in Franklin, Granville, Person, Vance or Warren counties.

Documentation providing evidence of a loss of revenue since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic is required. All loans will require a personal guarantee and additional collateral. Funds can only be used for working capital and/or equipment and require an application fee of $200. Standard loan terms of 5 to 10 years.

The Open for Business Loan Program is locally administered and funded by the US Department of Commerce and Economic Development Administration with funds from the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act.

To apply, visit www.kerrtarcog.org and click on the “Open for Business Loan” tab. Applications are available on the Kerr-Tar COG website at www.kerrtarcog.org or by calling Kerr-Tar Regional Council of Governments at (252) 436-2040. Applications should be completed as soon as possible as funding is limited.

Franklin County Logo

Untreated Wastewater Discharged From Youngsville Regional Pump Station

100.1 FM ~ 1450 AM ~ WIZS, Your Community Voice ~ Click to LISTEN LOCAL

-Press Release, Franklin County Government

Notification of Discharge of Untreated Wastewater

Franklin County Public Utilities experienced a discharge of untreated wastewater from the Youngsville Regional pump station in Youngsville. The discharge was a result of heavy rain on Monday, August 31, 2020. The discharge started at 11 p.m. and continued until Tuesday, September 1, 2020, at 2 a.m.

The discharge of wastewater was estimated to be 11,560 gallons, and approximately 6,200 gallons entered into an unnamed tributary of Richland Creek which is a tributary of the Neuse River Basin. Franklin County Public Utilities staff was dispatched to the site and started clean up after the discharge stopped.

The Division of Water Quality was notified of this event on September 1, 2020, and is reviewing the matter.

General Statute 143-215.1C requires the owner or operator of any wastewater collection or treatment works to issue a press release when an untreated wastewater discharge of 1,000 gallons or more reaches surface waters.

For additional information concerning this event, please contact Franklin County Public Utilities Department at (919) 556-6177. Additional information can be obtained by visiting Franklin County’s website at www.franklincountync.us.

State Highway Patrol

Labor Day Weekend Marks the Launch of Highway Patrol’s Impaired Driving Initiative

100.1 FM ~ 1450 AM ~ WIZS, Your Community Voice ~ Click to LISTEN LOCAL

-Press Release, North Carolina Department of Public Safety

As Labor Day fast approaches, increased congestion across the state is expected as motorists travel to their intended vacation destinations. With this in mind, the State Highway Patrol is stressing the importance of sober driving throughout the holiday weekend.

Combining forces with the Governor’s Highway Safety Program and more than 500 law enforcement organizations statewide, the SHP is participating in the GHSP’s Booze It & Lose It campaign. Troopers throughout the two-week initiative will focus on multiple motor vehicle violations such as excessive speeding, aggressive driving and driving while distracted. A special emphasis will also be placed on removing impaired motorists, attempting to prevent needless collisions from occurring.

“Removing impaired drivers before they harm themselves or someone else is among our highest priorities throughout the holiday weekend,” said Colonel Glenn McNeill, Jr., commander of the State Highway Patrol. “Ensuring safe travel is a shared responsibility among both law enforcement and those who travel across our great state.”

Last year, the SHP responded to more than 1,351 collisions throughout the Labor Day weekend. Among those collisions, 402 resulted in an injury and 12 resulted in one or more fatalities. Ninety-four collisions within the same time frame occurred due to impairment of either alcohol or drugs.

Motorists can assist in reducing needless collisions by following the provided suggestions:

  • Plan ahead by ensuring a designated driver has been selected.
  • Use a ride-sharing service if no designated driver is available.
  • Prepare for delays by choosing alternate routes.
  • Monitor speed limits and avoid driving distracted.
  • Increase following distances.

The Booze It & Lose It campaign began Monday, August 31 and will conclude on Sunday, September 13, 2020.

Local News Audio

Local News Audio 8-31-20 Noon

Local News Audio 8-31-20

  • Local Gyms Opening for People in Need of Exercise Medically
  • Voter Registration
  • Drug Arrests in Franklin Co, $135k Street Value

Click Play Below for Full Details…

 

Grey Harris Winn

Vehicle Accident Leads to Drug Arrest of Franklin Co. Man

100.1 FM ~ 1450 AM ~ WIZS, Your Community Voice ~ Click to LISTEN LOCAL

-Information and photos courtesy Franklin County Sheriff’s Office

On August 28, 2020, the Franklin County Sheriff’s Office arrested Grey Harris Winn, a Franklin County resident.

After deputies with C-Squad responded to a 911 call for a vehicle accident, Mr. Winn was charged with Felony PWIMSD Schedule II CS (2 counts), Felony Possession Schedule I CS, Felony Possession Stolen Firearm, Felony PWIMSD Schedule IV CS, Felony Possession of THC Isolate, Misdemeanor Possess Drug Paraphernalia, Misdemeanor Carrying Concealed Weapon, and Misdemeanor Simple Possess Sch. VI CS (2 counts).

In addition, Mr. Winn was served with a criminal process by North Carolina Highway Patrol for Driving While Impaired and Reckless Driving-Wanton Disregard.

Mr. Winn was placed in the Franklin County Detention Center under a $60,000 secure bond.

Grey Harris Winn (age 32)
2671 Tarboro Road
Youngsville, NC 27596

Grey Harris Winn

Boykin, Harper, Smith

Three Ohio Residents Arrested in $135,000 Street Value Drug Seizure in Louisburg

100.1 FM ~ 1450 AM ~ WIZS, Your Community Voice ~ Click to LISTEN LOCAL

-Information and photos courtesy the Franklin County Sheriff’s Office

On August 25, 2020, the Franklin County Sheriff’s Office Special Operations Group arrested Ohio residents, Sivad Boykin, Cadiz Harper, and Jerron Smith, on multiple drug charges.

The arrest came after the Franklin County Sheriff’s Office Drug Unit determined Boykin, Harper and Smith were involved in trafficking Methamphetamines in Franklin County. The investigation led detectives to the Days Inn in Louisburg, NC where a search warrant was executed on a room that was rented by Boykin.

The arrests and search warrant execution resulted in the seizure of approximately 484 grams of Methamphetamines and US Currency. The street value of the drugs seized is approximately $135,000.

Sheriff Kent Winstead stated, “These arrests and the seizure of this quantity of Methamphetamines, certainly make our communities safer. This investigation developed as a result of the partnerships our Special Operations Group has with other local, state and federal partners who are working together to remove these dangerous and addictive drugs from our communities.”

Charges include:

Sivad Xavier Boykin (29)
1596 Ballinger Ave. SE
Massillon, OH 44646

Trafficking in Methamphetamines (2 counts)

Sivad Brown was placed in the Franklin County Detention Facility under a $600,000 secured bond.

Cadiz Jon Harper
525 Tremont Ave. SW
Massillon, OH 44646

Trafficking in Methamphetamines
Conspiracy to Traffic Methamphetamines

Cadiz Harper was placed in the Franklin County Detention Facility under a $500,000 secured bond.

Jerron T. Smith
1003 Johnson St. SE
Massillon, OH 44646

Trafficking in Methamphetamines
Conspiracy to Traffic Methamphetamines

Jerron Smith was placed in the Franklin County Detention Facility under a $500,000 secured bond.

The Special Operations Group was assisted in this investigation by the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Louisburg Police Department.

For more information concerning this investigation or to report drug activity in your neighborhood, please contact Sgt. Ken Pike at (919) 496-2186.