Tag Archive for: #granvillecountysheriffsoffice

Granville County Sheriff

Granville County Shooting Suspect

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UPDATE 09/06/24:

The GCSO has confirmed that the suspect (Andre Stephon Jones) was taken into custody without incident on September 6.

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The Granville County Sheriff’s Office is still searching for a man wanted in connection with a shooting Tuesday evening.

The suspect, 45-year-old Andre Stephon Jones, is assumed to be armed and dangerous, according to a press release from the Granville County Sheriff’s Office.

Jones lives at 3508 Windwood Circle, and the shooting occurred at 3501 Windwood Circle just after 7:30 p.m.

Sheriff’s deputies and Granville EMS responded to the scene following a report of a woman being shot.

The suspect is alleged to have entered the residence and then shot a 35-year-old black female and a 42- year-old black male. The 42-year-old black male left the scene of the shooting prior to the arrival of deputies and was later located a short distance awat at Danny’s Country Store, 1983 US Highway 15. The suspect fled the scene. He is wanted on multiple counts of assault with a deadly weapon, inflicting serious injury, with intent to kill.

The condition of the victim was not provided.

Anyone with information or surveillance footage from the area is asked to call GCSO at 919.693.3213.

To provide information anonymously concerning this investigation contact Granville County Crime Stoppers at 919.693.3100.

3 Granville Residents Charged In Marijuana Growing Operation

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Three people face felony charges after state and local law enforcement officials executed search warrants and seized marijuana, liquid THC, non-tax paid liquor and cash in Granville County late last month.

Personnel with the Granville County Sheriff’s Office and state ALE special agents seized more than 200 pounds of marijuana, more than 20 pounds of liquid THC, non-tax paid liquor and a large sum of cash on Jan. 26 as part of an investigation into an illegal outlet and marijuana growing operation along NC Hwy. 96, according to information from the N.C. Department of Public Safety’s Alcohol Law Enforcement division.

Dalton Huff and Alyssa Vaughn, both of Oxford, were charged with the illegal possession and possession for sale of alcoholic beverages as well as numerous other felony and misdemeanor offenses including manufacturing and trafficking of marijuana. Linda Huff, also of Oxford, was charged with felony conspiracy. 

Granville County Sheriff

School Bus Safety Tips For Children And Motorists

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Every day, millions of students use school buses as transportation to and from school. Although school buses represent one of the safest forms of transportation, there are several safety factors of which both students and drivers should be aware. Hoping to ensure school bus safety this school year, Granville County Sheriff John Hardy  encourages caution whenever school buses are present.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), in recent years there were an average of 128 fatalities in school transportation-related traffic crashes each year and more school-aged pedestrians have been killed between 7 and 8 a.m. and 3 and 4 p.m. than any other time of day.

“Children are often eager to get off the school bus and can do so quickly when they are excited,” Hardy said in a press statement issued by Granville County Public Information Officer Terry Hobgood. “It is crucial that parents reinforce the school bus safety rules children learn at school. It’s also a great idea to drive your child’s bus route with them before their first day of school so they can learn the routine with you.”

Hardy shared the following tips with parents whose children ride the school bus:

  • Students should arrive at least five minutes early to the bus stop.
  • While the bus is approaching, make sure to stand at least three giant steps away from the curb, wait until the bus has come to a complete stop, the door opens, and the bus driver says that it’s OK to board.
  • Always walk on the sidewalk when preparing to cross the street near a bus. Make eye contact with the driver so that you are sure he or she sees you.
  • Never walk behind the bus.
  • If you are walking beside the bus, walk at least three giant steps away.
  • Use the handrail when entering and exiting the bus. Take extra precautions to make sure that clothing with drawstrings and book bags do not get caught in the handrail or door.
  • Never stop to pick something up that you have dropped when a bus is stopped. Tell the bus driver or wait until the bus has driven off to retrieve what you’ve dropped.

Some reminders that bear repeating to any drivers who share the road with school buses include:

  • Remember that children are unpredictable in their actions. Use extreme caution when traveling in a school zone.
  • If there are no sidewalks, drive cautiously. Be more alert to the possibility of children walking in the road.
  • Slow down and prepare to stop whenever you see yellow school bus lights flashing.
  • Never pass a school bus when there are flashing red lights and the stop arm is extended. This is a sign that children are getting on or off the bus. Motorists must wait until the red lights stop flashing, the stop arm is withdrawn, and the bus is moving before they can start driving again.
  • Learn and obey the school bus laws in North Carolina.

The Granville County Sheriff’s Office is located at 525 New Commerce Dr. in Oxford. To learn more, call l 919.693.3213 or email granville.sheriff@granvillecounty.org.

Granville County Sheriff

Man In Custody In Connection With Weekend Car Theft, House Fire

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A 21-year-old man is in custody under a $1 million bond after a weekend incident involving an armed robbery, auto theft, a house fire and the shooting death of a dog in the Franklin County K9 unit.

William Darius Eichelberger was charged with nine felonies. He originally was placed under a $250,000 bond, but that amount was increased to $1 million after a court appearance on Monday, according to information from the Granville County Sheriff’s Office. No law enforcement officers were injured, but a dog was struck and killed by gunfire as events played out.

No law enforcement officers were injured in the incident. The Granville County Sheriff’s Office is investigating the incident along with the NC State Bureau of Investigation.

Deputies from Granville County Sheriff’s Office, along with other local law enforcement officials, responded to a report of an armed robbery involving the theft of a motor vehicle on Saturday afternoon about 3:15 p.m.

The car and the suspect, described as a black male about 6-foot-2 wearing a gray sweatshirt and black shorts, were later seen in the Antioch community of Granville County. The vehicle was recovered, but the suspect fled on foot.

Law enforcement officers canvassed the area into Saturday evening, but did not locate the individual, according to a press statement from Terry Hobgood, Granville County public information officer.

Sunday morning, sheriff’s deputies and fire department officials responded to a report of a suspicious fire in the Antioch community and upon arrival, determined that the suspect – possibly still armed – may be hiding in the crawlspace under the house.

Granville County requested assistance from Franklin County Sheriff’s Office Special Response Team, which came under gunfire as it attempted to determine if the suspect still was in the crawlspace. Franklin County deputies returned fire and then retreated to a safe position, according to the press statement. Additional help from other law enforcement agencies was requested, including the State Bureau of Investigation.

A crisis negotiator from the Franklin County Sheriff’s Office was called to the scene and made contact with the suspect, who was still under the house. The suspect did come out from under the house, at which time he was taken into custody and transported by EMS for medical attention. His injuries were minor, however, and medical professionals released him into the custody of law enforcement.

An assault-style rifle was recovered from underneath the residence.

Following is the list of charges against Eichelberger:

  • Assault on a law enforcement agency K9, NCGS 14-163.1(A1)
  • Assault on law enforcement officers w/firearm, NCGS 14-34.5(A)
  • Breaking and/or entering, NCGS 14-54(A), two counts
  • Breaking and entering a motor vehicle, NCGS 14-56
  • Larceny after breaking and entering, NCGS 14-72(B)(2)
  • Possession stolen firearm, NCGS 14-71.1
  • Robbery with dangerous weapon, NCGS 14-87
  • Possession of stolen goods/property, NCGS 14-71.1
  • Larceny of motor vehicle, NCGS 14-72(A)
Granville County Sheriff

Investigation Continues Into Inmate Death At Granville Co. Detention Center

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The SBI and Granville County Sheriff’s Office are investigating to learn what happened last week that left one inmate dead and sent a second inmate to the hospital.

At 5:04 a.m. Friday, Mar. 11, , two inmates were found unresponsive in their cell at the Granville County Detention Center, according to a press statement from Granville County Sheriff John B. Hardy III.

Life-saving measures were undertaken by Granville County Sheriff’s Office personnel and EMS  was called. EMS also attempted life-saving measures, but one inmate was pronounced dead at the scene. The inmate’s name is being withheld at the request of his family at this time.

Inmate Kevin Burton Munn was transported for medical treatment and remains hospitalized. The Granville County Sheriff requested assistance from the State Bureau of Investigation and the SBI will investigate the matter.

WIZS has reached out to the SBI but has not heard back as of this publication.

Granville County Sheriff

Granville Sheriff’s Office To Offer Citizens Academy In April

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The Granville County Sheriff’s Office will host the second annual Citizens Academy, set to kick off in April 2022.

Registration is required for the program, which will be held at the Law Enforcement Center, 525 New Commerce Drive, Oxford. Classes will be held on Tuesday evenings from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.

The Citizens Academy offers classes to provide a general overview of law enforcement issues, crime prevention, patrol procedures as well as additional topics of interest regarding law enforcement for the community. This program will build a better understanding between law enforcement and those served by the Granville County Sheriff’s Office. Interested participants may pick up a paper application at the Granville County Sheriff’s Office.

Download an application at https://www.granvillecounty.org/residents/sheriff/new-citizens-academy/.

For more information about the Citizens Academy, contact the sheriff’s office at  919.693.3213.

Granville County Sheriff

One Man Dead After Officer-Involved Shooting Near Stovall On Feb. 9

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One man is dead following a shooting involving a sheriff’s deputy in northern Granville County Wednesday.

County Public Information Officer Terry Hobgood released a statement Thursday evening about the incident, which occurred on Feb. 9.

“Granville County Sheriff’s Office deputies responded to a 911 hang up call about a disturbance at a residence located at 7646 Reavis Road at approximately 5:25 p.m,” the statement began.

According to the report, a male subject at the residence  had committed an assault and then left, armed with a shotgun.

Attempts to locate the male subject were unsuccessful. Deputies responded to a second call at 6:29 p.m. and were advised that the male subject had returned to the residence, still armed with a shotgun. The 23-year-old male subject exited the residence  with a shotgun and ran into the woods. As deputies were searching for the subject and attempting to secure the scene, the subject fired at one of the deputies. The deputy returned fire, striking the subject. Deputies rendered first aid to the male subject and EMS was called to the scene. The subject was transported to Duke University Medical Center where he later died. The North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation is investigating. The deputy who shot the subject has been placed on administrative leave pending the outcome of the investigation.

The Local Skinny! Granville Co. Appoints New Sheriff

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John Blackwell Hardy, III was appointed (today) Monday to be the Granville County Sheriff by the board of commissioners, but part of the terms of his appointment include him not running for sheriff in 2022 and not publicly endorsing any candidates for the seat.

Hardy is a graduate of J.F. Webb High School and UNC-Chapel Hill. The board announced its selection at a special called meeting this morning (Monday). He fills the remainder of the term of Charles R. Noblin, Jr, who resigned on Oct. 27, 2021. That term ends on Dec. 5, 2022, according to county attorney Jim Wrenn.

Hardy will assume all duties and powers of the position following the administration of the oath of office.

He has served for a few months as a deputy sheriff in the Court Security Division with the Granville County Sheriff’s Office, according to a statement from Granville County, and has held numerous jobs within the  law enforcement community, including about three years in the patrol division for the Oxford Police Department, where he achieved the rank of corporal.

He received his certification in Basic Law Enforcement Training (BLET) from Vance-Granville Community College and has more than 25 years of military and law enforcement experience. He began his career in 1987 with the North Carolina Army National Guard. Hardy was an infantry officer in the U.S. Army and Army Reserve for 17 years, achieving the rank of major.

Concurrently, through much of his time in the Army Reserve, Hardy completed 25 years of service in federal law enforcement as a correctional officer with the Federal Bureau of Prisons (assigned to FCC Butner) and a deputy U.S. marshal assigned to the Eastern District of North Carolina.

Speaking on behalf of the Board of Commissioners, County Attorney Jim Wrenn stated, “the Board of Commissioners made a concerted effort to recruit a qualified individual to shepherd the Sheriff’s Office through this transitional period until the citizens of Granville County have the opportunity to choose their preferred candidate in the upcoming elections.”

In a written statement, Wrenn said “the board of commissioners believe that John Hardy will continue his distinguished career of public service by successfully guiding the Sheriff’s Office to the conclusion of the current term in the dedicated and professional manner shown throughout his career.”

The commissioners chose Hardy based on his extensive supervisory leadership and educational accomplishments, including his distinguished service as an infantry platoon Leader with the 101st Airborne Division during Operation Desert Shield/Storm, Executive Officer and Company Commander with the 108th Training Division of the U.S. Army Reserve, acting supervisory deputy with the U.S. Marshals Service, and acting sex offender investigations coordinator and member of the Critical Incident Response Team with the U.S. Marshals Service, according to the press statement.

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Granville County Sheriff

Granville County Sheriff Offers Tips for a Safe Halloween

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

-Press Release, Granville County Government

Although Halloween may be celebrated differently this year, there are ways to enjoy safe trick-or-treating. The Granville County Sheriff’s Office reminds residents to follow common-sense practices, along with adhering to statewide health requirements.

In some communities across the county, traditional house-to-house trick-or-treating is at the discretion of individual households and neighborhoods. If choosing to participate, the Sheriff’s Office asks that door-to-door treats – where candy is handed out to children – be limited. Also, please use hand sanitizer between visits. Households are encouraged to have hand sanitizer readily available, as a precautionary measure.

The Sheriff also reminds trick-or-treaters that a costume mask is no substitute for a protective cloth mask. Please remember to cover the mouth and nose, as required by the Centers for Disease Control, for the most effective protection from COVID-19. Social distancing is also required, as mandated by the State of North Carolina.

Other safety tips include:

  1. Costumes should not include any sharp objects;
  2. Only fire-retardant materials should be used for costumes;
  3. Carry a flashlight or glow stick after dark;
  4. Only visit homes with the porch light on;
  5. Don’t go inside anyone’s home;
  6. Travel only in familiar areas and along an established route;
  7. Watch for obstacles on lawns, steps or porches
  8. Enter and exit driveways and alleys carefully;
  9. Walk, don’t run, from house to house;
  10. Throw away any candy that is unwrapped or has a strange odor, color or texture.

“The Halloween season has always been filled with enjoyment,” said Sheriff Charles R. Noblin, Jr. “If choosing to participate in trick-or-treating in your neighborhood this year, let’s make it a fun and safe experience for everyone.”

The Granville County Sheriff’s Office is now open in their new location at 525 New Commerce Drive in Oxford, in the newly-constructed Law Enforcement Center. For any questions or for more information, their phone number remains the same at (919) 693-3213, or you can send emails to granville.sheriff@granvillecounty.org.

Sheriff Charles Noblin

Granville County Sheriff Warns Against COVID-19 Scams

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

-Press Release, Granville County Government

Granville County Sheriff Charles Noblin, Jr. advises that scammers have been “pulling out all the stops” to capitalize on the COVID-19 pandemic, using illegal robocalls, phony websites, bogus emails and other forms of communication. In the Summer 2020 Newsletter of the North Carolina Sheriff’s Association, Sheriff Noblin offers a warning to be aware and to look to trusted sources of information to stay safe and avoid being a victim.

According to the North Carolina Department of Justice (NCDOJ), there have been reports of scammers knocking on doors trying to peddle fake cures and test kits, as well as cleaning supplies and personal protective equipment. At the same time, price gougers had been driving up prices on necessities like toilet paper, food products, gasoline, disinfectants and hand sanitizer.

The Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act and the release of economic relief payments offer scammers yet another opportunity to trick citizens out of their money and personal information. Social Security beneficiaries have reported receiving calls from scammers claiming to be from the United States Treasury Department, the Social Security Administration or the Internal Revenue Service, who try to convince them to give out confidential information such as their bank account numbers, Social Security information or government benefits debit card number.

According to the Federal Trade Commission, there are ways for consumers to avoid falling victim to coronavirus-related scams:

  • Do not respond to texts, emails or calls about checks from the government. The Internal Revenue Service will not contact you by telephone, email, text message or social media;
  • Ignore online offers for vaccinations, since there are no products proven to prevent or cure the coronavirus at this time;
  • Be wary of ads for test kits;
  • Hang up on robocalls;
  • Watch for emails claiming to be from the Centers for Disease Control or the World Health Organization, and report any concerns;
  • Do your homework when making donations. Never make a contribution by cash, in gift cards or through wiring money.

To file a complaint with the North Carolina Department of Justice’s Consumer Protection Division, call 1-877-5-NO-SCAM.