-Information courtesy the Granville County Sheriff’s Office
The Granville County Sheriff’s Office will be conducting annual firearms qualifications from Monday, April 20 through Friday, April 24, 2020, in accordance with the guidelines set for by the North Carolina Sheriff’s Education and Training Standards Commission.
This training will be held at the Sir Walter Raleigh Gun Club at 2507 Hester Road in Creedmoor, NC after 5:30 p.m.
Residents of this area are being made aware of the scheduled training and the increased noise in the area, especially after daytime hours.
Please contact the Sheriff’s Office at (919) 693-3213 with any questions.
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-Press Release, Granville County Government
The Granville County Sheriff’s Office reports incidents of fraud as residents – especially senior citizens – are being targeted during the holiday season. Detective Lieutenant Bob Critcher advises all residents to be cautious of phone calls that ask for money or the purchase of “green dot” cards.
Some callers are identifying themselves as representatives of the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) and are requesting payments over the phone. Detective Critcher offers a reminder that the IRS does not ask for payments by phone, and to also be careful of those selling items online, as not all sellers are legitimate.
If anyone has any concerns or questions about a phone call in which money is requested, please contact the Sheriff’s Office at 919-693-3213.
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-Press Release, Granville County Government
With only a few shopping days left until Christmas, the Granville County Sheriff’s Office offers a reminder for residents to stay safe while completing their holiday shopping lists. This time of year attracts more shopping-related criminal activity because of the larger crowds and extended store hours. Everyone is encouraged to practice these safety tips:
A single shopper is the best target for theft. Always shop with a friend or relative;
When going shopping, tell someone where you are going and when you expect to return;
Shop during daylight hours. If you shop at night, park your vehicle in a well-lit area;
Dress casually and comfortably and avoid wearing expensive jewelry;
If carrying cash, keep it in your front pocket rather than in a purse or wallet. This makes it much more difficult for a pick-pocket to remove;
Store car keys in pants or jacket pocket. That way, if your purse is stolen, you will still be able to drive home;
Have car keys in your hand so that you can avoid spending unnecessary time unprotected from the security of your vehicle;
Pay careful attention to your surroundings and avoid overloading yourself with packages;
When returning to your vehicle, check around it and in the back seat. Be aware of any strangers approaching you for any reason;
If you feel uneasy returning to your vehicle alone – for any reason – find a security guard and ask them to walk you to your car.
During this shopping season, busy holiday shoppers are often more vulnerable than during the rest of the year. Shop smart and be safe while completing your Christmas lists.
The Granville County Sheriff’s Office is seeking information about the identity of a subject who entered the parking lot of Bridgestone/Bandag in Oxford on Saturday, November 23, 2019, around 9:38 p.m.
The subject, who was driving a silver 2007 Chevrolet Impala, parked by the Smoke Shack (break-room) and exited the vehicle with an assault rifle, wearing a camouflage face mask with round eyelets that draped past the shoulders. It is believed that the suspect is a male.
As of yet, there is no information available that the subject made verbal contact with any employees or entered the plant. The vehicle was last seen making a left turn onto West Industry Drive.
Detective Keith Campbell of the Sheriff’s Office requests that anyone with information, or anyone traveling on West Industry Drive near Bandag around the time of the incident, please call Granville County Crime Stoppers at 919-693-3100.
A reward of up to $1,000 is available for information leading to an arrest.
https://wizs.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/Silver-Impala-Suspect.png265504WIZS Staffhttps://wizs.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/wizswebsitelogoimage.pngWIZS Staff2019-11-26 16:56:092019-11-26 16:56:09Help Needed Identifying Armed Subject in Bandag Parking Lot
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-Press Release, Wake County District Attorney’s Office
On Monday, the Grand Jury of Granville County returned indictments against elected Sheriff Brindell Wilkins for two counts of felony obstruction of justice. These charges come following a ten-month investigation by the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation, with the assistance of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, at the request of Wake County District Attorney Lorrin Freeman.
District Attorney Freeman adopted the case at the request of District Attorney Mike Waters, whose district includes Granville County, following a determination by Waters that he had a conflict in the matter.
Wilkins was voluntarily served with the indictments by agents with the State Bureau of Investigation, assisted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and processed on the charges. He appeared before a magistrate and released on a $20,000 unsecured bond.
His first court date will be October 9, 2019, at 9:30 a.m. in Granville County.
A second investigation into allegations concerning the Granville County Sheriff’s Office’s accounting practices and controlled substance interdiction efforts remains pending.
WIZS will bring you more on this story as it develops.
https://wizs.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/12/Granville-Co.-Sheriff-Dept..png265504WIZS Staffhttps://wizs.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/wizswebsitelogoimage.pngWIZS Staff2019-09-17 10:06:012019-09-17 10:06:01Granville Sheriff Brindell Wilkins Indicted for Obstruction of Justice
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-Press Release, Granville County Government
After 21 years of service, Mr. Jimmy Hayes has retired from the Granville County Sheriff’s Office as Detention Center Administrator.
Hayes was recognized by Granville County Commissioners for his dedication to the job at the Monday, August 5, 2019, meeting. A retirement celebration was held on June 26, Hayes’ last official day on the job, in honor of his outstanding service.
Prior to his work with Granville County, Hayes had a 34-year career with the N.C. Department of Corrections. He is pictured here with Commissioner and former Granville County Sheriff David Smith.
After 21 years of service, Mr. Jimmy Hayes has retired from the Granville County Sheriff’s Office as Detention Center Administrator. Pictured: Mr. Jimmy Hayes (right) and Granville County Commissioner David Smith. (Granville Co. Govt photo)
https://wizs.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/Jimmy-Hayes-Retirement.png265504WIZS Staffhttps://wizs.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/wizswebsitelogoimage.pngWIZS Staff2019-08-08 16:58:262019-08-08 16:58:26Granville County Detention Center Administrator Retires
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-Press Release, Granville County Sheriff’s Office
Granville County Sheriff Brindell B. Wilkins, Jr. offers some safety tips for drivers and for students as the new school year approaches. “We can all learn from the safety tips below and abide by them to make Granville County safer for everyone,” Sheriff Wilkins said.
Drivers should:
Remember to not block crosswalks and to yield to pedestrians, taking extra care in school zones;
Never pass a vehicle stopped for pedestrians;
Never pass a bus loading or unloading children;
Stop far enough behind a stopped school bus to allow students to safely enter and exit the bus, remembering that the area ten feet around a school bus is the most dangerous for children.
Students walking to school should:
Always travel with a friend – two heads are better than one, especially if there’s an emergency;
Remember that a stranger is anyone you or your parents don’t know well;
Never get close to a car driven by a stranger. You could get pulled in. And never get in the car;
Never tell anyone your name or address when you’re walking. Don’t think that because someone knows your name that they know you – they may just be looking at your name printed on your lunch box, school bag or tee-shirt;
Always tell your parents or teacher if a stranger has approached you.
Those riding bikes should:
Know the rules of the road. Ride single file on the right side of the road, come to a complete stop before crossing the street and walk the bike across;
Watch for the opening of car doors and other hazards;
Use hand signals when turning;
Wear bright-colored clothing;
Always wear a helmet that is fitted and secured properly.
“By taking the time to carefully prepare for these situations, we can ensure student safety, whether on the way to school or home, playing on a playground or riding bikes,” Sheriff Wilkins concludes. “Let’s have a safe start to the new school year.”
Contributions of school supplies are now being accepted at the Granville County Sheriff’s Office, located at 143 Williamsboro Street in Oxford. Donated items will be delivered to local classroom teachers before the first day of the new school year. For more information about this project, call 919-693-3213.
For more safety tips, visit the National Safety Council Website at www.nsc.org.
https://wizs.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/12/Granville-Co.-Sheriff-Dept..png265504WIZS Staffhttps://wizs.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/wizswebsitelogoimage.pngWIZS Staff2019-07-31 17:01:222019-07-31 17:01:22Granville Co. Sheriff’s Office Offers Back to School Safety Tips
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-Press Release, Granville County Government
Participants of the 2019 Granville County Sheriff’s Office Teen Law Academy have received certificates of completion after a week-long training program. Held at Granville Central High School, the session was offered – at no cost – to high school students interested in a career in law enforcement, the criminal justice system, the U.S. Military or public service.
Participating cadets engaged in classroom and hands-on law enforcement activities, exposing them to the rigors and demands facing today’s law enforcement officers.
(Photos courtesy of @ahphotography.336)
The 2019 graduating class included 28 cadets: Adam Adcock, Shakya Ball, K’Veon Bruce, Malachi Cheek, Megan Ellis, Evelyn Galvan, Daniel Gladden, Jatavious Hunt, Riley Johnson, Christopher May, Ricky O’Neal, Dominic Pollay, Kara Ray, Clay Slaughter, Matthew Spiers, Joel Tidd, Josh Adcock, Blake Bowling, James Gladden, Sandra Inman, Jaden Lawrence, Griffin McCaffery, RocQuan Perry, Felix Pollay, Brittany Smith, Caleb Senter, Brandon Sullivan and Angel Webb.
“We are very proud of this training program,” Sheriff Brindell Wilkins said, “and are especially proud of our first graduating class. These young men and women showed that they have what it takes to be successful when they enter their chosen professions.”
Academy instructors included representatives of law enforcement, judges, attorneys, members of the U.S. Army National Guard and other highly-qualified career professionals who provided training in firearms and shooting skills, crime scene investigation, K9 drug detection, high-risk felony traffic stops, physical fitness, and other aspects of instruction.
Training also included information about the roles of SWAT and special response teams, the Federal Bureau of Investigations, the criminal court system, and use of the Life Flight helicopter.
(Photos courtesy of @ahphotography.336)
A graduation ceremony was held on Friday, June 21. Angel Webb served as Class Valedictorian, while Brandon Sullivan was recognized as Distinguished Leader. Other honors included Brittany Smith, Best All Around; Caleb Senter, Extra Effort Award (male); Megan Ellis, Extra Effort Award (female); and Clay Slaughter, Top Performance.
Scholarship winners, each of whom received a $300 cash award at program completion, included Christopher May, Griffin McCaffery and Kara Ray.
The Teen Law Academy Planning Committee included Randy Christensen, Elliott Carver, Christy Currin, Tabitha Glasscock, Jackie Harris, Sergent M. Manz, Shelby Sharron and Jerry Wells. Presenting sponsors, along with Granville County Sheriff Brindell Wilkins, Jr., included Granville County Public Schools, the U.S. Army National Guard and the Boy Scouts of America.
“This program was made possible by a number of local business and individuals who are too numerous to mention,” Sheriff Wilkins remarked. “Because of their support, we were able to offer this valuable training at no charge to the cadets who participated. I would like to personally thank everyone for their contributions and support.”
Plans are already in the works for the 2020 Teen Law Academy. To find out how you can assist in this training program, contact the Granville County Sheriff’s Office at 919-693-3213.
https://wizs.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/Teen-Law-Academy-2019.png265504WIZS Staffhttps://wizs.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/wizswebsitelogoimage.pngWIZS Staff2019-06-26 16:57:092019-06-26 16:57:09Cadets Graduate From Sheriff’s Office Teen Law Academy
Granville County Sheriff Brindell Wilkins, Jr., in partnership with Granville County Public Schools, the U.S. Army National Guard and the Boy Scouts of America, announces the formation of the 2019 Teen Law Academy for high school students ages 15 to 20 years of age.
This free training program is geared toward those interested in a career in law enforcement, the criminal justice system, the U.S. Military or public service. Participants will engage in classroom and hands-on law enforcement activities that expose them to the rigors and demands facing today’s law enforcement officers.
Held at Granville Central High School, the Teen Law Academy is scheduled for June 16 through June 21, where those enrolled will stay on-site for the duration of the training. Certified law enforcement instructors, judges, attorneys, members of the U.S. Army National Guard and other highly-qualified career professionals will provide valuable training which will include firearms and shooting skills, crime scene investigation, K9 drug detection, high-risk felony traffic stops, physical fitness, and other topics.
Training will also include information about the roles of SWAT and special response teams, the Federal Bureau of Investigations, the criminal court system, and use of the U.S. Military Apache Helicopter.
The week-long training program will end with a public graduation ceremony, where scholarships will be awarded to three participants.
Applications are being accepted until May 1 and are available through the student’s school resource officer (SRO) or school counselor. Those interested may also apply through the Granville County Public Schools’ website at www.gcs.k12.nc.us. Since space is limited, it is advised that applications be submitted early.
“We are very excited about the 2019 Teen Law Academy,” Sheriff Wilkins said. “If you think you have what it takes to meet the challenge of this intense, physically demanding training, we invite you to apply.”
https://wizs.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/12/Granville-Co.-Sheriff-Dept..png265504WIZS Staffhttps://wizs.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/wizswebsitelogoimage.pngWIZS Staff2019-04-11 16:55:332019-04-11 16:55:33Granville County Sheriff’s Office Announces Teen Law Academy
Granville County Commissioners approved the transfer of a 2012 Dodge Charger from the Granville County Sheriff’s Office to Vance-Granville Community College’s policing staff at their December 3, 2018 meeting. The vehicle was one of two that had been declared surplus and would have been scheduled for online sale.
This donation is the result of a partnership with VGCC to help meet the needs of our community and our students.
Pictured: Sheriff Brin Wilkins (left) and Sean Newton (right) of Vance-Granville Community College at this week’s vehicle transfer. (Photo courtesy Granville Co. Govt.)
https://wizs.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/Sheriff-Wilkins_Sean-Newton-1.png265504WIZS Staffhttps://wizs.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/wizswebsitelogoimage.pngWIZS Staff2019-03-08 16:56:052019-03-08 16:56:05Granville Co. Sheriff’s Office Approves Transfer of Vehicle to VGCC
The subject, who was driving a silver 2007 Chevrolet Impala, parked by the Smoke Shack (break-room) and exited the vehicle with an assault rifle, wearing a camouflage face mask with round eyelets that draped past the shoulders. It is believed that the suspect is a
Detective Keith Campbell of the Sheriff’s Office requests that anyone with information, or anyone traveling on West Industry Drive near Bandag around the time of the incident, please call Granville County Crime Stoppers at 919-693-3100. 
