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Operation Bearclaw yields hundreds of citations

Operation Bearclaw yields hundreds of citations

NEW HANOVER COUNTY, NC (WECT) – Hundreds of people were cited in New Hanover and Brunswick Counties last week as a result of the State Highway Patrol’s Operation Bearclaw.  Patrols were in full force starting April 9 through April 15. 

Nearly 120 people were cited for driving while impaired and 137 were charged for reckless driving.

Dozens of people were cited for other violations, including underage consumption, drug paraphernalia, not wearing a seatbelt and other driver violations.

Here’s the total breakdown from the State Highway Patrol:

  • Driving While Impaired: 119
  • Drive after consuming <21: 9
  • Other Implied Consent Violations: 11
  • Drug Violations: 3
  • Drug Paraphernalia Violations: 3
  • Reckless Driving Violations: 137
  • Seat Belt Violations: 29
  • Child Restraint Violations: 4
  • Improper Passing Violations: 1
  • Stop Sign Violations: 5
  • Equipment Violations: 36
  • Left of Center Violations: 10
  • Driver Violations: 96
  • Registration Violations: 52
  • Yield Violations: 6
  • Other Violations: 44

Copyright 2012 WECT. All rights reserved.

More than 800 cited during 'No Need 2 Speed' campaign

More than 800 cited during 'No Need 2 Speed' campaign

NEW HANOVER COUNTY, NC (WECT) – More than 12,000 people were cited during the “No Need 2 Speed” campaign earlier this month, according to the Governor’s Highway Safety Program.

“State and local law enforcement agencies made a tremendous effort to make our highways safer and to remind motorists to obey the speed limit during this campaign,” said Becky Wallace, director of GHSP.

A total of 13,435 drivers were cited for speeding during the campaign, and a total of 39,150 traffic and criminal citations were issued statewide.

There were a total of 840 traffic and criminal violations in New Hanover County.  Of those, 408 drivers were cited for speeding and 27 were cited for DWIs.

Copyright 2012 WECT. All rights reserved.

WANTED: 2 men accused of trafficking LSD, growing mushrooms

WANTED: 2 men accused of trafficking LSD, growing mushrooms

CAROLINA BEACH, NC (WECT) – Officers in Carolina Beach are looking for two men accused of trafficking LSD and housing a mushroom growing operation.

According to the police department, officers went to a home on Raleigh Avenue April 7 to respond to a “call for service.”  While they were there, a vice/narcotics officer executed a search warrant of the property.

Officers found and seized liquid LSD, LSD blotter paper, a Psilocybin mushroom growing operation, suspected Psilocybin mushroom chocolates and drug paraphernalia.

Police have arrest warrants out for Ryan Kenneth Smith and Michael Joseph Delaney for trafficking LSD; felony conspiracy; manufacture of schedule I; possession with intent to manufacture; sell and deliver; maintaining a dwelling for the use/sale of a controlled substance; possession of schedule II; and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Anyone with information regarding the whereabouts of Smith or Delaney are asked to contact the Carolina Beach Police Department at (910) 458-2540 or their tip line at (910) 458-1246.

Copyright 2012 WECT. All rights reserved

Case closed: Former Carolina Beach leaders in the clear

CAROLINA BEACH, NC (WECT) – An SBI investigation into the former mayor of Carolina Beach and two council members has been closed, according to former councilman Dan Wilcox.

In 2011, the SBI was asked by District Attorney Ben David to investigate former Mayor Joel Macon and council members Dan Wilcox and Pat Efird.

The investigation stemmed from several allegations against the former town leaders outlined in a 12-page letter to the district attorney and Attorney General Roy Cooper.

The letter was sparked by concerns surrounding the purchase of property on Carolina Beach Avenue by the town of Carolina Beach.

Wilcox said he was notified Monday morning that the investigation had been closed and no wrongdoings were found with any of the Carolina Beach town leaders.

CHARGED: Family of thieves caught breaking and entering

NEW HANOVER COUNTY, NC (WECT) – Deputies with the New Hanover County Sheriff's Office arrested a group of thieves for breaking and entering and larceny Tuesday.

According to Sgt. JJ Brewer, the owner of a vacant home on Carolina Beach Road stopped by the residence because he noticed a vehicle at the house. When he stopped, the owner noticed metal and copper were missing from the home and saw four men leaving.

The homeowner told authorities three of the men left in a vehicle and one ran away to a wooded area. Deputies quickly arrived and were able to arrested 24-year-old William Daniel Watkins who was hiding in the woods, according to Brewer.

Brewer said more deputies responded and noticed a vehicle matching the description provided in Snows Cut Park. They made contact with the driver and arrested Timothy Edward Watkins, 22.

PHOTOS: WPD needs public’s help to identify two suspects

WILMINGTON, NC (WECT) – The Wilmington Police Department needs the public's help to identify two suspects involved in several recent break-ins.

Officials released surveillance photos on Wednesday afternoon from inside a local store where the suspects tried to use a stolen credit card.

Investigators believe they may have valuable information related to several pending cases, according to WPD spokesperson Lucy Crockett.

Anyone who can identify either person in the photos should call the WPD at 910-343-3600. Information may also be submitted anonymously through Text-A-Tip by sending Tip708 and the message to CRIMES (274637).

Copyright 2012 WECT. All rights reserved.