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WHAT: Quarterly meeting of the State Reentry Council Collaborative (SRCC). The SRCC was established by the North Carolina General Assembly and Governor Roy Cooper in 2017 and is managed by the North Carolina Department of Public Safety. The SRCC is made up of representatives from across state and local government whose agency responsibilities intersect with the incarceration or reentry process for people in North Carolina.
The State Highway Patrol and the Charlotte Mecklenburg Police Department are investigating a crash involving a state trooper that occurred today on Tuckaseegee Road and Edgewood Road in Charlotte. Trooper Christopher L. Wooten, a 14-year veteran assigned to the Patrol’s motorcycle unit, was attempting to conduct a traffic stop when the crash occurred. As a result, Wooten was transported to a local hospital where he is listed in critical condition.
On Wednesday, June 26, members of the State Highway Patrol received notification the organization’s promotion process had been put on hold due to an allegation the testing process had been compromised. Based on the serious nature of this allegation, an internal investigation was immediately initiated. Contact was made with N.C. State University, the promotion process Program Administrator, to make them aware of the complaint and to request that they conduct an independent investigation.
As the July Fourth Holiday approaches, the State Highway Patrol is encouraging motorists to focus on safe driving while traveling to their intended destinations. As traffic is expected to increase throughout the week, troopers will be out in full force monitoring driver behavior.
Authorities have identified Enrique Lopez, 26, of Smithfield as the suspect in yesterday’s pursuit involving a state trooper in Johnston County. Lopez was attempting to elude law enforcement while fleeing in a stolen tow truck on US 70 Business. During the pursuit, Lopez began shooting at pursuing troopers who then returned fire as they neared the city of Clayton. The pursuit concluded as Lopez crashed into a tree on the eastbound shoulder of US 70 Business.
On Monday, July 1st, at approximately 4:23 p.m. the State Highway Patrol attempted to stop a stolen tow truck on Black Creek Rd. in Johnston County after receiving a call for assistance by local authorities. As the pursuit traveled onto US 70 Business west the driver of the stolen tow truck began shooting at pursuing troopers who then returned fire as they neared the city of Clayton.
Ten new and five recently promoted officers with the State Capitol Police were sworn in on Wednesday in a formal ceremony at the Justice Building in Raleigh.Officers Edward Farmer, Brian Alston, Kenneth Blackwell, Jr, Michael Davis, Jr., John Donnelly, Gene Lambert, Michael Mullins, Shawn Smith, Casey Miller and Deputy Chief Terry Green were all welcomed to the agency by Chief R.E. “Chip” Hawley, who provided opening remarks.
MEDIA ADVISORY: Governor’s Crime Commission Meets Thursday in Raleigh
Governor Roy Cooper has issued a proclamation declaring June as Safety Month in North Carolina, urging individuals and employers to be proactive in reducing risk by following basic safety rules and practices.
Public Safety Secretary Erik A. Hooks announced two appointments to key roles in Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice. Tim Moose will serve as Chief Deputy Secretary of the division effective June 1. Following a nationwide search, Todd Ishee (pronounced ISH-ee) has been named Commissioner of Prisons effective June 24. “I am extremely grateful to both of these gentlemen for taking on these important leadership roles,” Secretary Hooks said. “The combination of their vast experience and expertise in Corrections is vitally important to our public safety mission.”