Roanoke Rapids Coverage

Mom found shot in car, son called 911 to save her life

A 9-year-old boy called 911 when his mother was shot Wednesday night in Halifax County, according to family members.

Roanoke Rapids police ask for public's help identifying hit-and-run suspect

On Wednesday around 5 p.m., Lieutenant M. Hunsucker responded to a crash in the parking area of a business on Premier Boulevard. The car involved in the crash fled the scene, police said.

WRAL staff

Two men arrested after fisherman finds body of 19-year-old in Roanoke River

Curtis Raheem Sessoms Jr., 22, and Marquel Tyreik Hudson, 22, were arrested in connection with the murder of 19-year-old Sherrod Person, of Roanoke Rapids.

WRAL staff

Virginia man shot, killed in Roanoke Rapids

Police said Jamari Dejon Haskins was shot on Madison Street in Roanoke Rapids just after midnight.

'Emergency! Someone just got hit!': Worker hit by train on CSX railroad tracks

A CSX employee died in a workplace accident on the train tracks in Roanoke Rapids, police said.

Heidi Kirk, WRAL eastern North Carolina reporter

Grandmother charged after infant ingested fentanyl; child is with parents now

According to Roanoke Rapids police, the incident happened on Oct. 21. Officers responded to an unresponsive infant, who they took to the hospital. The child underwent testing, which showed traces of fentanyl in the child's system.

Grandmother arrested Wednesday after fentanyl ingestion by toddler in October

Officers responded to an unresponsive infant in October, who they took to the hospital. The child underwent testing, which showed traces of fentanyl in the child's system. According to authorities, the grandmother, Melissa Ann Johnson, left fentanyl on the floor where the child was able to get to it and ingest it.

WRAL staff

3 people shot in Roanoke Rapids

Police said three people were shot in the 1000 block of Roanoke Avenue.

WRAL staff

Juvenile petitions sought after high-speed chase sends four juveniles to the hospital, Roanoke Rapids police says

The chase started after an officer tried to conduct a traffic stop on Julian R Allsbrook Highway and ended after the vehicle ran through a stop

Carjacking in Roanoke Rapids leads to high-speed chase

The Roanoke Rapids Police Department responded to a carjacking Wednesday, which led to a high-speed chase from Nash County to Weldon.

Carjacking suspect injures 2 Halifax County deputies, crashes into patrol cars during multi-county chase

A high-speed chase that began in Nash County and ended in Weldon resulted in two Halifax County deputies being injured Wednesday.

Willie Daniely and Keenan Willard, WRAL reporters

Before casino proposal died, other localities wanted in on the action

Roanoke Rapids changed its zoning laws this summer to allow a casino at the site of the Roanoke Rapids Theatre.

Brian Murphy and Keenan Willard, WRAL reporter

Proposal: 14 NC counties can apply to bring a casino to town

WRAL News has learned 14 counties have a shot at getting a new casino.

Roanoke Rapids woman charged with stabbing mother several times in front of her child

Roanoke Rapids police arrested a woman for allegedly stabbing a mother several times in the chest in front of her child.

Roanoke Rapids Police arrest man in July homicide

Roanoke Rapids Police Department arrested and charged a man Thursday afternoon regarding a July homicide.

Three people in critical condition after shooting in Roanoke Rapids

Police said two drivers involved in the shooting were also taken to the hospital.

Roanoke Rapids police chief, captain fired after internal investigation

Chief BL Martin and Capt. Jamie Hardy were placed on administrative leave on March 10, and rumors have swirled about allegations against them.

Police union writes letter of support for suspended Roanoke Rapids chief

The North Carolina Police Benevolent Association (NCPBA) has come out in support of Bobby Martin, the Roanoke Rapids police chief suspended from that job last month.

WRAL News

Roanoke Rapids hires outside firm to investigate allegations against police chief, captain

Chief BL Martin and Capt. Jamie Hardy were placed on administrative leave on March 10, and rumors have swirled about allegations against them.

Julian Grace, WRAL anchor/reporter

City council meeting leaves Roanoke Rapids residents with no answers about chief and captain on leave

In less than 24 hours, Roanoke Rapids residents will learn why their Police Chief and Captain were placed on administrative leave. Many in attendance hoped to receive answers about Chief BL Martin and Captain Jamie Hardy, who were placed on administrative leave on March 17 but were left with no answers. WRAL News has learned the statement will be released around 4 p.m. Wednesday.

Roanoke Rapids city manager to release details Wednesday about police chief, captain placed on unpaid leave

Residents in Roanoke Rapids are looking for answers on why the chief of police is on administrative leave.

Julian Grace, WRAL anchor/reporter

Community calls for answers after Roanoke Rapids police chief, captain placed on leave

Two members of the Roanoke Rapids Police Department are on leave, but the reason is not clear.

Roanoke Rapids city council to meet Tuesday after police chief, captain placed on leave

Two high-ranking members of the Roanoke Rapids Police Department are on leave, but the reason is not clear.

Keenan Willard, WRAL reporter

New cameras help Roanoke Rapids police make arrest in U-Haul theft

Police in Roanoke Rapids say automated license plate reading cameras are helping them solve crimes, including an arrest this week for a stolen U-Haul truck.

Keenan Willard, WRAL Eastern North Carolina reporter

$100K Powerball ticket remains unclaimed in North Carolina

Someone who bought a Powerball ticket in North Carolina won -- but hasn't claimed their money yet.