Moore assisted living facility locked down during police investigation

An assisted living facility in Southern Pines was locked down Sunday as police investigated an "untimely death."

Police have provided few details of the incident at Penick Village, at 500 E. Rhode Island Ave., saying only that an employee witnessed something involving a female resident.

But Penick Village Chief Executive Jeffrey Hutchins issued a statement stating that an incident involving a resident occurred Sunday morning.

"There are no words to express the heartbreak over this incident. We send our deepest sympathies and condolences to the loved ones of the resident involved and the entire Penick Village family," Hutchins said.

Police responded to ensure the safety of residents and staff, he said, declining to provide details because of the ongoing investigation.