News Release

May 6, 2016

“I am proud to serve as Harnett County Sheriff.  I believe in, and value, our deputies and staff who work in stressful roles whether that is on the road as a deputy, in our 911 center answering emergency calls, or in our detention center monitoring those incarcerated.  They show me daily how dedicated they are to doing their best to serve the citizens of Harnett County. 

Last year alone our deputies responded to more than 45-thousand calls for help from the public and our investigators solved more burglary cases than the national average of other similar agencies .  I hope you will give us the opportunity to work with federal investigators before reaching a conclusion in anything you hear in the public or read online.

As for the federal investigation reported on in the media, I believe it is appropriate for me to limit my comments regarding the situations under investigation.  I can confirm the Harnett County Sheriff’s Office has received requests from the United States Attorney’s Office regarding matters related to recent media reports. We take these allegations very seriously and are taking action.  Our priority is public safety for both Harnett County citizens and the officers who serve to protect us every day. 

We are in the process of retaining outside counsel to assist the Sheriff’s office in:

• evaluating any and all claims of police misconduct;
• immediately reviewing current protocols and procedures; and
• considering additional procedures.

All of this is in an effort to serve our citizens in an honorable way and restore any public trust which may have been lost in the Harnett County Sheriff’s office.  As Sheriff, I am committed to maintaining the highest standards of accountability for our employees.  The citizens of Harnett County should expect nothing less.”

Sheriff Wayne Coats

Erwin Fire & EMS have been dispatched to a vehicle VS Pedestrian, reports are indicating that it was a 10 year old involved. No word on condition of pedestrian.

Reports are indicating that a 12 year old male was involved in a fatal  4 wheeler accident this afternoon near the 2400 block of McNeil Rd in Broadway. No other information has been released.

According to source’s Sheriff Larry Rollins resigned from his role as sheriff of Harnett County during county commissioners meeting. Major Wayne Coats will serve as Sheriff until elections are held this November.

An early morning wreck near Bill Avery Rd between Buies Creek and Coats left one man with minor injuries after he lost control and rolled his suv striking a tree. Buies Creek Fire & Rescue and Harnett emergency agencies assisted.

Harnett County Sheriff’s Office:

This morning, just before noon, Deputies were called to 525 Caley Dr. Fuquay-Varina in reference to assault victims. Two gunshot victims were located at the scene. Both were transported to Wake Medical Center. It appears that the incident occurred outside of the residence located at 525 Caley Dr. We are currently looking for a Chev. Malibu, tan or brown in color (with after market chrome wheels) which may have left the scene and was occupied by four black males.
No arrest have been made. A motive for the shooting has not been determined at this time.
We are asking anyone with information to contact the Sheriff’s Office (910-893-9111).

The two victims:
Herman Douglas. B/M, 21 YOA of 525 Caley Dr.
Terry McLean, B/M, 20 YOA of 1012 Phelps West Rd. Fuquay-Varina

We will release updates as information becomes available.

STEWART RUNNING FOR RE-ELECTION

Vernon Stewart Announces Intention to Keep the District 11A Seat

LILLINGTON, NC – Vernon Stewart kicked off his re-election campaign today for District Attorney of Lee and Harnett Counties. He is running to keep his seat as the District 11A prosecutor.

“After encouragement from my family and the law enforcement community, I am pleased to announce that I am running for re-election to continue serving the citizens of Harnett and Lee County as District Attorney,” Stewart said.

“I am proud of the innovations this office has made in the last five years in how we prevent and prosecute crimes. We are at the forefront in developing and implementing programs like the first of its kind Veterans Court in North Carolina, which has been used as a model around the state. We’ve worked with the Federal Government and the US Attorney’s Office to initiate Project Safe Neighborhood in Lee County that has helped reduce violent crime over the past year. I plan to keep working on these and other programs as well as seeking new ways to better meet our community’s unique challenges.”

Stewart is a lifelong resident of Harnett County. He earned a B.B.A. from Campbell University as well as his Juris Doctorate from the Campbell University School of Law. Prior to becoming District Attorney in 2011, Stewart spent 25 years in private practice, during which time he participated as lead counsel or co-counsel in over 75 jury trials in the District, Superior and Federal Courts.  He has served as the Erwin Town Attorney, practiced criminal defense and family law and is a certified Family Law Financial Mediator. He has been a member of First Presbyterian Church in Dunn for 40 years. He and his wife of 30 years Caron live in Erwin where they raised their two children, Kirkland and Maggie.

Candidate filing for the 2016 election cycle begins Tuesday, December 1, 2015.

For more information about District Attorney Vernon Stewart, visit: www.electvernonstewart.com.

John Sauls, Lee County Republican, announced at the Lee County GOP Men’s Club that he will be a candidate for House District 5. The seat is currently held by Brad Salmon, a Democrat from Harnett County.

Harnett Central Middle Bullying Video Goes Viral on Facebook

According to sources a parent posted this video on Facebook showing the general public that her child has been a victim of bullying, the post states that this has been going on for a while and every time it happens that her son is suspended because there is no witness. The Harnett Dispatch reached out to the Parent and administration and for comment but was unable to reach either party. The video posted is not of high quality therefore the Identities of those involved have been concealed.

Firefighters Fight Blazing House Fire early Sunday Morning

At  12:30AM Sunday morning crews from Angier, Buies Creek, Coats, and West Johnston county fire departments were dispatched to a residential house fire at 194 Guy Rd in Angier. Upon arrival Angier fire command reported heavy smoke and flames showing from the structure and requested mutual aid units from neighboring districts. The crews were successful in putting out the fire and turned over the scene to the Fire Marshals office for further investigation.