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Suspected bank robber arrested at Surf City motel

David Sharlow (Source: Onslow County Sheriff's Office)

SNEADS FERRY, NC (WECT) - The Onslow County Sheriff's Office arrested a suspected bank robber in Surf City Thursday around 5:30 p.m., according to a spokesperson with the sheriff's office.

Authorities say David Sharlow robbed the First Citizens Bank in Sneads Ferry Thursday afternoon, giving a cashier a note demanding all of her money.

The suspect also allegedly told the cashier he would kill her if she didn't give him the money.

He later left the bank, fleeing in a dark-colored SUV.

Authorities sent out photos of the suspect to media outlets, and soon began receiving calls that revealed the suspect's name.

Authorities then began searching for Sharlow and the woman they describe as his "lady friend," Kimberly Dawn Pleasant. Sharlow was located and taken into custody at a Surf City motel.

Some of the money was recovered, and other was evidence seized from Sharlow and Pleasant, connecting them to the robbery.

Surf City Police crime stats for May 7-13

Surf City Police crime stats for May 7-13

SURF CITY, NC (WECT) - The Surf City Police Department released the following crime statistics for May 7-13:

CALLS FOR SERVICE

  • 2 UNSECURED BUILDINGS
  • 4 ASSIST CITIZENS
  • 2 VEHICLE UNLOCKS
  • 2 CITIZEN COMPLAINTS
  • 1 TRAFFIC ACCIDENT
  • 1 BREAKING ENTERING & LARCENY
  • 1 SUSPICIOUS PERSON
  • 4 DISTURBANCES
  • 1 ANIMAL COMPLAINT
  • 2 SURFING COMPLAINTS
  • 3 ALARM ACTIVATIONS
  • 1 UNATTENDED DEATH INVESTIGATION
  • 1 ASSAULT
  • 1 DOMESTIC DISTURBANCE

ARRESTS

  • 3 DRIVING WHILE IMPAIRED
  • 1 FLEEING TO ELUDE ARREST

CITATIONS

'Swatting' is a dangerous trend, says Pender law officials

PENDER COUNTY, NC (WECT)- A possible double murder call came to the Pender County 911 center in March. It was an intoxicated man, saying he had just shot his wife and would kill his son if the cops didn't come in the next 5 minutes-- but it was all a prank.

Several units arrived to the area of the call including the Pender County Sheriff's Office NC State Highway Patrol, Pender EMS, and Surf City Fire Department. However, no one could seem to find the address the caller stated. The general area was sealed off and law enforcement spoke with several neighbors of the caller -- they all attested that the said address didn't exist.

Surf City Police crime stats for April 23-29

Surf City Police crime stats for April 23-29

SURF CITY, NC (WECT) - The Surf City Police Department released the following crime statistics for April 23-29:

CALLS FOR SERVICE

  • 2 UNSECURED BUILDINGS
  • 3 ASSIST CITIZENS
  • 2 VEHICLE UNLOCKS
  • 4 CITIZEN COMPLAINTS
  • 2 ALARM ACTIVATIONS
  • 3 TRAFFIC ACCIDENTS
  • 2 NOISE COMPLAINTS

Man pleads guilty to killing stepfather, sentenced to life in prison

James Gorby (Source: NHCSO)

PENDER COUNTY, NC (WECT) – The man accused of killing his stepfather pleaded guilty in Pender County court. A judge sentenced James Gorby to life in prison without parole for killing Roger Mock in September 2011.

District Attorney, Ben David, says James Gorby was robbing his stepfather, Roger Mock's, home and when Roger interrupted, he says Gorby shot and killed him.
While the question of why may never be answered, Roger's son said being able to speak to Gorby in court on Tuesday brought him much needed closure. Roger Mock II told Gorby he loved him and forgave him.

Cross-county police chase ends in arrest

Edward A. Gibson (Source: Jacksonville Police Dept.)

HOLLY RIDGE, NC (WECT) - The Jacksonville Police Department was able to arrest a suspect after a cross county chase that went from Onslow County into Pender County Saturday.

Officers say, they were called to the Triangle Mobile Home Park on Saturday night to remove an impaired subject from a home. When they arrived, they say the suspect, Edward A. Gibson, reportedly fled, driving down Highway 17 to Pender County.

The Holly Ridge Police Department set up tire deflation devices, which the suspect reportedly drove over and then kept going.

The Jacksonville Police Department set up a second set of deflation devices, Gibson reportedly tried to hit the officers deploying the devices. Police say the chase then ended when the vehicle became disabled from the deflated tires.

22-year-old Gibson faces several charges including:

Highway Patrol: Daytime DWIs less likely, despite recent crashes

PENDER COUNTY, NC (WECT) - Highway Patrol Troopers say daytime DWIs are still less likely than nighttime DWIs, despite two recent crashes that occurred in a 24-hour-period.

Tuesday around 3 p.m., 7-year-old Alyiah McKenzie Morgan, was hit and killed by a log truck driver in Sampson County. Johnny Spell, the truck driver, now faces several charges, including DWI.

Wednesday around 4 p.m., Jatha Sheppard, was riding his motorcycle in Surf City when he was hit by a van, driven by 84-year-old Robert Knight.

Knight's van dragged Sheppard 104 feet before crashing into another car and pinning Sheppard between both vehicles. Knight also faces DWI charges.

Officers say most DWIs happen at night and on weekends, when people don't have to work.

However, just because they are rare, officers say they still happen.