BERTIE COUNTY — Authorities have obtained arrest warrants for an Aulander man in connection with a break-in at a Hexlena church earlier this year, the Bertie County Sheriff’s Office announced.

Allegedly breaking into a church!? Long sigh…

Joseph Herman Daniels, 43, of Aulander, faces multiple charges including Break/Enter Place of Worship, Felony Larceny Chose in Action, Forgery of Instrument, Felony Possession of Stolen Goods, and Felony Uttering Forged Endorsement, according to the Sheriff’s Office Criminal Investigations Division, according to the Bertie County Sheriff’s Office.

The case dates back to June 26, when a break-in was reported at Conocanary Baptist Church in Hexlena. Surveillance footage from the church captured a suspect entering and exiting the building, giving investigators an early lead.

Detectives said they were ultimately able to connect Daniels to the break-in after a forged check tied to the incident was cashed. Investigators credited a combination of technology, careful police work, and cooperation from the church for helping build the case that led to the warrants.

Daniels was already in custody at the Hertford County Jail on unrelated charges when the new warrants were issued. He was formally served on September 8 and remains held at the Hertford County Jail.

The Bertie County Sheriff’s Office said the investigation into the case is now closed following the arrest.

Sheriff’s Office Investigating Fatal Shooting of Edenton Man in Colerain

COLERAIN — The Bertie County Sheriff’s Office is investigating the fatal shooting of a 19-year-old Edenton man, found dead on the side of a rural road last week.

Sheriff Ruffin said there are no updates at this time regarding the case.

Deputies received a call around 3:51 p.m. on September 7 reporting a shooting near Nowell Farm Road and Meadow Road in Colerain. When deputies arrived roughly 12 minutes later, they found Quadarius Holloman on the ground, dead from multiple gunshot wounds.

The Bertie County Sheriff’s Office is now working alongside the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation as detectives interview witnesses and follow up on leads in the case. No arrests had been announced as of this report.

Investigators also issued a warning to the public this week, asking people to stop circulating a photo of Holloman that has been shared widely on social media. Authorities cautioned that phones found to have shared the image could be seized as evidence in the ongoing investigation.

The Sheriff’s Office is asking anyone with information about the shooting to come forward and contact investigators.

This story will be updated as more information becomes available.

Elizabeth City: Fatal Crash on Halstead Boulevard Extension, Weapons Arrest on South Hughes Boulevard

Officers responded to a motor vehicle collision on Friday, September 11, 2026, at approximately 9:15 a.m., in the area of Halstead Boulevard Extension at Mt. Everest Drive. Investigators determined that a 2017 Ford Explorer struck the rear of a detached trailer after an 18-wheeler hauling equipment had stopped prior to the intersection to unload.

The driver of the Ford Explorer sustained significant injuries and was pronounced deceased at approximately 9:23 a.m. by Pasquotank County EMS.

Police Chief Eddie Graham extended condolences to the family, stating the department would keep them “in our thoughts and prayers as they navigate this heartbreaking loss.” The investigation remains active and ongoing, with officers and investigators using all available resources to determine the circumstances surrounding the crash.

Traffic Stop Leads to Weapons Arrest

In a separate incident the day before, on Thursday, September 10, 2026, at approximately 2:40 p.m., an officer conducted a traffic stop on South Hughes Boulevard. Probable cause established during the stop allowed officers to search the vehicle, resulting in the seizure of a firearm modified to allow for automatic fire.

Arrested was Shamaurie Downing, 21, of the 1200 block of Ocean Highway in South Hertford, NC. Downing was processed and transported to Albemarle District Jail, where he is being held on an $11,000 secured bond. His first court appearance took place September 11, 2026, at 9:30 a.m. in Pasquotank County District Court.

Downing faces two charges:

• Carrying a Concealed Weapon (misdemeanor)
• Weapon of Mass Destruction (felony)

Tip Lines Remain Open

Both cases remain active and ongoing investigations. The Elizabeth City Police Department is urging anyone with information related to either incident to come forward through any of the following confidential and anonymous channels:

• Elizabeth City Police Department: (252) 335-4321
• Crime Line: (252) 335-5555
• FUSUS Text-a-Tip: (252) 390-8477

All tips can be submitted anonymously and will be treated with the utmost confidentiality. For media inquiries, contact Chief of Police Eddie Graham at (252) 621-7100 or egraham@elizabethcitync.gov.

Washington County

The following persons have been arrested and booked into the Washington County Detention Center. All persons are presumed innocent of these preliminary charges pending court action.

September 4

• Tyler J. Belton, 31, Edenton. Released.
• Frankie Lane Brown, 48, Roper, probation violation. Released.
• Raequan Shakel Moore, 30, Plymouth, assault with a deadly weapon with intent to kill inflicting serious injury. Being held.

September 8

• Keyontee Dequae Brown, 43, Plymouth, misdemeanor larceny. Released.
• Nandell Lamon Webb, 47, Roper, criminal contempt. Being held.

September 9

• Robert Charles Tyler, 46, Butner, violation of court order. Being held.

PLYMOUTH POLICE REPORTS

The following incidents were reported to the Plymouth Police Department:

September 5

• First-degree burglary and larceny of a dog, 210 Quail Drive, Plymouth, 9:25 a.m.

September 6

• Misdemeanor larceny, Royal Farms, 36 US 64 West, Plymouth, 4:45 a.m.

September 8

• Unattended death, 2029 US Hwy 64 PVA, Plymouth, 10:12 a.m.

September 9

• Misdemeanor larceny, Piggly Wiggly, 444 US Highway 64 East, Plymouth, 12:40 p.m.

Perquimans Sheriff

• Jerry Midget of Hertford was charged with being a habitual felon on Sept. 4. Bond set at $250,000 secured.  
• Jawaun Wilson of Hertford was charged with assault inflicting serious injury on Sept. 8. Bond set at $3,000 secured.  
• Deon Lister of Elizabeth City was charged with identity theft on Sept. 9. Bond set at $5,000 secured.  
• Isaac White of Hertford was charged with second-degree trespassing on Sept. 9. Bond set at $5,000 secured. 

Edenton Police

Haven’t received those reports as yet, but will update this listing as soon as I do.

List of the Ten Commandments

1. You shall have no other gods before me.
2. You shall make no idols.
3. You shall not take the name of the Lord your God in vain.
4. Keep the Sabbath day holy.
5. Honor your father and your mother.
6. You shall not murder.
7. You shall not commit adultery.
8. You shall not steal.
9. You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor.
10. You shall not covet.