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1f34153c-c24a-45aa-9a73-621805a7b07f < Back MAN FACES DRUG TRAFFICKING AND RELATED CHARGES March 2, 2026 Hillsborough, NC (March 2, 2025) – A deputy with the Orange County Sheriff’s Office conducted a traffic stop on Saturday, February 28, 2026. After searching the vehicle, he charged 48-year-old David Anthony Evans, of Hillsborough, with multiple drug related offenses, including trafficking cocaine. The deputy initially stopped the car because he learned the license plate was revoked and he suspected that the driver may not be properly insured. After running the driver’s operator license through a database, learning his history of prior drug convictions, and smelling the odor of green marijuana coming from the car, the deputy began a probable cause search. He located 81 grams of marijuana in the passenger compartment, and more than 190 grams of cocaine in the trunk. On scene, the deputy issued a written warning for operating a motor vehicle without insurance. He then transported Evans to the magistrate’s office, where he formally charged him with the following felonies: trafficking cocaine, possession with the intent to sell and deliver cocaine, possession of cocaine, possession with the intent to sell and deliver marijuana, possession of marijuana, and maintaining a vehicle for the manufacture, sale, or delivery of a controlled substance. Evans also faces one count of misdemeanor possession of drug paraphernalia. The magistrate remanded him to the Detention Center under no bond, given the seriousness of the charges. At the defendant’s first appearance today, the district court judge set a secured bond of $100,000 for Evans. Currently, he remains in custody. Previous Next 1/0

f17dc9e6-ada1-48ed-8f6a-d9366c631115 < Back ADDITIONAL CHARGE FILED IN ROAD RAGE CASE October 10, 2025 Hillsborough, NC (October 10, 2025)- Last night, the Orange County Sheriff’s Office (OCSO) swore out a warrant against Samantha Russo for discharge firearm within enclosure to incite fear. When the warrant was served this evening, an Orange County Magistrate set a $10,000.00 secured bond for the defendant on this Class F felony. The charge stemmed from a road rage incident that occurred Sunday night, October 5, 2025. After receiving a 911 call, deputies pulled over the vehicle in which Russo, 36, was travelling. At the time of the traffic stop on Lebanon Road in Efland, deputies charged Russo with assault by pointing a firearm and seized the gun. OCSO officers also cited Nicholas Howle, 37, with aggressive driving and driving with an open container. Russo and Howle both live in Efland. The victims in the case reported that a red Honda Civic drove aggressively, passed them in a no-passing zone, and then cut back into their lane of travel. Then, the Civic stopped and Russo got out of the car and pointed a weapon at the passenger side of the victims’ vehicle before getting back into the car. As Howle resumed driving, the witnesses said Russo pointed the weapon out the window, toward the sky, and fired it twice. Prior to taking out the charges Sunday night, deputies reviewed relevant statutes and consulted with their supervisor. Because Russo did not fire the gun directly at a person, discharge the weapon into the victims’ car or dwelling place, or cause physical injury to anyone, deputies did not think they had probable cause to swear out a felony charge. On Monday morning, as is standard practice in complicated cases, investigators and administrators, including the sheriff’s legal advisor, continued to review the facts and circumstances of the traffic stop. The legal advisor found a recent North Carolina Court of Appeals ruling from August 2025, where the court analyzed the language of General Statutes § 14-34.10. In this case of first impression, the Court dedicated 14 pages of its decision to determining the meaning of the singular word ‘within’ that appears in the statute. The Court employed ordinary rules of grammar and canons of statutory interpretation and held that this statute requires that only the “person who willfully . . . discharges a firearm” with the intent to incite fear in another be within one’s own vehicle. (Their analysis ruled out alternate interpretations such as requiring both the person discharging the firearm and the victim be within the same occupied vehicle. The Court also rejected the assertion that this statute requires discharging a weapon into an occupied vehicle or building.) Investigators consulted with the District Attorney’s office, and the DA supported adding the felony charge. Sheriff Charles Blackwood said, “I believe my deputies tried earnestly to do the right thing Sunday night. They spoke with all parties, collected evidence, and consulted with their supervisors to identify charges appropriate to the facts. It is not standard practice for deputies to take out misdemeanor charges for crimes that happen outside their presence; however, given the seriousness of the situation, they issued citations to compel the defendants to court. Still, I offer my apology to the victims in this case, as I understand their feeling that misdemeanor charges did not match the fear and trauma they experienced. I hope they take comfort that my staff and I did not stop after serving the citations. On Monday, we engaged our investigators, involved our attorney, identified a possibly applicable felony charge, and sought the District Attorney’s support. I hope these actions demonstrate that we take road rage situations very seriously.” Russo is still in custody as of 6:45 pm; and her court date is Monday at 2:00 pm. ### Previous Next 1/0

9e27dee2-07cb-49a0-8fdb-d6088e70f68c #30, Missing People November 24, 2021 Sheriff Charles S. Blackwood Missing person cases typically involve people who run away, wander off, get lost, or deliberately disappear. We rarely work a true abduction or kidnapping case, but such a situation is always possible. People should call 911 immediately if they discover a loved one missing. It is a myth that a person must be missing for 24 hours before deputies will take a report. Call immediately, and let us get started. We appreciate the interest our missing person cases receive, especially on social media. People share our posts, helping them reach a wider audience, and resulting in a greater number of people looking. However, a social media audience tends to question, speculate, and make inappropriate requests, such as pressuring us to put out an Amber alert, even if the case clearly does not qualify for one. If we respond to these posts to educate and reassure people, we are distracted from the more important task of locating the missing person. We rarely reveal information about a missing person case beyond providing a physical description and a very broad statement, such as “Deputies are concerned for Person’s name well-being.” If the person has dementia or is suicidal, he or she is entitled to medical privacy. If a person “snapped” under the weight of personal pressures, publically discussing those will do nothing to lessen that burden. A description of the person aids efforts to locate him or her; highly sensitive information does not. Any press release or social media post will remain on the Internet for all time. We want to minimize the impact of the crisis on the person’s future social relationships, employment opportunities, or political aspirations. The person’s current and long term well-being are more important than the curiosity of strangers. Sometimes we receive suggestions in the comments on Facebook. People tell us to ask other jurisdictions to look for the license plate, check find my phone apps, alert the media, contact friends, or check the hospitals. Let me assure readers – these are all things we routinely do, and they are only the tip of the iceberg. This is not our first rodeo! In one recent case, we had several convincing indicators the missing person voluntarily left his or her last known location in a vehicle. Multiple people wanted to know why we weren’t organizing a search party. What would that look like? Where would we start? On the ground grid searches certainly have their place; such as when a person with dementia wanders away from home on foot, when a small child slips away, or when a hiker gets lost in the woods. Those cases have a starting point, and we can establish reasonable search parameters. We do not have these in a runaway-type case, especially when the person has a vehicle. We have three primary databases at our disposal. We always enter the missing person into the National Crime Information Center (NCIC), a system used by more than 80,000 agencies. If the person comes into contact with a law enforcement officer, a simple check will reveal the person’s status as missing and provide information about who to contact. This database is useful if the person ends up unconscious, at a hospital, in a car wreck, or if they surface asking for help. Once entered into NCIC, there are two types of specialty alerts the investigating agency can pursue. Silver Alerts are used for missing and endangered people over age 65, or for a person with mental or cognitive disabilities (regardless of age) which place them at increased risk of harm. Amber Alerts are issued only when a person 17 years old or younger is believed to have been abducted and is not thought to be a runaway. The abduction must have been reported to and investigated by a law enforcement agency. Such alerts are issued only by the North Carolina Center for Missing Persons – we cannot issue one. If we apply and the case does not qualify, the application is immediately rejected, and we might see our credibility suffer – making it harder to justify future requests. Amber Alerts, by law, are only used in the rare cases that qualify for them. If they are overused, people will not give them the urgent attention they deserve. If you need help finding a missing person, call us immediately. Tell us everything you know; we will protect sensitive information. Help us publicize the person’s description. Understand what Amber and Silver alerts are, and trust us to use them when appropriate. Previous Next

9bd42668-4103-47da-b5c7-bf84483c7198 #26, Hiring and Retention July 28, 2021 Sheriff Charles S. Blackwood Recently, several news reporters have inquired about our profession, our staffing levels, and whether we are finding it difficult to hire and retain deputies. Let me give you The Lowdown on these important and interconnected issues. I often hear about local agencies operating with severe personnel shortages. In contrast, my office is well-staffed. We only have two open positions for deputy sheriffs. We have not needed to post openings or actively seek candidates; however, we are constantly looking for the best and the brightest. My team is aware that we are all passively recruiting every day through our actions, our social media, our web page, our phone app, our videos, and our presence at community events. Often people end up applying here after asking a deputy about his or her job. Still more apply when I or a member of my command staff notices someone in the community with strong interpersonal skills or a good work ethic and we inquire, “Have you ever thought about working in law enforcement?” Since August of 2020, we have hired six experienced officers who came to us from other agencies. Meanwhile, we gained six new deputies in June following their recent graduation from our Basic Law Enforcement Training Academy. It is nice to have a mix of veteran and new deputies. One group brings experience and an understanding of what it really means to be a sworn public safety officer; the other brings new energy and an eagerness to learn to protect and serve “our way.” There has been plenty of media coverage about bad police officers and the “hardship” of increased public scrutiny under which public safety professionals currently work. I encourage my employees to adopt a different mindset. I think this is a fabulous time to begin a public service career. This job is complicated and difficult, and there are many people who see the uniform and make incorrect judgements about the content of the wearer’s character. We can’t do anything about either of those facts. However, we can dedicate ourselves to doing the right thing, at the right time, in the right way, and for the right reason. When that is the goal, the job is in many ways a simple one, and it is an extremely rewarding one. We recognize the golden opportunity we have to exceed expectations every day, and to change incorrect judgements into positive opinions. There are also practical matters which make serving the community as a deputy an inviting prospect. Law enforcement is a professional career. Although a college education is beneficial, it is not required. Once hired and trained, there is room for an individual to explore his or her interests and move into a more specialized role. For example, some of our deputies are K-9 handlers; others are drone operators, evidence technicians, members of our motorcycle unit, and crime scene investigators. Deputies receive a competitive benefits package, a career ladder, and a pension plan. Don’t get me wrong. I am not trying to sell law enforcement as all rainbows and roses. It is not. Deputies face repeated exposure to critical incidents. Responding to death scenes, domestic calls, car crashes, and violent crimes requires one to suppress personal feelings in order to carry out the responsibilities of the job. Encountering the unpredictable behavior of mentally ill individuals or people impaired by substances is difficult. Serving during a time when people doubt your ethics, your integrity, and your motivation can be draining. All of these things are difficult to share with loved ones, in part because we don’t want to expose them, even second hand, to the darker underbelly of community life. Therefore, my command staff and I work hard to provide support and resources to help our people cope with these challenges. My life’s work is in a valuable profession, one with job-security and the incredible opportunity to make a difference. One of our new deputies talks about looking forward to the tiny moments – the near daily opportunity to help, direct, comfort, reassure, counsel, or support during both routine encounters and difficult times. Even when we write a citation or arrest someone, and the interaction is not pleasant, we know our work is making other people safer. There’s an old adage that everyone is selling something. I certainly am. I sell community confidence and safety, and I’m always looking for people to help me do it. Previous Next

1797c67e-9939-441d-8bca-e2d13f4e960f #64, School Safety Threats and Rumors September 25, 2024 Sheriff Charles S. Blackwood Earlier this month, we faced a flurry of online messages raising concern about school safety. Most were vague or made in other counties and states but later viewed by someone locally. In one case, we learned of a post referencing “OCMS.” We do not have a school in our district known by those initials, but we had to consider whether the post intended to reference Orange Middle School (OMS). Later, we learned the post referred to Otter Creek Middle School in Terra Haute, Indiana. Many school districts are wrestling with similar issues. Authorities in Georgia recently charged more than 30 people in connection with threats made against the safety of educational property. Law enforcement officers in several other states also reported arrests. We know that parents appreciate transparency and the opportunity to make informed choices. In that spirit, we notify the community when we learn of rumors. However, we are also aware that even talking about vague, unsubstantiated concerns raises anxiety and increases absenteeism. Neither of these is good for anyone. We take disturbing social media posts and emails seriously. No leader charged with community safety can afford to do otherwise. Even when we are unable to substantiate a threat, we increase our law enforcement presence at schools as a precaution, and we work with school system staff to inform the community. Sharing information when concerns are vague, non-specific, and unsubstantiated may have the unintended effect of creating white noise. I am reminded of the Aesop fable known as “The Boy Who Cried Wolf,” and I ask myself if these repeated warnings will eventually dilute concern to the point where people ignore critical threats. However, as we move forward, we will continue to inform people of concerns or rumors. We will also notify the community about credible and verified threats to the safety of the school community. We hope people recognize that there is a difference, and we will do our best to make it crystal clear by the words we choose. The school population needs to be safe from violence, and free from the interruption, fear, and distraction that whispers and inuendo cause. Arrests are increasing across the country for communicating a threat of mass violence on educational property - a clear signal that communities have no tolerance for those who threaten the safety of students and staff in our schools. Make no mistake. I am committed to identifying and prosecuting those who threaten or cause harm in our schools – even if they are juveniles. Parents also may face charges for contributing to the delinquency or neglect of a minor if they provide mobile devices to their children and fail to monitor their activities. Please talk to your kids. Make sure they understand that if they see a message that concerns them, the proper response is to talk about it with you or a trusted adult at school. Tell them they are not to copy, forward, or share the message with other students. Spreading rumors or threats by electronic means is the modern-day equivalent of yelling “Fire!” in a crowded theatre. It leads to panic and harm while complicating our efforts to verify and appropriately respond to real and dangerous threats. Likewise, please model the same behavior for your students. Before posting about a rumor, or adding your opinion to someone else’s thread, take a deep breath and ask yourself if what you are about to type is helpful. Are you sure it’s true? If it is just your feeling, do you need to post it for strangers to read? Maybe your time would be better spent calling the school or law enforcement to share your concern or reaching out to a friend for support. I am not minimizing anyone’s fears. I have grandchildren, and I see the worry in my daughter’s eyes. But we all need to manage the fear and work collectively to address this problem, rather than spinning a situation into an emotional frenzy that just feeds on itself and grows ever more chaotic. There are dozens of law enforcement officers and school personnel who are trained in threat assessment and response. We have resources to investigate threats and to power up increased safety protocols. If you or your children haveinformation about a potential threat, contact your school, call law enforcement, or use the Say Something Anonymous Reporting System ( www.saysomething.net ) and let us get to work. Previous Next

bd115445-c8ba-4cf4-8652-299c6477d285 #75, Detention Center Staff provide critical, difficult service August 27, 2025 Sheriff Charles S. Blackwood As Sheriff, I operate and manage the county’s detention facility, also called the jail. Although my staff and I strive to make the facility the safest place in the county, that is a tall order. Every day, we must keep approximately 105 involuntary residents safe, fed, and healthy. We facilitate access to legal counsel, support contact with family members, prepare and serve three meals a day, and provide transportation to court appearances and medical appointments throughout the state. It is not easy work, and lately, it feels as though the job has become more challenging. The hard truth is that a jail population generally consists of people who were not dealt many advantages in life and/or made very unwise choices. Many are in poor physical health, some struggle with addiction, and a significant percentage wrestle with mental illness. Law enforcement officers have known for decades that people with unmet mental health needs often surface in either the emergency department or the criminal justice system. Sadly, society has made little progress devising appropriate alternatives. I should add that Covid made matters worse. Not only did that year of social isolation exacerbate existing mental health problems, but as we adapted to social distancing, we formed some new habits that continue to keep us apart. Increased isolation can be hard on anyone, and mentally fragile people tend to fare worse. I think about the Great Depression and how the stresses of that time echoed for decades, and I believe history will repeat in the post-Covid world. Mental health resources are scarce, especially for people without insurance. Those in our care who desperately need treatment sometimes languish in our facility, often experiencing severe declines in their level of functioning. Jail, after all, is a place of isolation, and that experience—already difficult for most people—can be dangerous for those with mental illness. Some of our detainees suffer so severely and decline so precipitously that they engage in deeply disturbing behaviors, some of which involve their own excrement. Possible reasons for this behavior include gaining a sense of control, expressing anger and frustration, or avoiding interactions with others, but that is not why I mention this unsettling practice. I bring it up because we have so many people suffering with mental illness in the facility that what once was rare is now a near-daily occurrence, and it poses a huge challenge for the staff. Can you imagine if, on top of your already difficult duties, you had to regularly clean up urine and feces? What would that do to YOUR mental health? I’ll tell you what it’s doing to my staff. They are burning out. They are tired. They are finding other jobs, even if it means accepting a pay cut. In recent years, when a shortage of detention officers plagued many agencies, our numbers held steady, but suddenly, our staffing levels are dipping below my comfort level. That said, although it worries me, I choose to focus on the positive. As we know, a pendulum doesn’t swing only one way. One of our detention officers recently retired and we posted congratulations to her on our Facebook page. Former residents of the jail posted comments, one praising her grace and compassion. Another noted her kind, nonjudgmental approach. The honoree responded that despite the difficulties of the job, she found her career rewarding. She mentioned bonds formed with co-workers and the enduring friendships she built. You can’t buy a better recruitment tool! I expect significant relief when the Orange County Crisis Diversion Facility (CDF) becomes a reality. By design, it will work in an integrated manner with our population to provide specialized behavioral health treatment to those whose mental health struggles disrupt daily operations of our facility. Incarceration is not a humane response to mental illness; the CDF will provide appropriate treatment in a secure facility at lower cost than a traditional hospitalization. The CDF will have 16 beds in its crisis unit and 12 spots for those who need a slightly less restrictive program of care. Construction will start soon, and this long-anticipated, much-needed resource will help those whose misdeeds stem from mental-health issues, not criminal intent. It will also help improve working conditions for detention officers, whose critical service to this county cannot be overstated. In essence, I wrote this entire column to express appreciation for the detention center staff. Their work is typically unseen and unsung, but I thought readers would appreciate learning about their dedication despite the present difficulties. When the Crisis Diversion Facility opens, it will ease the burden. In the meantime, I hope you will join me in giving detention officers the respect and support they deserve. ### Previous Next

5fdc302b-f236-42e4-a0ec-2f6380bce922 #41, Citizen's Academy October 26, 2022 Sheriff Charles S. Blackwood When you see a law-enforcement vehicle race by with lights on and sirens blaring, do you wonder where it is going? Do you enjoy police shows on television and wonder if they are realistic? Are you intrigued by radios, body-worn cameras, and forensic science? I am happy to report that after a COVID-19-induced hiatus of more than two years, we recently resumed hosting our Citizens’ Academy. Participants meet on Wednesday nights to learn about all aspects of their sheriff’s office in this eight-week program. I say “their sheriff’s office” deliberately. This is not MY office. It is the office of the people who elected me to represent them. Born out of the idea that we want to tell our story to the public we serve, we started the academy in September 2017. People want to know where we go, why we go, and what we do when we get there. The Citizens’ Academy is designed to answer those questions and more. We offer an in-depth look into the many divisions at our office. Class members learn about the duties of a patrol deputy, the techniques of a criminal investigator, and the complexity of civil process. We introduce them to our courtroom responsibilities and take them on a tour of the county detention facility. They also take a field trip to the 911 communication center, hear about our Crisis Unit, and listen to a presentation by school resource officers. Without exception, each class reports they had no idea how much we do, and how complicated and nuanced it is to provide the comprehensive services a sheriff’s office offers. The Academy is informational, and it is also experiential. On the first night, after introductions and an office overview, class members drive our golf cart through a cone course wearing special goggles that simulate the perception of a drunk driver. A few weeks later, investigators will teach about evidence collection and crime scene techniques, and challenge students to collect clues and develop suspects by processing a mock crime scene. On the night the students learn about criminal and constitutional law, they will have the opportunity to use the Shoot/Don’t Shoot training simulator. This technology presents users with realistic situations that require them to make complicated decisions under pressure. Do they shoot the suspect before he shoots them? Or wait – was the object in his hand actually a cell phone? Short of actually working here, the Citizens’ Academy is the very best way for a person to develop a comprehensive understanding of what we do and how we function. Ten students are currently enrolled; our alumni include seventy-one others. We enjoy the opportunity to bridge the gap between our office and community members. We find people have preconceived and often inaccurate perceptions about the law-enforcement profession and the people who work within it. Academy organizer, Lieutenant Daniel Roberson, reports the most rewarding part of the process for him is repeatedly hearing from participants that they are astounded when they learn how multi-faceted our work is and how many initiatives and partnerships we have geared toward improving the quality of life in Orange County. He looks forward to starting a youth academy for teens and young adults considering a career in law enforcement. We think they, too, will be surprised and excited to learn how many different specializations a person can develop within a law-enforcement career. For example, we have drone pilots, K9 handlers, a tactical unit, and traffic-enforcement specialists. At the end of the class, participants are invited to continue their association with the office through our VISION (Volunteers in Service in Our Neighborhoods) program. This group works with us at community and ceremonial events, helps out in the office, and raises funds for special projects, such as the equipment we use for our Lifetrack program. Our current class represents a broad range of life experience and professional accomplishments. One student is considering possible career paths after working as a registered nurse. Another is a former police officer and evidence technician who enrolled because he wanted to learn about recent changes and new approaches in the profession. A third person joined the class after moving to the area. He felt attending would be a good way to learn about the Hillsborough/Orange County community, and he wanted to understand more about the difference between a police department and a sheriff’s office. If you would like to apply for an upcoming Citizens’ Academy, please email Lt. Roberson at troberson@orangecountync.gov . Previous Next

ac423006-aeb0-47ec-8094-9a73472b7c18 #79, Third Term in Review December 31, 2025 Sheriff Charles S. Blackwood As the final days of 2025 tick away, it has now been 45 years since I began my law enforcement career. On December 16, 1980, when I first put on the uniform as a deputy, I never imagined such longevity. As my third term as Sheriff continues, my father’s advice, “Love what you do, and you’ll never work a day in your life” deeply resonates with me. I periodically reflect on my first days as Sheriff back in December 2014. I expected establishing a new culture to be challenging, but it turned out to be relatively easy. I centered everything on the premise that employees are a Sheriff’s greatest asset. I trusted that if they felt important, valued, supported, and appreciated, they would perform well and earn community respect. We took a fresh look at our policies, adjusted those that were well-intentioned but poorly planned, and engaged in a continual process of evaluation and improvement. With state-of-the-art training and equipment, employees are safer. They think creatively, work efficiently, and interact confidently with the public and those in our custody at the detention center. I hear almost daily how well they represent the mission and values of this office. About a year ago in this column, I wrote about the importance of partnerships. Every time we collectively solve complicated problems, we learn something from the other professionals involved, and we improve our working relationships. Almost every crisis we face is easier because of the ones that came before it; there is simply no substitute for experience. Coalitions formed during rapidly evolving, tense, and dangerous situations tend to be particularly strong, and we rely on this trust when public safety is at stake. Because relationships are of immeasurable value to a Sheriff, I continuallydevote energy to building new ones. Trust must be built before the blue lights flash; therefore, we work to build connection with those we serve at community centers, in the courts, through the schools, at parades and public events, and with those who walk in the front door seeking assistance with administrative needs, civil process, or personal crisis. It’s no secret that providing 24/7/365 patrol and detention services for a county of more than 150,000 people spread across 401 square miles and bisected by two major interstates is an expensive undertaking. A Sheriff must be a fiscally responsible steward of public funds, and I value our excellent working relationship with the Orange County Board of Commissioners and Kirk Vaughn, our county budget director. We technically operate under two budgets – one for the detention center and one for all other operations. Chief Deputy Tina Sykes carefully balances our needs versus our wants as she manages both. She evaluates every expense using a simple test: if the item, initiative, training, or program directly relates to the safety of our employees or the public we serve, it is a need. Other requests may fall more into the category of a want. For example, newer, smaller, more powerful flashlights might be nice to have, but we only purchase them after meeting higher priorities. Many sheriffs across the nation have struggled with hiring and retaining employees. Some now provide hiring bonuses, a practice I prefer to avoid. I believe in hiring right, not rushing to hire right now. Retention bonuses, however, have merit; rewarding longevity helps a Sheriff keep talent and build institutional knowledge. We are fortunate to have a staff member dedicated to identifying and hiring quality candidates and ensuring their continual training. Moreover, you can’t buy advertisements as powerful as the personal testimony of employees who are proud of the work they do and the colleagues with whom they do it! We continually find that current team members are among our best recruiters. I chair the North Carolina Governor’s Crime Commission whose website links to the NC Statistical Analysis Center and the NC Justice Data Portal. Using 2024 statistics— the most recent available—I am pleased to report that Orange County has a crime rate 14.1% lower than the statewide average. This figure represents 790 fewer crimes per 100,000 people and a meaningfully lower individual risk per resident. I am also pleased that our Criminal Investigations Division has solved 100% of homicides occurring during my tenure as Sheriff. I am very fortunate to do work I love alongside truly talented people. Together, our accomplishments have exceeded my expectations, and I head into 2026 grateful for the opportunity to continue serving. I wish all of you a safe and happy holiday season. Previous Next

a8ec572c-337d-48b5-abdc-fa3fe76f0c9a #58, Did you know - Lightning Round March 27, 2024 Sheriff Charles. S. Blackwood In this monthly article, I usually do a deep dive, focusing on one important law enforcement topic. This month, I’m doing a Lowdown Lightning Round! Let’s see how many programs, offerings, and small details I can share about our office within my 750-word allotment. Did you know we can place a premise alert on your residence? If you have something you want us to know BEFORE an emergency occurs, we enter that information into a database. Any deputy responding to your home will know immediately what your special concerns are. For example: Grandma’s bedroom is in the back left corner of the house. She uses a wheelchair. If there is an emergency, help her first. Or maybe it is better for someone in your home if we respond to your residence without flashing lights and sirens. Let us know in advance, and we will do our best to accommodate your request. We maintain a safe zone at our office where people can conduct buy/sell/trade transactions they arrange on social media. It should go without saying that if someone won’t agree to meet you at our office, you don’t want that person at your house! This service might surprise you: my IT team started a livestock tracking database. It contains the names of owners of large animals, such as horses, goats, emus, mules, cows, and pigs, and the nearest cross streets to where they live. If a deputy finds a loose animal, which happens more than you may think, he or she can consult the list to help identify the owner. It also minimizes the number of times we wake up the wrong person in the middle of the night! Upon your request, patrol deputies will conduct close patrols or house checks. In the former, deputies drive by your home more often than they would on routine patrol, and perhaps provide periods of stationary presence nearby. People request close patrols when they are out of town, having a dispute with a neighbor, or finding themselves worried about safety for any number of reasons. A house check is a similar service, but the deputy performs a closer inspection, walking around your residence, physically ensuring doors and windows are secure. A deputy who discovers any problems will call you or your emergency contact. People generally request this service when they plan to be out of town for an extended period. We have a drop box in our lobby for expired, no longer needed, or no longer wanted medication. Such boxes help keep drugs out of the wrong hands and the water supply. People particularly value this disposal option after the death of a loved one from a long illness like cancer. The volume of medications left behind can be overwhelming. I am proud to offer this easy, no-questions-asked option for safe disposal. Do you want to volunteer somewhere? Consider joining our Sheriff’s Office Citizens’ Organization (SOCO). This nonprofit helps with special fundraising initiatives throughout the year. Members enjoy selling corn at Hog Day, assisting with our Chicken Pickin’ event in April, supporting our Lifetrack program, and making holiday dreams come true in December at our Shop with the Sheriff event. SOCO boasts some of the kindest people in the county, and it is a low-stress commitment that makes a big difference to others. Our Community Service team will conduct a home security assessment upon your request. They look for ways to improve your safety and deter opportunistic criminals by examining your landscaping, lighting, and locking hardware. Deputies may make suggestions regarding where to store valuables in your home or identify places on your property that allow easy access to your residence out of sight of neighbors or those passing by. Users of this service find some of the suggestions surprisingly effective and low-cost. We also give facility tours. Maybe you have a school class or civic group interested in an up-close look at our office. Not just for third-graders, people of all ages enjoy seeing our patrol room, sitting in a marked vehicle, and learning about our responsibilities and equipment. My office is your office, and I welcome your interest. Finally, let us know if we can come to you. We provide safety presentations, drone and K9 demonstrations, and crime prevention consultations to social, school, church, and neighborhood civic groups. I managed to cover nine topics in this Lowdown Lightning Round and − BONUS POINTS − I came in at exactly 750 words! I hope you learned something new, and thanks for reading. Previous Next

17e8dafd-45b2-442f-b0d9-1c8994aec61c #48, Peace Officer Memorial Day May 31, 2023 Sheriff Charles S. Blackwood May is a beautiful month. Spring is well underway, and it is no longer cold. Although it is warm enough to open the swimming pool, it is not yet too hot to enjoy being anywhere else outdoors. I am also a big fan of Mother’s Day, and the excitement and high hopes of graduation season. May is also a serious month, and I have been especially aware of that this year. On May 2, law enforcement members and the families of fallen officers from across the state gathered in Cary to honor those who died in the line of duty during the last year. As the Sheriff of Orange County and as the president of the North Carolina Sheriffs’ Association, I had the solemn duty of “Roll Call” during which I read aloud eleven people’s names. Other speakers also paid tribute to the fallen, and several praised the families of the officers, gratefully acknowledging their sacrifice. These ceremonies are important, and they are difficult. Intended as a time to reflect, remember, and honor our dead in the comfort and company of others, these services are quite emotional for the loved ones who attend. The ceremonies bring back memories of the worst time of their lives - that period of shock, pain, and disorientation when they first processed the news of the death. I was pleased, therefore, that Attorney General Josh Stein, the host of the event, took time to share a few special moments of reflection with each of the families of the fallen before the service. He reminded survivors we will not forget their loved ones. As Cary Police Chief Terry Sult said, “This is an opportunity for us to share with you our hearts, our support, and embrace you as a part of the family of the shield.” In addition to honoring the fallen officers and their families, these services reassure current members of the law enforcement profession that if they ever make the ultimate sacrifice, we will actively and permanently remember them. Last year, we had the opportunity to exemplify this commitment. In 1904, Orange County Deputy Duncan Joseph Nichols died in the line of duty. At the time of his death, no process existed to annually or nationally honor those killed in such a manner. The United States began recognizing Peace Officer Memorial Day in 1962 after a proclamation by President John F. Kennedy. Others founded the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund (NLEOMF) in 1984, the nonprofit that built and now maintains the national memorial to fallen officers. I shared the facts and circumstances of Deputy Nichol’s death with the NLEOMF in July 2021, and in 2022, they carved his name into the limestone of the national memorial in time for Peace Officer Memorial Day. The monument now bears almost 24,000 names, and knowing Nichols’ name is there is very satisfying. Although we always honored him locally, I am pleased that our commitment to him was enduring enough after more than a century to formalize it nationally. I’d also like to share my thoughts about the recent death of Chapel Hill Police Officer Mike Mineer, who served as a Guardian of the Hill for 19 years. All law enforcement officers in Orange County work to support and look out for one another. Our work connects us in a way we do not need to articulate to each other and we find difficult to explain to someone else. The news of his death hit us hard. We respected Mike as a seasoned law enforcement officer and a committed and loving family man. We wish his loved ones and coworkers strength and comfort as they adjust to life without him. Although he did not die in the line of duty, it feels appropriate that he died in May. I know I will always think of him when I honor the service of other departed peace officers. Finally, I’d like to mention Memorial Day, which we recognized two days ago. Unofficially kicking off the start of summer, it is another solemn May occurrence in which we recognize, honor, and mourn U.S. military personnel who died while serving in the armed forces. Although I found nothing that officially specifies a link between honoring military and law enforcement deaths in the same month, the connection feels deeply relevant and intentional. The formal opportunity to recognize those who gave their lives in the service of our county is another reason May is meaningful to me. Previous Next

99dac276-5c74-4d03-a970-d66e377c3d4b #18, Thanksgiving November 25, 2020 Sheriff Charles S. Blackwood I’ve spoken before in this column about musician James Taylor who said, “You actually have to really defend your time in order to have a long thought.” As Sheriff of this vibrant and engaged community, I’m a busy guy. Time for the valuable long thought is not always easy to come by, but I try to find it when I can. I attended the North Carolina Sheriffs Association (NCSA) conference earlier this month, and the drive to Atlantic Beach was one such opportunity. I had miles and miles to be alone in my head and reflect on this year, the community I serve, and the Thanksgiving holiday. Others have said much about the difficulties of 2020. I certainly agree, but my focus today is gratitude. I used my long thought time to do some blessing counting. I started by looking backward. My parents built a foundation of love, support, and encouragement. They always stressed the importance of being respectful of others. My teachers and coaches shared practical and philosophical lessons I continue to use. I am grateful for these positive influences. I then thought about my family life and personal blessings; I am especially grateful for my children and my wife Lisa. As you might imagine, a Sheriff is never off duty. Many conversations and meals with my wife are interrupted by calls or texts, and our plans are frequently altered or canceled. Mind you, I am not complaining – I am celebrating Lisa’s constant ability to provide flexibility, tolerance, and support. I also want to celebrate my mother’s return to health after surgery for a broken hip. This year also brought me one of the happiest blessings ever – our grandson. Watching him grow and thrive is an endless source of delight, and I love seeing our daughter and his father blossom as parents. The people who serve with me at the Sheriff’s Office are stellar. I hope their professionalism, dedication, and commitment to the health and safety of this community are as evident to you as they are to me. One of the hidden blessings of COVID-19 has been the opportunity to see them demonstrate the ability to be flexible in the face of uncertainty and adapt their service to the emerging and changing demands of a pandemic. Additionally, they grappled with shock and outrage caused by the Minneapolis police officers’ killing of George Floyd. They stood tall against the notion that all law enforcement officers behave that way or tolerate such behavior in their coworkers. It is a profound blessing to lead people who are proud to serve and willing to bear scrutiny because they have confidence in themselves and each other. They trust the work we do and the way we do it. They believe public scrutiny will help us continually improve, and allow our community to see both our integrity and professional approach to service. Finally, I spent time on my drive thinking about one of the biggest blessings of all, which is that the people of this County placed their trust in me to serve as their Sheriff, first in 2014 and again in 2018. I look forward to continuing to serve in that capacity, especially now, during this time where we are being asked to work on real and lasting change within the criminal justice system. This is a unique county, full of people also dedicated to service, change, and growth. As a younger man, I thought communities were primarily different only in their geography or population. But over the years, I have come to realize communities have distinct personalities. I understand so much more than I used to about how profoundly fortunate I am to live and serve here in Orange County. I appreciate what an asset it is to have a world-class university contributing to our quality of life and our vibrancy. Our elected leaders are committed and compassionate. We have an astonishing array of non-profit agencies working steadily to improve the lives and living conditions of others. We have high levels of volunteer engagement. It is a blessing to lead in such a dynamic community. There is no doubt that 2020 has been a difficult year. However, I am convinced there is value in the process of deliberate reflection on the positive. I encourage all of you to find time over the Thanksgiving holiday for some long-thought blessing counting. The experience certainly put a bounce in my step and some cheer in my heart. I wish the same for you. Previous Next

cdac5cfb-2c8d-4724-9e34-64385c338bd4 #55, Vehicle Crashes December 27, 2023 Sheriff Charles S. Blackwood A well-known adage holds that only two things are certain - death and taxes. For the sake of this month’s Lowdown, I am adding a third item to that list – vehicle crashes. Almost everyone I know has been in at least one accident as the at-fault driver, a passenger, or the motorist who happened to be in the wrong place at the wrong time. Wrecks can be deadly or painful, they are usually expensive, and they are always inconvenient and stressful. In the immediate aftermath, people generally struggle to remember exactly what they should do. Let’s start at the very beginning. People have a responsibility to themselves and to other motorists to maintain their vehicles properly. Bald tires, inoperable turn signals, worn out brakes, broken taillights, and crumbling wiper blades can all lead to a person causing or being unable to avoid a crash. North Carolina requires a yearly safety inspection to help identify these issues, and a person may not renew a license plate without proof that this assessment is complete, and any problems addressed. Law enforcement officers stop driver for expired tags because an out-of-date sticker signals that a qualified technician has not inspected the vehicle or that the vehicle failed the inspection, and the operator has not corrected the identified problems. Frankly, many people would not maintain their vehicle unless required to do so. Prior to getting behind the wheel, it is generally a good idea for drivers to let someone know where they are going and when they plan to arrive. Ideally, motorists carry safety equipment, including a flashlight, first aid kit, and blankets. Many people think they don’t need a jacket because they are taking a quick trip to run a short errand. They feel differently once they’ve waited an hour or more in the cold for a trooper and a tow truck! I mention troopers because in the unincorporated parts of the county, the Highway Patrol investigates traffic crashes on state-maintained roads and in public vehicular areas. My deputies will respond to assist, render aid, or direct traffic, but troopers conduct the crash investigation and write any required reports. The wait times are often long, especially during rain or snow events when multiple collisions typically occur. Although such delays are frustrating, leaving the scene of a crash is against the law. Drivers must report any crash in which someone is injured or killed or property damage of at least $1,000.00 occurs. If no one seems injured and the property damage appears minimal, one of the parties may suggest handling the matter privately, but I advise against taking this course of action! Vehicles may have hidden damage, people may not realize they are injured, and the other party may provide false information or fail to live up to any roadside agreements. People involved in a collision should do their best to stay calm and proceed carefully. Each driver should assess him or herself and all passengers for injuries, turn on hazard lights, and check to see if it is safe to exit the vehicle. He or she should also heed warnings from witnesses or bystanders – they may see a hazard from their vantage point that the drivers cannot, such as downed power lines, fluid leaks, or oncoming traffic. Witnesses may realize an involved party is seriously hurt, but because of adrenalin or shock, the injured person may not feel pain yet. Once out of the car, all parties should check on others involved in the crash, help uninjured people navigate away from the scene, call for help, and try to alert other motorists. Crash scenes are dangerous places - many wrecks are followed by additional collisions, either in a chain reaction, or because other drivers fail to successfully navigate around the scene of the crash. North Carolina has a fender bender law which requires motorists to move vehicles to the side of the road and out of the path of nearby traffic if it is safe to do so and no one is seriously injured. Although drivers should comply with this law as soon as they can, taking a cell phone photo of the crash before moving the vehicles may be advisable. I encourage everyone to remind themselves frequently that driving is a privilege and a tremendous responsibility. Approach the task with respect and caution and do not operate a vehicle under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Follow applicable laws, avoid distractions, use common sense, and be courteous. I wish everyone safe travels and a healthy 2024. Previous Next