An Amber Alert has been issued for a 13-year-old girl who was last seen in Wayne County, prompting authorities to seek public assistance in locating her. This development adds to the increasing urgency surrounding cases of missing children in the area, as community members rally to support families in distress.
In related health news, the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services has confirmed two new cases of measles involving unvaccinated siblings in Buncombe County. These cases are linked to a broader outbreak originating from Spartanburg County, South Carolina, now totaling 434 cases. In North Carolina, the measles outbreak has resulted in seven cases since December. To keep the public informed, the DHHS has launched a new dashboard dedicated to tracking measles cases and outbreaks, which will be updated twice a week.
Simultaneously, police in Reidsville are investigating a shooting that resulted in the death of 22-year-old Christian Pollard early on January 14. Despite the tragic loss, law enforcement has not disclosed whether any suspects have been apprehended or what circumstances led to the shooting.
In Burlington, a water main break has led to the shutdown of part of a busy intersection at Alamance Road and South Church Street. City officials are actively working on repairs, which are expected to be completed by 5:00 PM. Unfortunately, several businesses and homes are currently experiencing water service interruptions.
Meanwhile, two men in Reidsville were arrested following a drug investigation that yielded significant amounts of cocaine, firearms, and cash. The older suspect, 55-year-old Christopher Lloyd Wheeler, faces multiple drug-related charges, while the younger Berkeley Montez Wheeler, 24, was charged with possession of a weapon of mass destruction.
Further, the North Carolina Department of Agriculture is addressing reports of contaminated gasoline at a local Sunoco station in Thomasville. Following complaints, inspectors discovered that four pumps were offline, leading to a notice of violation for two of them. The station will remain closed for gas sales until corrections and reinspection are complete.
In international news, U.S. forces seized an oil tanker in the Caribbean Sea believed to be linked to Venezuela, while the Trump administration continues to assert its authority over sanctioned vessels in the region. In a related domestic development, President Trump is contemplating invoking the Insurrection Act amidst rising protests in Minneapolis against federal law enforcement actions.
Another noteworthy story is the ongoing manslaughter trial of former Greensboro police officer Matthew Hamilton, accused of killing Joseph Lopez during a police encounter in 2021. Testimony continues as the defense questions witnesses and the prosecution prepares to present body cam footage from the incident.
In eastern Alamance County, jurors are hearing emotional testimony in the murder trial of Isaiah Ross, accused of killing high school students Lyric Woods and Devin Clark in 2022. Witnesses, including parents and investigators, continue to shed light on the tragic events surrounding the case.
These unfolding events across North Carolina highlight the community’s resilience and the concerted effort of officials and citizens to address pressing safety, health, and justice issues.