Human remains have been identified as those of a North Carolina man who went missing in 2018. The police department confirms that an officer, Clint Smith, has been placed on administrative leave, although the reason behind this decision is unclear at this time. WXII reported
Human remains have been positively identified as those of a man from North Carolina who went missing in 2018. The breaking news was confirmed by the Madison Police Department, who also announced that Officer Clint Smith has been placed on administrative leave since September fifth. However, due to state personnel records laws, Police Chief Richard Hester was unable to provide any further details or answer additional questions regarding the officer’s leave. It is unclear at this time if Officer Smith’s leave is connected to the ongoing probe by the State Bureau of Investigation into the department. The SBI, who confirmed their involvement yesterday, stated that releasing more details could jeopardize the case.
Meanwhile, in other news, the weather in Greensboro is gloomy and overcast, reflecting the season of mid-November. Meteorologist Matt Jaclyn Shearer reports that temperatures have been steadily dropping throughout the day, and instead of reaching afternoon highs, they will continue to decrease into the evening. The region is also experiencing much-needed rainfall, which has been scarce recently. The rain is expected to continue for the next few hours, with the heaviest showers occurring during lunchtime and the early afternoon. As the rain ushers in cooler air, temperatures are expected to fall even further before the sun sets, with many areas waking up to temperatures in the low 40s tomorrow morning. The weekend forecast shows lots of sunshine and winds at 10 to 15mph.
In addition to the weather, firefighters are currently battling several wildfires across North Carolina and Virginia. The Tuggles Gap Fire in Patrick County has burned over a thousand acres and is 35% contained. Crews are working on the ground and in the air to combat the flames. Another fire in Wilkes County, near Lorraine Road, has burned approximately 15 acres and is 99% contained. Firefighters conducted a back burning operation to eliminate any remaining fuel. The Elk Creek Fire in Watauga County has burned 225 acres and is 75% contained, with no immediate threat to homes or people. Henderson County is also facing a fire that has spread to 434 acres due to dry conditions, and it is currently 30% contained. Firefighters are working tirelessly to protect properties and fight the fire.
Moving on to crime news, two separate armed robberies are under investigation in the Piedmont Triad. One occurred at a Speedway gas station on Wendover Avenue in Greensboro, where a masked man pointed a gun at the clerk and demanded money before fleeing the scene. The other robbery took place in Graham, where Biscuitville employees were confronted by an armed suspect as they arrived for work. The suspect also demanded money before making a getaway. Fortunately, no injuries were reported in either incident.
In Forsyth County, a former contract employee at the detention center has been arrested on several charges, including attempted statutory rape. James Franklin, who was previously employed with P&G Security, was apprehended by the Randolph County Sheriff’s Office and Liberty Police Department. He is currently being held without bond at the Randolph County Jail.
Internationally, tensions between Israel and Hamas continue to escalate, with Israeli forces pushing deeper into Gaza City. Local health officials report intense bombardment and a significant Israeli military presence near hospitals. The IDF claims that troops are entering heavily populated urban neighborhoods surrounding these medical facilities. Al-Shifa Hospital, in particular, has been surrounded by troops and tanks, with the IDF alleging it to be a main command center for Hamas. However, both the militant group and hospital staff deny this claim. Amidst the violence, the UN is calling for a ceasefire in Gaza, stating that four-hour breaks are not a sufficient solution. Additionally, there has been a surge of violence in the West Bank, with 18 Palestinians killed and at least 20 injured during what the IDF refers to as counter-terrorism raids. The situation remains deeply divided and dangerous..