Whiteville, NC – On February 8, 2018, shortly after 9 a.m., Columbus County Sheriff’s Office was dispatched to Southeastern Community College, located at 4564 Chadbourn Highway, in reference to an attempted robbery and assault.
A female employed with Southeastern Community College was approached by a black male who was wearing a black hoodie. He had short dreads and appeared to be in his mid-twenties. The male demanded money from the female. When the female advised the male that she did not currently possess cash, he assaulted her. In an attempt to protect herself, the female victim fought back. The male suspect fled from the scene on foot. The incident occurred in the print shop at the college. This area is an employee only area that was previously utilized as the college bookstore.
Southeastern Community College was placed on lockdown shortly after the incident occurred. Columbus County Sheriff’s Office set up a perimeter around the college. All buildings and outbuildings on the property were searched. All entrances/exits were secured. Vehicles were searched before leaving the campus. Each occupied classroom was searched to ensure that no students on campus matched the suspect’s description. Chadbourn Police Department, Whiteville Police Department, Tabor City Police Department, North Carolina State Highway Patrol, and North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation assisted with the investigation.
During the search for the suspect, one individual was taken into custody for the possession of narcotics.
At approximately 1 p.m., Southeastern Community College lifted the lockdown and students and staff were allowed to leave the campus at will. Columbus County Sheriff’s Office remained on scene continuing to search for the suspect.
If you have information concerning this incident, please contact Columbus County Sheriff’s Office at 910-642-6551.
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