Our network

Escaped inmate captured

Ronald Billings, 38, was last seen at approximately 2:45 p.m. at a work location in Lincolnton

LINCOLN COUNTY, NC (WBTV)- Corrections officers and local law enforcement agencies caught up with an inmate just before 10 p.m. after they say he went missing Thursday from a work release program.

Ronald Billings, 38, was last seen at approximately 2:45 p.m. at a work location in Lincolnton, officials said.

Conway, South Carolina Police officers captured Billings tonight at approximately 9:45 p.m. Conway.

Billings is now in custody in the Horry County Jail. An alleged accomplice, Delora Miller, is facing charges of aiding and abetting escape. 

Billings was serving a seven-year prison sentence for breaking and entering, forgery, and other property crimes. His projected release date is February 2015.

Billings was housed at Lincoln Correctional Center on Roper Drive in Lincolnton, and authorities say he has ties to Morganton, Alleghany County, as well as out of state.

 

Copyright 2013 WBTV. All rights reserved.

Community Sponsors

Girls Dress Up, Princess Costume Dresses, Party Favors, Accessories & More!
Empowering individuals to transform their lifestyles!

Deputies: Duo arrested for stealing trucks, having them crushed

Thomas Adam Vandiver, 23

LINCOLN COUNTY, NC (WBTV)- Two area men are facing theft charges after two unlicensed trucks and a dual-axle trailer were stolen from a from a Lincoln County home.

The incident began at a home on South NC 16 Highway on May 14. When the report was filed on May 16, the owner told deputies the trucks were purchased recently, did not run, and the titles had not been transferred to the new owner, deputies said.

A contractor remodeling the home told the owner that two white men came by the residence in a red truck and asked if the two trucks were for sale. A neighbor also said she saw the truck several days earlier and noticed it had Vandiver Towing on the side.

On May 17, neighbors told the owner they saw two men wearing mechanic's shirts pumping up the tires on the trucks. The men were driving a white 1990's model truck with an air compressor on the back, but later returned in the red Vandiver Towing truck, according to the official report.

NOAA forecasters expect above normal Atlantic Hurricane Season

NOAA forecasters expect above normal Atlantic Hurricane Season

Forecasters with NOAA issued their predictions for the 2013 hurricane season Thursday. Once again, a busy year is expected in the tropical Atlantic. NOAA expects 13-20 named storms to form. Of those 7-11 could be hurricanes, and 3-6 of those could be major hurricanes with winds of at least 111 mph.

Forecasters look at several factors including sea surface temperatures, the likelihood of an El Nino event in the Pacific and long-range computer models to assist in their predictions.

Drs. Phil Klotzbach and William Gray, forecasters at Colorado State University, are also anticipating an above-average season. They expect 18 named storms to develop. Of those, they anticipate nine hurricanes.

"Click It or Ticket" Campaign Now Under Way in NC

"Click It or Ticket" Campaign Now Under Way in NC

The Governor’s Highway Safety Program today officially launched its Memorial Day "Click It or Ticket" campaign, marking 20 years of seat belt safety awareness efforts that have saved countless lives.

To honor this milestone and show support for the cause, GHSP is asking North Carolinians to get out their cell phone cameras, snap a self-portrait of them buckled up while parked and share it on social media, using the hashtag, "#SafetySelfie."

"As the state that started "Click It or Ticket" two decades ago, we're known for finding unique ways to encourage people to fasten their seat belts," said Don Nail, interim director of GHSP. “The ‘#SafetySelfie’ is just one more example of our innovative approach to changing motorists' behavior for the better. By harnessing the power of social media, we hope to convince the small percentage of people who aren't buckling their seat belts that it's the right thing to do."

Updating your summer wardrobe

Updating your summer wardrobe

When the seasons change, your wardrobe changes too.

"Fashion has changed so much," said Ann Taylor store manager Luca Grenaway.

"It just gives you an opportunity to express yourself."

Whether you'd like to change it up on a vacation, buy a few new shirts, or completely remake yourself; you have one month to spruce up your look, so it's time to get started!

One of the major challenges the fashion-forward face, however, is cost.

If you are trying to stay fresh for less, experts say start taking inventory.

"Think about what you have in your closet," said Grenaway.

"Keep it in mind when you're shopping. A lot of times you might find a great piece that might match something you haven't worn in 10 years."

Grenaway recommends deciding what kind of clothing you're interested in buying before you hit the mall.

After you've figured out your style, it's time to pick out your clothes and go shopping.

Deputies: Man reported stolen motorcycle, hid it in storage

LINCOLN COUNTY, NC (WBTV)- A motorcycle and trailer found hidden in a storage unit in Shelby have led to charges against a man in Vale, North Carolina, according to the Lincoln County Sheriff's Office.

William Minford Chatham, III, 38, was arrested Monday on two charges of felony insurance fraud.  He was released on a $5,000 unsecured bond.

Chatham reported on October 13, that someone stole an enclosed trailer, worth $2,748, and a Harley Davidson FLHX Street Glide motorcycle, valued at $25,000, which was in the trailer.

At the time he told deputies that he kept the trailer parked beside the driveway at his home and it was there around 11:30 p.m. on October 12, when he went out to walk his dog, but was gone when he got up around 6:15 a.m. on October 13, the report states.

Deputies said he then submitted a claim for payment to State Farm Insurance for the missing property knowing the claim contained false information.

WET’N WILD opens this weekend with all new SOAK ZONE!

WET’N WILD opens this weekend with all new SOAK ZONE!

WET’N WILD EMERALD POINTE, the Largest Water Park In The Carolinas’ celebrates the beginning of summer with a fun-filled family opening on SATURDAY, MAY 25TH at 10:00AM for the exciting 29TH SEASON!  (Opening Weekend is May 25, 26 and 27…operating hours are 10:00am-5:00pm each day.  Open daily beginning Saturday, June 8th, 2013.  Final operating day is Labor Day Monday, September 2nd, 2013)

This season, WET’N WILD EMERALD POINTE proudly announces the introduction of the all-new SOAK ZONE water spray area!  The new half-acre SOAK ZONE attraction includes a 7,000 square foot interactive water play area featuring over 35 different water elements!  SOAK ZONE is designed for exciting water spray thrills for the entire family with specialty themed seating and shaded areas, providing a waterfall of relaxation and fun for ALL ages!