Albemarle Police Department

09/04/2026

Today marks a historic moment for the Albemarle Police Department as we officially launch the LEAD Program — Law Enforcement Assisted Diversion — a visionary initiative brought to life by Albemarle Police Chief Ryan Manley.

LEAD empowers law enforcement officers to make referrals for eligible individuals during an encounter, connecting them with support, resources and critical services. This collaborative program unites community partners to provide vital services for residents experiencing substance use challenges, mental health needs, housing instability or homelessness, poverty and barriers to treatment, recovery, employment, or overall stability.

City leadership, council members, community partners and representatives from NC Harm Reduction Coalition, traveling from as far as Fayetteville, joined us at City Hall today to celebrate the launch of this much anticipated program.

Chief Manley shared, “I truly believe that opportunity creates change, and that is what LEAD creates in Albemarle.”

This landmark initiative represents a powerful step toward safer, healthier neighborhoods and a more compassionate approach to community well-being.

09/04/2026

Mark your calendar for Saturday, October 3. We’re having Community Night Out!

Bring your family, friends and neighbors to this free event at YMCA Park from 4pm - 7pm. We’ll have a bounce house, face painting, music, fun games & prizes, food trucks, plus a number of helpful community resources.

We’d love to meet you and learn more about the people we protect and serve. It’s not a party unless you’re there!

RSVP here: https://www.facebook.com/share/1Hqsap7z4b/

09/04/2026

9/3/26 - 11:40pm - Earlier this evening Albemarle Police responded to the 1800 block of East Main Street for an individual who had experienced a medical emergency. Sadly, the individual was pronounced deceased. No signs of foul play were found.

08/27/2026

Don’t be an easy target. Always secure your vehicle whether you’re at home, out and about, or enjoying that last little bit of summer at the beach. Across the country, summer is the peak season for car thefts and break-ins.

In addition to locking your vehicle, you can help prevent these crimes of opportunity by:

-Rolling up all windows
-Never leaving keys in the vehicle
-Not leaving your car running
-Keeping valuables out of sight

APD has already increased patrols to prevent vehicle-related crime. Remember, the best crime prevention is you. Always lock your vehicle. Help us keep our community safe.

08/21/2026

🚨 SCAM ALERT – PROTECT YOURSELF 🚨

The Albemarle Police Department is urging all residents to stay alert for common scams targeting our community. APD has received an increase of these types of scam reports recently.

❌ Do NOT send money for:

-Court fines or missed jury duty calls
-Online romantic partners you’ve never met in person
-“Too good to be true” investment opportunities
-Family members claiming to be in jail and needing bail
-Fake customer service representatives asking for payment or personal info

✅ Remember:
Legitimate agencies will never demand payment over the phone, email, or text.
Always verify before you trust.
When in doubt, hang up and call us directly.
📞 Report suspicious activity: Albemarle Police Department – (704) 984-9500

Let’s work together to keep our community safe from fraud.

08/20/2026

8/20/26 - Salisbury Man Arrested in Connection with Threats Against a School

ALBEMARLE, NC – An individual has been arrested for making threats against students in Albemarle.

On Thursday, August 20, 2026, at approximately 7a.m., officers from the Albemarle Police Department were notified of a threat of mass violence directed at students and faculty at Albemarle High School. Out of an abundance of caution, additional law enforcement resources were added to the school. The Criminal Investigations Unit of the Albemarle Police Department was able to quickly identify the suspect.

Darius Anthony Gatewood, a 22-year-old male from Salisbury, is charged with the following:

One felony count of communicating a threat of mass violence on educational property

One felony count of statutory r**e of a child

Anyone with additional information about this incident is encouraged to contact the Albemarle Police Department’s anonymous tip line at 704-984-9511.

The Albemarle Police Department appreciates the public's assistance during this investigation and thanks the faculty and staff of Stanly County Schools, the Stanly County Communications Center, the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation, and the Salisbury Police Department for their prompt responses, coordination, and support throughout this incident. Their collaboration helped ensure the safety of students, staff, and the surrounding community.

08/19/2026

Twenty-five years later, we continue to remember. 🇺🇸
Join APD and City of Albemarle Fire Department on September 11th at Pfeiffer University as we come together in gratitude, reflection, and service. Register today and take part in a powerful community tribute that honors the courage of those we lost and those who responded without hesitation.❤️🤍💙

On September 11, 2026, the Pfeiffer University Center for Health Sciences, in partnership with local first responders, invites you to join us for a Memorial Stair Climb as we pause to remember and honor the lives lost on September 11, 2001.

This meaningful event challenges participants to climb the equivalent of the stairs climbed by many first responders who courageously entered the World Trade Center that day. Our memorial climb consists of 37 laps of the four-story stairwell at the Pfeiffer Center for Health Sciences, offering participants an opportunity to reflect, remember, and pay tribute through every step.

Whether you participate as an individual or as part of a team, your presence helps ensure that the sacrifices made on 9/11 are never forgotten. With every step, we honor the fallen and the enduring spirit of service, courage, and sacrifice. Pre-Register at pfeiffer.edu/stairclimb.

08/08/2026

08/08/2026

08/07/2026

Back to School Bash 2026 at the EE Waddell Center — What a night! 🎉📚

Despite the rain, the City of Albemarle showed up in full force last night to make this year’s event into an unforgettable celebration for our students!

School principals brought the hype, local community partners donated an incredible amount of school supplies, and students loaded up on everything they needed for a strong start to the school year. Students completed their event passports and jumped at the chance to win one of 10 iPads donated by the Albemarle Police Department!

APD patrol officers, SROs, and command staff were all hands-on deck—passing out pencils, erasers, stickers and grade appropriate gun safety information while connecting and engaging with students and families throughout the night. Smiles, laughter, and community spirit filled the building from start to finish.

Strong community support, important resources for students, and meaningful interaction made this a truly special evening. APD was proud to participate in and support such an incredible event. A great night for Albemarle students and an even greater reminder of what community looks like. 💙