Beaufort County Sheriff's Office, NC

06/18/2026

Message from Beaufort County NC Emergency Services:

Our office is actively monitoring the remnants of Tropical Storm Arthur as it moves across the southern US and towards Eastern NC. Forecasted impacts for Beaufort County include.

Winds
Sustained SW winds between 15 and 20 mph, with gust of 25 to 30 are expected to continue through sunset today.
SW winds are expected to remain elevated between 10am and 6pm tomorrow
Sustained between 10 and 15 mph, with gusts between 20 and 25.
SW winds are expected to transition from the N around 2pm.
There is no significant wind impacts forecasted for our area after sunset Friday.

Rain
While we have a slight chance of rain tonight, most of our precipitation is forecasted to occur between 5am and 7pm tomorrow, with the heaviest rains occurring between 11am and 2pm.
Most areas of our county are forecasted to receive between ¾ and 1 inch of rain. However, locally higher amounts are possible.

Thunderstorm(s) / Isolated Tornado(s)
It is likely that the remnants of Arthur will create a strong line (or band) of storms between 11am and 3pm, as its core moves through our area. Heavy rain, high winds, and isolated tornados are possible with these developing lines / bands.

We encourage everyone to continue to monitor trusted local media outlets for additional updates. We also ask for your help in keeping our county informed of developing severe weather by ensuring you, your family, friends, and neighbors have a means of receiving notifications of any watches and or warnings that may be issued. (Push notifications from weather apps, weather radios, etc.)

Chris Newkirk
Director

06/17/2026

Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office, NC - K9 Rocky will receive a bullet and stab protective vest thanks to a charitable donation from non-profit organization Vested Interest in K9s, Inc. K9 Rocky’s vest will be embroidered with the sentiment “This gift of protection provided by Vested Interest in K9s, Inc.”. Delivery is expected within ten weeks.

Vested Interest in K9s, Inc., established in 2009, is a 501(c)(3) charity whose mission is to provide bullet and stab protective vests and other assistance to dogs of law enforcement and related agencies throughout the United States. This potentially lifesaving body armor for four-legged K9 officers is U.S. made, custom fitted, and National Institute of Justice (NIJ) certified. Since its inception, Vested Interest in K9s, Inc. has provided over 6,513 vests valued at $6.9 million to K9s in all 50 states, made possible by both private and corporate donations.

The program is open to U.S. dogs at least 20 months old, actively employed, and certified with law enforcement or related agencies. K9s with expired vests are also eligible to participate. There are an estimated 30,000 law enforcement K9s throughout the United States.

Vested Interest in K9s, Inc. accepts tax-deductible contributions in any amount, while a single donation of $1,050 will sponsor one vest. Each vest has a value of $1800.00, weighs an average of 4-5 lbs., and comes with a five-year warranty. For more information, or to learn about volunteer opportunities, please call (508) 824-6978. Vested Interest in K9s, Inc. provides information, lists events, and accepts donations at www.vik9s.org, or you may mail your contribution to P.O. Box 9, East Taunton, MA 02718.

06/17/2026

Beaufort County School Nutrition has started the Summer Meal Program and it will go through Thursday, August 14th, 2026. The days of operations are Monday-Thursday. Free meals are available for all children 18 and under. All Open Sites are non-congregant and food may picked up and taken home. Only parents, legal guardians and caregivers may pick up food.

Locations are listed below:

-Elizabeth Chapel 11:00-11:20 AM
-Elks Mobile Home Park 11:30-11:50 AM
-First Christian Church 11:30 AM- 12:00 PM
-Harris Acres Mobile Home 11:00-11:20 AM
-Havens Gardens 11:30 AM- 12:30 PM
-Old Fort 11:00- 11:30 AM
-P.S. Jones (BeeBee) Memorial Park 11:30 AM- 12:00 PM
-Quail Ridge 11:00- 11:30 AM
-River Road Estates 11:45 AM- 12:15 PM
-River Run 12:00 PM- 12:20 PM
-The Market (Belhaven) 11:15 AM- 11:45 AM
-The Venue at the Chamber 11:40 AM- 12:00 PM
-Thomas Lane (Ashmata) 11:45 AM- 12:15 PM
-Walton Road MHP 12- 12:20 PM
-Washington Splash Pad 12- 12:20 PM
-Westbrooke 11:30- 11:50 AM
-PS Jones Middle School 11:00 AM- 12:30 PM

Times are subject to change.

Dinner is available Monday-Thursday at Zion Kitchen, Bridge Street, at 5PM.

If you have any questions or concerns, please contact School Nutrition at:
252-946-2012. (This institution is an equal opportunity provider.)

06/16/2026

Join us in supporting The Neal Family while entering for a chance to win some amazing prizes!

- $20 Per Ticket
- 6 Tickets for $100

Tickets are available for purchase at:

Beaufort County Sheriff's Office
Washington NC Police Department
True Value of Bath
Beaufort County Community College Police Department Building 10

📅 Drawing Date: July 31, 2026 at 2:00 PM

Every ticket purchased helps support the Neal Family during this time of need. We appreciate the support of our community, sponsors, and everyone who has contributed to this fundraiser.

Fundraiser Raffle for Sherry Neal

Big Hearts Outreach, in partnership with the Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office, is hosting a special fundraiser raffle to support Sherry Neal of Bath during her recovery at the UNC Burn Center in Chapel Hill.

Sherry suffered severe burns in an accident that occurred during an outdoor gathering and is facing a long and challenging recovery journey. She is the wife of Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office Captain Kasey Neal. As the Neal family navigates this difficult time, we are coming together as a community to help ease the financial burden associated with her extended medical care and recovery.

Raffle Tickets
• $20 each
• 6 tickets for $100
Tickets are available this weekend at the Washington Summer Festival at the Beaufort County Sheriff's Office trailer and the Washington Fire/EMS/Police Command Post.

Participants will have the chance to win one of five exciting prizes:
• Turtlebox Speaker
• Weber Spirit II Grill
• YETI Cooler
• Stoeger M3000 12-Gauge Shotgun
• Brotherhood Fixed-Blade Knife

Drawing Information
The raffle drawing will be held on Friday, July 31, at 2:00 p.m. Winners do not need to be present to win.

Every ticket purchased helps provide support to the Neal family during this difficult time. Your generosity and support are greatly appreciated as Sherry continues her road to recovery.

Together, we can make a difference for the Neal family.

06/15/2026

A.C.E. of Hearts Initiative Training

Join us on Thursday, June 18, 2026, from 6:00 PM – 7:00 PM or Tuesday, June 23, 2026 from 6:00 PM - 7:00 PM at the Rev. Dr. Robert B. Cayton Aurora Center, located at 319 S. 5th Street, Aurora, NC.

The A.C.E. of Hearts Initiative (Animals, Children, Elderly) is dedicated to safeguarding Beaufort County’s most vulnerable populations. Through training, education, and collaboration, we empower deputies and community stakeholders with the resources needed to recognize and respond to abuse, neglect, and exploitation.

Together, we can strengthen our community and ensure the highest level of protection for those who need it most.

📍 Rev. Dr. Robert B. Cayton Aurora Center
📅 June 18, 2026 or June 23, 2026
⏰ 6:00 PM – 7:00 PM

06/12/2026

Fundraiser Raffle for Sherry Neal

Big Hearts Outreach, in partnership with the Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office, is hosting a special fundraiser raffle to support Sherry Neal of Bath during her recovery at the UNC Burn Center in Chapel Hill.

Sherry suffered severe burns in an accident that occurred during an outdoor gathering and is facing a long and challenging recovery journey. She is the wife of Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office Captain Kasey Neal. As the Neal family navigates this difficult time, we are coming together as a community to help ease the financial burden associated with her extended medical care and recovery.

Raffle Tickets
• $20 each
• 6 tickets for $100
Tickets are available this weekend at the Washington Summer Festival at the Beaufort County Sheriff's Office trailer and the Washington Fire/EMS/Police Command Post.

Participants will have the chance to win one of five exciting prizes:
• Turtlebox Speaker
• Weber Spirit II Grill
• YETI Cooler
• Stoeger M3000 12-Gauge Shotgun
• Brotherhood Fixed-Blade Knife

Drawing Information
The raffle drawing will be held on Friday, July 31, at 2:00 p.m. Winners do not need to be present to win.

Every ticket purchased helps provide support to the Neal family during this difficult time. Your generosity and support are greatly appreciated as Sherry continues her road to recovery.

Together, we can make a difference for the Neal family.

06/05/2026

UPDATE from Washington NC Police Department – June 5, 2026

The Washington Police Department has tentatively identified the human remains located on Wednesday, June 3, 2026, in the 900 block of Carolina Avenue as those of 66-year-old Washington resident Patrick Michael Kincade.

Evidence collected during the processing of the remains and the surrounding area led investigators to this preliminary identification. Mr. Kincade had not been reported missing. His next of kin has been notified.

This remains an active and ongoing investigation. The identity of the deceased will be definitively confirmed through additional forensic testing.

The Washington Police Department is working closely with the Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office, North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation, North Carolina Office of the Chief Medical Examiner, and Dr. Christopher Wolfe, Assistant Professor and Forensic Anthropologist with the East Carolina University Department of Anthropology. All agencies involved worked collaboratively to process the scene and advance the investigation.

Anyone with information regarding Patrick Kincade or who may recall seeing him is asked to contact the Washington Police Department at (252) 946-1444 or Beaufort County Crime Stoppers at (252) 974-6400. Tips may also be submitted anonymously at www.p3tips.com/195.

06/04/2026

The Beaufort County Sheriff's Office has received multiple calls in reference to scam calls.

Sheriff Hammonds would like to inform residents about scam phone calls claiming you have missed jury duty and must pay a fine immediately to avoid arrest.

These callers often impersonate law enforcement officers, court officials, or government employees and may demand payment through gift cards, prepaid cards, cryptocurrency, or electronic payment apps.

Remember:
• Legitimate court officials and law enforcement agencies will not call demanding immediate payment.
• You will never be instructed to pay a fine using gift cards or cryptocurrency.
• Threats of immediate arrest over the phone are a common scam tactic.
• Do not provide personal or financial information to unknown callers.

What to Do:
• Hang up immediately.
• Do not send money or share personal information.
• Verify any jury duty concerns by contacting the court directly using official phone numbers.
• Report suspicious calls to your local law enforcement agency.

06/03/2026

Multi-Agency Investigation Underway

An investigation is underway after skeletal remains were found in Washington this afternoon.

Washington police were called around 2:00 pm today to possible human remains in the 900 block of Carolina Avenue.

Once there, officers say they found skeletal remains in a stormwater drainage area near the roadway.

The Washington Police Department believes the remains have been there for an extended period of time based on their condition.

The Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office, the NC State Bureau of Investigation, the Office of Chief Medical Examiner, and East Carolina University are also assisting as the investigation continues.

Officials say updates will be provided as more information becomes available.

06/03/2026

SHERIFF HAMMONDS ATTENDS NORTH CAROLINA SHERIFFS’ ASSOCIATION’S 2026 LEGISLATIVE DAY AT GENERAL ASSEMBLY

This week, the North Carolina Sheriffs’ Association hosted sheriffs and their personnel from all corners of the state for their annual Legislative Day at the General Assembly in Raleigh.

Sheriff Scott Hammonds was proud to be able to attend the event. Commenting on the experience, Sheriff Hammonds said, “The decisions being made in Raleigh have a real impact on public safety in our counties, so I am grateful to be able to be the voice of the people of Beaufort County when it comes to criminal justice issues. These relationships we build and maintain during each legislative session ensure that we all share a common goal with our legislators of keeping all of our citizens safe.”

Each year while the legislature is in session, sheriffs and their personnel are invited to join North Carolina Sheriffs’ Association staff and lobbyists at the state capital to meet with legislators. This event allows sheriffs the opportunity to meet face to face with lawmakers to discuss public safety and law enforcement issues.

This year, sheriffs discussed with legislators the necessity that the General Assembly enact legislation to keep THC products out of the hands of minors. Sheriffs across the state continue to see children and others suffer serious illness and effects from buying products that are intoxicating in nature from stores that everyone – even children – can access. Sheriffs also discussed a bill related to robocalls. The bill would make it unlawful for someone to call pretending to be a sheriff or personnel with a law enforcement agency in order to defraud a person for money, a common scam this year in North Carolina.

The sheriffs and their personnel who attended began the day with a meeting with North Carolina Sheriffs’ Association staff before making their way to the General Assembly for their scheduled meetings with their legislators.

North Carolina Sheriffs’ Association President Sheriff Ricky Buchanan of McDowell County was in attendance at Legislative Day and emphasized the importance of sheriffs maintaining positive relationships with lawmakers. “Legislative Day lets us have real, one-on-one conversations with our legislators to let them know what deputies are experiencing in our communities, and what our citizens see as real public safety concerns. It is important for them to hear about the issues directly from the source.”