05/29/2026
May 29, 2026
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
FROM: Sheriff W. A. Rogers
PROACTIVE PATROL LEADS TO DRUG AND FIREARM CASES
Columbus County, NC – Proactive patrol efforts by the Columbus County Sheriff’s Office Patrol Division recently led to two separate cases involving narcotics, drug paraphernalia, a firearm, and multiple arrests and warrants.
Both incidents involved deputies assigned to Bravo Squad, whose work highlights the importance of routine patrol, security checks, and traffic enforcement throughout Columbus County.
On May 23, 2026, a deputy with the Columbus County Sheriff’s Office was conducting a security check at the Sun-Do in the Boardman community when a gray passenger vehicle was observed parked near the business. The vehicle displayed a Vermont registration plate that did not return to any vehicle when checked through Columbus Central.
The driver was identified as Damien Kelly Thompson. During the investigation, deputies learned Thompson had an outstanding warrant for Breaking and Entering to Terrorize. Thompson was taken into custody.
While conducting an inventory of the vehicle prior to towing, deputies located numerous items of suspected narcotics and drug paraphernalia, including multiple bags of suspected mushrooms, suspected acid tabs, assorted pills, a crystal-like substance, an unknown white substance, digital scales, syringes, needles, plastic trays, and a container that appeared to contain mushrooms growing inside. Deputies also located an open bottle of vodka inside the vehicle.
Animal Control responded to the scene and took custody of a dog that was inside the vehicle.
Thompson was transported to the Columbus County Detention Center, where he was served on the outstanding warrant and received a $20,000 secured bond. Due to the time required to properly process the evidence seized from the vehicle, additional warrants were later obtained in connection with the items located during the investigation. At the time those warrants were obtained, Thompson had been transferred to New Hanover County and was no longer in custody in Columbus County.
In a separate case on May 25, 2026, deputies assigned to Bravo Squad were on scene assisting with a traffic stop when a dark-colored vehicle was observed turning from Legion Drive onto Virgil Street without using a proper turn signal. Deputies conducted a traffic stop at Central Baptist Church.
As deputies approached the vehicle, the driver was observed making sudden movements inside the vehicle. Deputies also detected a strong odor of ma*****na coming from inside the vehicle. The driver was ordered out of the vehicle for officer safety. During a frisk for weapons, deputies located a concealed handgun in the driver’s waistband, along with a magazine in his pocket.
The driver was identified as Charleston Shipman, who was found to be a convicted felon.
During a search of the vehicle, deputies located ma*****na, United States currency, miscellaneous baggies, glass jars containing ma*****na, a scale, and other drug paraphernalia.
Shipman was transported to the Columbus County Detention Center and charged with the following:
• Possession of Firearm by Felon
• Possession with Intent to Manufacture, Sell, and Deliver Ma*****na
• Maintain Vehicle/Dwelling/Place for Controlled Substance
• Possession of Drug Paraphernalia
• Carrying Concealed Gun
• Concealed Handgun Permit Violation
• Resisting Public Officer
Shipman received a $150,000 secured bond.
Sheriff Bill Rogers commends the Patrol Division and Bravo Squad for their proactive efforts.
“These cases are a strong example of how routine patrol and attention to detail can lead to dangerous items being taken off the streets,” Sheriff Rogers said. “Our patrol deputies are often the first line of defense in protecting our communities, and their work plays a critical role in keeping Columbus County safe.”
The Columbus County Sheriff’s Office remains committed to proactive enforcement, community safety, and removing illegal narcotics and fi****ms from our communities.
"Everyone is presumed to be innocent unless proven guilty in a court of law. The information contained in this post is not intended to be an expression of opinion regarding guilt.”
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