Contacted this afternoon, Macon declined to comment beyond a press statement he issued shortly before today's noon filing deadline.

His decision now pits incumbent Sheriff Wes Tripp against former Halifax County Sheriff's Office investigator Tyree Davis in the May primary. James Warren, who is retired from the sheriff's office, is running as a Republican in November.

In a statement Macon said, “Enforcement of the law should not be contingent upon political party affiliation. Mark Macon, Desert Storm veteran and current Weldon Police chief is announcing his bid for sheriff of Halifax County as an unaffiliated candidate.

“Chief Macon knows that today’s budget constraints in law enforcement play a crucial role in delivering a high level of service to all citizens. Macon is confident that his twenty-two years of law enforcement experience, BS degree in Criminal Justice from Western Carolina University and master’s degree in Public Administration from UNC-Pembroke will contribute to his success in serving all citizens of Halifax County as the next duly elected sheriff.”

The statement continued, “Macon knows that by unifying community resources he can ensure a higher level of service to all communities. Having served as chief in Weldon for eight years, providing extraordinary leadership and integrity and effectively managing budgets, Macon is the people’s choice for sheriff of Halifax County.

“Macon will employ his motto FACTS which stands for fairness to all, accountable to all, serving the entire community, being trustworthy, and providing service to all.”

Macon has until June 28 to file as an independent candidate and will have to garner signatures of 4 percent of the county's registered voters to run.