Lieutenant Jeff Baggett presented commendation ribbons for exceptional job performance to officers Roy Ball and Gerald Morris.
Ball's commendation, Chief Andy Jackson told council, dates back to a May 31 arrest when he noticed a known narcotics dealer sitting in the parking lot of the former Winn-Dixie Shopping Center. A second vehicle with two occupants left the ATM and met with the reputed dealer briefly before the vehicles left the area.
Surveillance by Ball led him to Virginia Avenue where the officer reportedly witnessed a transaction that took place in less than a minute. Ball stopped both vehicles as they were leaving the Old Farm Road area. “Officer Roy E. Ball heroically detained the three occupants until other police units arrived to assist,” Jackson said.
With assistance from Morris, Ball located five small bags of cocaine a passenger was trying to conceal. Another 26 bags of cocaine was found with the help of Morris and his dog.
“The stop resulted in the arrest of three offenders charged with 11 felony drug charges related to the possession of cocaine,” Jackson said.
Those charges included three counts of possession with intent to sell and deliver within 1,000 feet of a school. “The arrests led to the seizure of $421 in United States currency and the seizure of two vehicles. Officer Roy E. Ball's actions reflect great credit upon himself, the Roanoke Rapids Police Department and the city of Roanoke Rapids,” Jackson said.
Morris receives his ribbon.
Meanwhile, Morris was cited for actions during the July 9 through July 10 shift that resulted in 20 felony arrests and five misdemeanor arrests that included four drug charges.
Early in the shift, Morris stopped a vehicle he knew was occupied by a wanted felon. He arrested the person who had 19 outstanding warrants for break-ins that occurred in Halifax County,
Later in the shift he observed a car operating carelessly and recklessly on East Tenth Street. Upon stopping the vehicle he observed marijuana residue in plain view. The driver was charged with careless and reckless driving.
In the early morning part of his shift he observed a vehicle stopped in the roadway of Kemp Avenue where the occupants were engaged in narcotics use. Using his canine, Dozer, Morris found 1.61 ounces of marijuana contained in a purse. Electronic scales and and plastic bags were in the back seat. “Officer Gerald Morris' activities reflect great credit upon himself, the Roanoke Rapids Police Department and the city of Roanoke Rapids,” Jackson said.
Mayor Emery Doughtie praised the officers following the ceremony. “I wish the whole community was here to hear this. People are quick to criticize but who do they call when they need help?”
From left, Tart, Ben Clements and his father.
In another matter this evening, Donald Tart, chair of the city's Benevolent Awards and Recognition Committee, presented $500 scholarships to the sons of two employees.
Larry Chalker accepted the scholarship on behalf of his son.
Scholarship checks went to Aaron Chalker, son of Public Works Director Larry Chalker and his wife, Renee, and to Ben Clements, son of Deputy Fire Chief Mike Clements and his wife, Sheri.
BARC is a program established several years ago to recognize work achievements and employee milestones, as well as the scholarship program.
