NC town board approves contract for deputies

SPRING LAKE, N.C. — The board of alderman in a North Carolina town has approved a contract to allow county deputies to patrol the town in a vote that drew more attention because it occurred after a slaying.

The Fayetteville Observer reported Tuesday that the Spring Lake board drew applause from people at the meeting after it unanimously approved a contract with the Cumberland County Sheriff’s Office.

Some deputies have handled law enforcement duties for the town since May, when a judge effectively stripped the police department of its remaining powers. That came after two officers were indicted and the police chief resigned.

On Sunday, 66-year-old Ranesh Rai was shot and killed at the Donut Connection where he worked as his sister and a customer watched. Authorities have identified three men wanted in the robbery and shooting.

(Copyright 2009 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)