Deputies assist in Lake Waccamaw investigation after suspect’s death

LAKE WACCAMAW, NC (WWAY) – The Columbus County Sheriff’s Office is assisting in an investigation after a suspect connected to an ongoing investigation in Hoke County was found at Lake Waccamaw.

According to Sheriff Bill Rogers, detectives located the suspect’s vehicle near the Boys and Girls Homes of North Carolina campus. The suspect was not inside the vehicle, prompting a coordinated search with the Lake Waccamaw Police Department, the Hoke County Sheriff’s Office, and the Whiteville Fire Department’s Drone Team to ensure the area was secure.

Law enforcement officers cleared buildings on campus before locating the suspect, who investigators say took their own life during the search. First responders provided aid, and the suspect was transported to a nearby hospital, where they later died.

According to the Hoke County Sheriff’s Office, deputies responded to the 1000 block of Cope Road  on Monday night in reference to a cardiac arrest. Two people were found unresponsive at the scene. Investigators say the investigation is ongoing.

Authorities say no civilians or staff members from the Boys and Girls Homes were injured.

At the request of the Lake Waccamaw Police Department, the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation is handling the suicide investigation. Because the suspect was a juvenile, no identifying details are being released.

The Boys and Girls Home of North Carolina released the following statement:

“On the evening of October 27, there was an incident on Boys & Girls Homes campus involving an off-campus individual. Standard lockdown procedures were followed, and all Boys & Girls Homes youth and staff members are safe. The incident is under active investigation by the State Bureau of Investigation. Thank you to local law enforcement including Columbus County Sheriff’s Department and Lake Waccamaw Fire & Rescue for keeping our staff and, most importantly, our youth safe. We are cooperating with this active investigation.”