Shots Fired in Hamlet, No Injuries

HAMLET – On Tuesday, February 20^th at approximately 7:45 p.m., Hamlet police responded to a report of gunfire into an occupied dwelling at 716 Taylor Street in Hamlet.

A total of five shots were heard by neighbors.  One bullet hit a vehicle parked in front of the home while others penetrated the front door, one hitting the television set in the front room. 

Two children, ages 7 and 4, were in the home at the time of the shooting attack but no one was injured.

A person of interest has been identified in relation to this case and is being sought by the Hamlet Police Department.

Anyone with any information related to any aspects of these cases is asked to call the Hamlet Police Department at 910-582-2551 or Richmond County Crime Stoppers at 910-997-5454.

On Wednesday, February 21^st at approximately 4:52 p.m., Hamlet police officers responded to a call at 819 Pine Street near Monroe Avenue Elementary School. 

Franklin Antonio Williams, 31, of the residence was seated on his front steps, angrily yelling at his children (daughter, 11, and son, 5) who had run to a neighbor’s yard across the street to escape from him. 

Subsequent to an investigation of the situation, officers found probable cause to arrest Williams and charge him with disorderly conduct, being intoxicated and disruptive, communicating threats, and resisting a public officer. 

Williams was transported to the magistrate’s office where he was given a court date of March 15^th and placed in the Richmond County Jail under a $2500 secured bond.

On Thursday, February 22^nd at approximately 9:43 p.m., Hamlet police officers responded to a call at the service station at 113 East Spring Street. 

Suspicious activity in the parking lot had been reported. 

Upon arrival, officers found Kenneth Dwayne Murchison, 27, of 424 South Grace Chapel Road, Hamlet, in possession of a controlled substance. 

Murchison was consequently arrested and charged with misdemeanor simple possession of a Schedule IV controlled substance. 

Murchison was transported to the magistrate’s office where he was given a court date of March 15^th and placed in the Richmond County Jail under a $5000 secured bond.

All suspects are considered innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.