Stolen Property from Traphill

A Wilkes resident reported a theft of $2500 in property from a Traphill location. The reporting person said that the items were taken from her father’s garage. Stolen property included: a black motorcycle and power tools. A neighbor said that he noticed a gray extended cab Dodge pickup near the property around the time the crime occurred. Other family members have no information on the theft or a possible suspect. The investigation is continuing.

Stolen Property

A local rent to own business is reporting the theft of property. According to the report, someone took a Troy-Bilt zero turn mower and glow in the dark rod and reels. Stolen property is estimated at $4100. No suspect information was listed with that report, and the Wilkes Sheriff’s Office is investigating.

New Local Leaders in Office

Following the Municipal Election on Tuesday, the towns of North Wilkesboro and Wilkesboro have all new people in leadership roles. The Wilkes Board of Elections are currently waiting for absentee ballots by mail, and the board will conduct a canvas of votes on November 14^th. Again, election results and voter information can be found on the Wilkes Board of Election website.

Wilkes Shooting Death Investigation

On Tuesday, November 4 th, at 5:33 p.m., the Wilkes County Sheriff’s Office responded to Happy Trails Lane in the Boomer Community in reference to a Disturbance with a subject trying to break into a home. A minute later, deputies were informed by Wilkes County Communications that a Shooting had just occurred at this location. Upon arrival, deputies found the victim suffering from gunshot wounds. Deputies secured the scene, and medical personnel were rushed in to provide care for the victim, David A. Phillips, age 47 of Boomer, NC, who was pronounced dead at the scene. This is an active and ongoing investigation by the Wilkes County Sheriff’s Office and the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation. No further information is available at this time.

Deer Hunter Found Dead

Reportedly, a Ronda man was found dead near his deer stand this week. Wilkes EMS received a call Monday morning after the 71-year-old man was found. Apparently, he went to his deer stand Sunday evening and never returned. A friend found him Monday morning. It appears the man may have fallen from the stand which is located off McCarter Road in southeastern Wilkes County.

Former Surry County Schools' Employee Charged

According to Surry County Schools, a former employee has been charged by the sheriff’s department. Last week, Surry County Schools’ administration received reports of concern regarding the conduct of an employee at Flat Rock Elementary School. The district immediately began an internal investigation and notified law enforcement personnel. The employee was placed on administrative leave. The investigation was completed, and the individual involved is no longer employed by the Surry County Schools. This was the individual’s first year employed with Surry County Schools. The Surry County Sheriff’s Department has filed criminal charges.

NC and Diabetes Prevention

In recognition of National Diabetes Awareness Month, the North Carolina Department of Health announced the expansion of the Minority Diabetes Prevention Program which provides education, early screening, and resources to empower individuals at high risk for type 2 diabetes to take control of their health. Diabetes continues to be one of the biggest health challenges facing North Carolinians, with 1 in 8 adults in our state living with diabetes. Since 2021, diabetes-related deaths have risen by about 25 to 40 percent in some parts of our state.

Shooting Death Investigation in Wilkes

On Tuesday, November 4th, 2025, at 5:33 p.m., the Wilkes County Sheriff’s Office responded to Happy Trails Lane in the Boomer Community in reference to a Disturbance with a subject trying to break into a home. A minute later, deputies were informed by Wilkes County Communications that a Shooting had just occurred at this location. Upon arrival, deputies found the victim suffering from gunshot wounds. Deputies secured the scene, and medical personnel were rushed in to provide care for the victim, David A. Phillips, age 47 of Boomer, NC, who was pronounced dead at the scene. This is an active and ongoing investigation by the Wilkes County Sheriff’s Office and the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation. No further information is available at this time. 

ID Theft -- Wilkes to Georgia

A Wilkes County resident came to the sheriff's office to report that his bank notified him of possible ID Theft. The bank stated someone in Georgia had the same North Carolina issued driver's license number and address as his but with a different name and signature. The offender displayed the fraudulent driver's license while attempting to cash a $3,500 check at a bank in Georgia. The Wilkes Sheriff’s Office is referring the investigation to Georgia authorities as the crime happened out of state.

Car Chase and Arrest

A 27-year-old white male was arrested following a car chase in Wilkesboro. Police observed the man was seen driving at a high rate of speed on Hwy 421. Initially, the man did not stop for blue lights and siren. Eventually, the vehicle was stopped and the man was arrested. Charges included: fleeing to elude arrest, driving while impaired, and driving with license revoked.