Two men were arrested and charged on cocaine counts Thursday as the Halifax County Sheriff’s Office Community Action Team and D-Squad were assisting the Scotland Neck Police Department due to recent shooting calls.

Both men — Archie Parker and Douglas Lowe — remained in the Halifax County Detention Center as of this report although they were scheduled for first district court appearances today.

The arrests occurred when CAT members were stationary at the intersection of East Eleventh and Chestnut streets where they observed a motor vehicle violation.

Sergeant G. Martin initiated a vehicle stop and spoke with the occupants. The odor of marijuana was detected and items of drug paraphernalia were in plain view.

In the gallery from left, Lowe and Parker

During the search, Sergeant D. Harrison located crack cocaine and a metal smoking device on the passenger who was identified as Lowe, 44, of Scotland Neck.  

A search of the vehicle by Sergeant G. Martin located crack cocaine and several items of drug paraphernalia.

The driver, Parker, 43 of Scotland Neck and Lowe were placed into custody.

Parker was charged with felony possession of cocaine, maintaining a vehicle for controlled substances, possession of drug paraphernalia and a window tinting violation.

Lowe was charged with felony possession of cocaine and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Parker, who is scheduled to appear in district court in September for obtaining property by false pretense and possession of stolen goods, was jailed without the opportunity for bond.

Lowe received a $3,000 secured bond.

Lieutenant E. Richardson and Corporal G. Caine assisted.

The shootings

The town police department said on its Facebook page that on Wednesday evening around 8:30 it responded to reports of gunfire on Chestnut Street. 

Following an investigation that involved canvassing the neighborhood and speaking with witnesses and local residents, it was confirmed that there were no injuries or property damage linked to the call.

However, while gathering evidence at the initial scene, officers reported hearing approximately 30-40 additional shots fired, which caused damage to a targeted residence located in the 1200 block of Poplar Street. No injuries were reported.

“It has been established that these incidents are interconnected and represent retaliatory actions by individuals who show a blatant disregard for both their families and community safety,” the police department said. “We appreciate those who did call and we appreciate those who were willing to speak up. However, several individuals with direct knowledge of the situation have chosen not to cooperate.”

Anyone with information is encouraged to call Crimestoppers at 252-583-4444.