BRUNSWICK COUNTY, NC (WWAY) -- A former Shallotte Police detective has pleaded guilty to insurance fraud. The crime will keep him from working in law enforcement in the state for at least two years.

Today Eric Proctor King admitted to one count of making false statements on an application for insurance during on January 27, 2011. A judge sentenced King to a 45-day suspended sentence and 18 months unsupervised probation. King must pay a court cost and a $500 fine. As a condition of probation, the court ordered King report his conviction to the North Carolina Training and Standards Commission within 30 days. As an additional special condition of probation King was ordered not to be employed as a law enforcement officer, nor seek employment as a law enforcement officer in North Carolina for two years. King was also ordered to refrain from attempting to reinstate or renew his law enforcement certification during his term of probation.

King then to execute a release of all potential claims against the Town of Shallotte arising out of this incident and his subsequent termination by the Town. King also agreed to sign mutual releases against GMAC Personal Lines Insurance Group, Integon National Insurance Company, Leah and Associates Insurance Agency, and the NC Department of Insurance.

WILMINGTON, NC (NEWS RELEASE FROM THE CITY OF WILMINGTON) -- We mourn the tragic and unfortunate loss of life of the young man who was shot last night near the Hannah Block Community Arts Center. While the details of last night's fatal shooting are being investigated, it is important to note the significant efforts that have been, and are being made by public safety personnel to increase safety downtown.

· 2012 is on pace to have the fewest serious and violent crimes in the CBD in a decade.

· Violent crime in the downtown area in 2011 was down 32% from 2010. Despite last night's shooting, the trend continues downward in 2012, with an 11% decrease year-to-date.

· From 2002 to 2012, overall crime in the CBD decreased by 36%, while the population increased by 33%.

· In July 2011, Chief Ralph Evangelous took the lead in establishing a 16-member Downtown Task Force made up of law enforcement officers from both the Wilmington Police Department and the New Hanover County Sheriff’s Office. Previously, there were only four dedicated officers in the CBD.

· Since its implementation, the Task Force has been active and visible day and night, seven days a week. Task Force members often are on foot, but they also patrol using bicycles or Segway. They conduct undercover operations as needed. The emphasis is on reducing crime and maintaining safety throughout the area.

WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) -- In the wake of 19-year-old Josh Proutey's murder Thursday night in downtown Wilmington, many people are scared.

"I think one of the reasons people are scared is because this is such a lovely city," Thalian Association Managing Director Susan Habas, who worked with the victim, said. "When needless tragedy like that happens here... We just don't think it happens here."

"I think it is very concerning that a random act of violence like that would happen, because I always feel safe walking around downtown, as long as I'm with a group of people," UNCW student Lauren Donati said. "And the fact that it happened that early, it was not even particularly late at night. It is just really scary to think about."

Proutey's body was found at 11 p.m. in what is typically considered a safe part of town, but neighboring business owners are not shocked. They do not blame downtown Wilmington. They blame criminals.

"It does bother me, and I am sure it bothers a lot of people in the area and all of Wilmington," Reel Café co-owner Ray Jenkins said. "I do feel, however, that this could happen anywhere; anywhere there are criminals that want to do something bad. It could happen anywhere."

Anyone can speculate about what happened to Proutey, but most think there are ways to avoid this situation.

"I have heard of some bad things that happen downtown at night, so I would never walk around by myself as a woman. I think maybe guys feel like it is ok for them to do that, but I guess it is not any more," UNCW student Samantha Ridgway said.

"If it was my kid, I would tell them the same thing, whether they were living here or in Chicago or in a small town in Wisconsin," said Deborah Graham, who owns Bloomers Floral Design nearby. "Be careful. Be smart. Be safe. Do not go anywhere by yourself."

The Thalian Association has canceled tonight's performance of "The Hobbit" at the Community Arts Center out of respect for Proutey.

WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) -- The community is in shock after a Cape Fear Community College student was shot and killed leaving work last night in downtown Wilmington.

At this point, police say details surrounding the murder are cloudy.

Around 11 p.m. Thursday police say Josh Proutey had just finished work and was heading home. A short time later he was found dead in a parking lot next to the Community Arts Center near 2nd and Orange Streets.

"He was just downtown working and apparently at the wrong place at the wrong time," WPD spokesman Det. Kevin Smith said.

Those who knew Proutey, who was from Clayton, described him as a typical 19-year-old who worked hard and loved his family.

Proutey was leaving the Community Arts Center after work.

Folks who worked with him on the show can't believe what happened.

"It's shocking, and it's just a tough situation for us here," coworker Jason Aycock said. "He was always a hard worker and dedicated to doing what he thought needed to be done, and he was always helping facilitate and make sure everything went off without a hitch."

Though police say this appears to be a random act of violence that claimed Proutey's life, they are still urging everyone to be cautious downtown as the investigation into the murder continues.

Anyone with information is asked to call the Wilmington Police Department at (910) 343-3600, or Crime Stoppers at (800) 531-9845. Information also may be submitted anonymously through Text-A-Tip. Enter Tip708 and the message; send to CRIMES (274637).

NEWTOWN, Conn. (AP) - Police aren't say what may have motivated a man to open fire inside two classrooms at a Connecticut elementary school today, but a law enforcement official who has been briefed on the investigation says the gunman was believed to suffer from a personality disorder

Twenty-six people, including 20 children, were killed in the shooting rampage before the gunman shot and killed himself. Police say another adult was found dead at a second location.

A law enforcement official has identified the gunman as 20-year-old Adam Lanza, the son of a teacher at the Sandy Hook Elementary school. The official says Lanza killed his mother at their home before driving his mother's car to the school.

Police say the killer carried two handguns into the school, while a rifle was found in the back of a car. They say the shootings took place in two classrooms, but they are not providing details on exactly how it unfolded.

Students and their parents describe teachers locking doors and ordering the children to huddle in classroom corners or hide in closets as shots echoed through the building. Authorities said the shootings took place in two nearby classrooms, but they gave no details on exactly how they unfolded.

WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) -- Performance days are usually cheerful at the Hannah Block Second Street Stage. But a young man's murder late Thursday night while leaving the theater left a lingering feeling of loss this afternoon.

19-year-old Joshua Todd Proutey was shot and killed leaving work at the theater Thursday night. Today, the Thalian Association Children's Theater went ahead with its performance to honor his memory.

They say the show must go on, but never has it been more difficult for the group.

"It was 'wrong place at the wrong time,' and it was a shame. It was shocking to all of us," said artistic director Jason Aycock. "It's tough. It's tough when you have to deal with that. But we are standing together."

In spite of their grief, the children went ahead with their performance of The Hobbit Sunday afternoon. They hope to send a message to the community.

"If we stop performing because of something like this, it's letting the bad guys win, honestly," said Aycock.

The group is also rallying together to support Proutey's family. "We're having raffles," said Aycock, "and all of the money raised will go to Josh's family."

Despite its dedication to pushing forward in honor of Proutey, the group admits the healing process is only just beginning. "We are continuing on and we are remembering Josh as much as we can," said Aycock. "Every time we come in, that's the way it's going to be from here on out."

Detectives are still investigating Proutey's murder. Anyone with information is asked to call Wilmington Police.

JACKSONVILLE, NC (AP) -- Authorities say a Marine at Camp Lejeune has been charged with murder in the off-base shooting death of a fellow Marine in his same division.

Jacksonville Police said 19-year-old Lance Cpl. Marcus Hunt was arrested after another man was found shot in an apartment around 9:45 p.m. Friday.

Authorities say as 21-year-old Randall Buford was shot once in the head. A motive for the killing has not been released.

Military officials say Hunt and Buford were riflemen assigned to 1st Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment, 2nd Marine Division.

Hunt is being held in jail without bond. It wasn't clear if he had an attorney.

(Copyright 2012 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)

WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) -- A man wanted for what police called a crime spree is in jail facing more than two dozen charges.

William Randolph Spencer is in the New Hanover County Jail under $228,600 bond. His 29 pending charges include several counts of larceny, as well as trespassing, failure to appear and failure to change his address as a sex offender.

Wilmington Police arrested Spencer Friday after a theft at the Kmart on South College Road. Some of his charges are for alleged crimes in Brunswick and Pender counties.

Southport Police asked for help earlier this month tracking down Spencer and another, unidentified man for stealing from Walmart. At the time, investigators said the men had been on what police called a spree of crimes and were wanted in connection with thefts in Brunswick, New Hanover and Pender counties.

WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) -- As more details about the shootings Friday in Connecticut and a murder right here in Wilmington the night before become available, the nation's mindset seems to shift from horror to anger and demands for change, specifically about gun laws.

"I just don't think you can legislate bad people and whatever instrument they use to express that evil with, whether it's a gun, a car, a rock or a big knife. It doesn't really matter, the results are the same," said Richard Wright, manager of Shooter's Choice in Wilmington.

Wright says he is appalled by the shooter at Connecticut's Sandy Hook Elementary. He does not think, though, his actions should speak for the people who follow the laws in place for owning and operating guns.

"To take everyone's right away because some crazy person did something that evil, no, it just doesn't work that way," Wright said. "I really believe that we have a natural right, a god-given right, to protect yourself."

There are some people, though, that feel the gun laws should be rewritten to provide a safer environment overall. Wilmington attorney Deb Butler is one of those people.

"As a fairly young nation, we have a 'maverick' mindset when it comes to owning guns, but society has evolved. It has changed," Butler said. "This isn't the wild, wild west anymore, and reasonable gun control is paramount."

Butler says guns do not need to go away altogether, but semi-automatic weapons are not necessary.

"There are reasonable time/place restrictions on a number of things, so extended waiting periods and the prohibition of assault rifles, semi-automatic rifles is reasonable in an evolved society," Butler said. "We must do it, and we must do it immediately."

An ABC News/Washington Post poll finds half of Americans say the Connecticut school shooting reflects broader problems of our society, not just the isolated acts of a troubled person.

WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) -- Four people appeared in a New Hanover County courtroom this morning accused of murdering Joshua Proutey, 19, who was found dead of a gunshot wound in a parking lot near 2nd and Orange streets Thursday night.

At their first court appearance District Attorney Ben David alleged that the four suspects went to downtown Wilmington with the intent of robbing people. David said the four suspects followed a woman from one of the downtown bars until she stopped in a yard and pulled out a phone to call 911, at which point they ran away.

Prosecutors say the four suspects then found Proutey in a parking lot, where they robbed him of $10, his cell phone and a sandwich.

David claims after the suspects robbed Proutey, they ordered him back into his vehicle. When Proutey resisted, David says Quintel Grady, 22, shot Proutey once in the head killing him.

According to New Hanover County Jail and Wilmington Police Department records, Christopher Daniel Cromartie Jr., 23, Daniel Edward Henry, 17, Jasmine Nikole Dottin, 19, and Grady were arrested on suspicion of felony first-degree murder, robbery with a dangerous weapon, attempted burglary and conspiracy to commit robbery with a dangerous weapon. Dottin also had an outstanding misdemeanor warrant for failing to appear on an unspecified charge.

Cromartie, Dottin and Grady are all being held without bond and could face the death penalty. Because Henry is a minor, he is being held under a $2 million bond and faces a maximum of life without parole.

All four suspects are due back in court January 10, 2013.

WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) -- Joshua Proutey was described as a vibrant, hardworking young man who dreamed of being a marine officer and later a physicians assistant. All of that was taken away from him Thursday night in what police are calling a senseless act of violence.

"He was just a very loving kind, gentle soul, who I don't know ever had an enemy. I don't know that anybody would ever want to harm him. It makes more sense that it was random," Patty Proutey, Joshua's mother, said.

Joshua Proutey was a devout Christian who in his 19 years of life touched many lives.

"He spent a lot of years of his life in Guatemala doing missions trips and he would reach out to kids who had absolutely nothing and literally give him the clothes off of his back," Patty Proutey said.

After graduating from West Johnston High School in Benson, Proutey could think of only one place to start his college career.

"He came to Wilmington in August to go to school," Patty said. "He desperately wanted to live in Wilmington. He loved to be near the beach. He really was passionate about so many things that an ordinary 19 year old would not be passionate about."

It's that warmth and compassion that leaves his mother searching for answers as to who could do such a horrible thing to her son.

"There is no way that I will ever comprehend or understand why this happened to Joshua," she said. "As any parent who has been through this must know I could not believe that my beautiful, precious, gentle Joshie is not here anymore. I just need to know why."

WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) -- Monday, four people were each charged with felony first-degree murder in the death of 19-year-old student Josh Proutey. Now, we are learning more about the accused.

The youngest of the group is 17-year old Daniel Henry. Henry is a student at Ashley High School and has no criminal record.

"Danny was a good kid. We all were. Some of us just end up being more unlucky than others. They get into trouble, wrong place, wrong time," said childhood friend Jeff Cordle.

23-year old Christopher Cromartie, Jr. is a former New Hanover High School student and an amateur boxer.

Cromartie had been in trouble in the past, including a 2010 felony attempted breaking and entering charge. Still, the news came as a shock to Cromartie's coach.

"I'm very surprised. He's a good person," said Andre Thompson, Cromartie’s boxing coach.

Also charged was 19-year-old Jasmine Dottin, who has no criminal record. The D.A. says Dottin was driving the car the night Proutey was killed.

Prosecutors say the one who pulled the trigger was 22-year old Quintel Grady.
Grady spent almost two and a half years in prison on a 2007 robbery with a dangerous weapon charge, and has been arrested in the past two years for breaking and entering cars, evading arrest, and drug possession.
Grady, Cromartie and Dottin are in jail without bond. They could face the death penalty.
Because Henry is a minor, he is being held under a $2 million bond and faces a maximum sentence of life without parole.

WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) -- New Hanover County Commissioner Brian Berger was arrested overnight for DWI, according to the New Hanover County Sheriff's Office. Sheriff's Office spokesman Sgt. Jerry Brewer says Berger was arrested by Wilmington Police. Jail staff says records show he was pulled over on Market Street.

The jail says Commissioner Berger was booked in at 6:42 a.m. and released on $800 unsecured bond around 8 a.m. The jail says his next court date is scheduled for January 16.

"We all need to keep in our prayers," Commissioner Jonathan Barfield, who learned of Berger's arrest from the media, said. "We need to find a way to build a support system around him."

Berger has not yet responded to requests for comment.

Stay with WWAY for more information on this developing story.

ONSLOW COUNTY, NC (WWAY) -- Two high school students in Onslow County have been charged with making threats against their schools.

The Sheriff's Office says Kyle Szuch, a student at Southwest Onslow High School, was arrested for making a bomb threat to the school Friday.

Deputies also arrested Bryan Holley, 17, a senior at Richlands High School, for making threats of a shooting at his school. Deputies received information about the threat late yesterday evening, and officers arrested Holley before midnight.

The Sheriff's Office assigned additional officers to Richlands High School for security of students and staff this morning following the threat.

COLUMBUS COUNTY, NC (WWAY) -- A Columbus County judge has granted B.J. Wright's request for bond, but it won't be easy for him to get out of jail. The judge this morning set Wright's bond at $3.5 million cash, according to Assistant District Attorney Heath Nance. A spokesperson for Judge Douglas Sasser when bonds for several charges were combined, the total approached $4 million.

Nance says Wright's bond was revoked after the 25-year-old jumped out of courthouse window in August.

Nance says Wright is waiting to stand trial on a long list of charges.

Wright, who has ties to former state Sen. R.C. Soles, is still in custody in the Columbus County Jail.

WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) -- This morning's arrest of New Hanover County Commission Brian Berger is not his first run-in with the law since taking office two years ago.

In June 2011, he was arrested for simple assault and property damage after an argument with his ex-girlfriend Heather Blaylock.

That August police were called to his home after Blaylock said Berger threatened to kill himself.

A week later, fellow commissioners called for his resignation. The next day Berger refused to resign, and deputies served him with a domestic violence order from Blaylock. Berger was arrested in November 2011 for violating that order.

The next month commissioners pulled him from boards and committees, but five days later Berger showed up to a DSS meeting, where deputies had to escort him out.

In January of this year, Berger was arrested for failing to appear in court. Four days later a judge found him guilty of violating the domestic violence order. Berger appealed. In August a Brunswick County jury found him not guilty.

WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) -- As students in Newtown, CT, other than those at Sandy Hook Elementary, the site of last week's mass shooting, returned to class today, the White House said President Obama supports Sen. Dianne Feinstein's plan to introduce a bill to ban assault weapons.

One Wilmington mother says that in her mind that isn't even a question.

In June 2004 Holly Naujoks's life changed forever when her daughter Christen, a UNCW student, was gunned down by her crazed ex-boyfriend.

"Christen was full of life," Holly said. "She was eager to learn, and she had a personality that you were just drawn to she was bubbly."

In 2004 Christen Naujoks's ex-boyfriend John Peck began stalking her and going to extremes such as dressing as a woman to disguise his identity. His behavior led the Naujokses to take out a restraining order.

"That made him angry," Holly said. "He didn't like that. When he got angry, he wanted revenge, and that's when he went out and that day that we got the protection order and bought a SKS Chinese assault rifle to kill her."

In June 2004 Peck shot Christen at least 12 times at close range with military-grade 7.62 mm bullets; leaving her body so badly mutilated that she would have to be cremated.

"He fired so many shots into her that he blew her knee cap off. He blew the insides of her uterus, her spleen and all of her female organs and used the bullets that do the most tissue damage, and they all came out of her," Holly said.

Holly Naujoks believes tragedies such as her daughter's killing and massacres such as Columbine, Virginia Tech and Sandy Hook Elementary could have been avoided with a ban on all assault rifles.

"How many more people do you want to lose? Those were just young children, and those women that gave their lives to protect them. It's got to stop," Holly said. "There are too many of us parents who have lost their children or grandparents or sisters and brothers that have to live with this horror day in and day out, and it never leaves you. It never leaves you. It becomes who you are."

WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) -- It has been just five days since 19-year-old Joshua Proutey was murdered in downtown Wilmington. Tonight, WWAY's Matt Ray was the only TV reporter to talk to two of the suspects.

"I just want to tell me mom I love her," Daniel Henry, 17, said, "and my brother and my dad."

"I'm not as tough as I look," Henry said wiping away tears. "I get stereotyped so much.

Henry, 17, said he wishes he could change what happened.

"If I could rewind back, I would've stepped in front of the bullet for Josh," Henry said. "He had more going on for himself than me."

Henry, the youngest of the group accused, says his life is over because of someone else's actions. He and investigators say Quintel Grady shot and killed Prouty. Henry also apologized to the Proutey family for their loss.

"I don't want no sympathy. I just want justice," Henry said. "Yeah, give me time, but don't give me life. I did not pull the trigger. I can't control what somebody else do."

Chris Cromartie, 23, is also charged in the killing.

"I was gonna give it about a week or two, and then just turn myself in if they didn't find any leads, but it took about a couple days, and they were knocking at the gym door," Cromartie said. "My mind is crazy right now. I have not slept since I've been here (in jail). It's not because of the case itself. It's because I have insomnia."

Cromartie said he knew he could have stayed to try and help Proutey after the shooting, but it was too late.

"I could have did CPR, but CPR was not going to help him out," Cromartie said. "But to Joshua's family, I apologize."

Cromartie, Grady and Jasmine Dottin are in jail without bond. They could face the death penalty.

Because Henry is a minor, his bond is set at $2 million. He faces a maximum sentence of life without the possibility of parole.

BLADEN COUNTY, NC (WWAY) -- Deputies in Bladen County say an observant neighbor led to four people being arrested for allegedly stealing ATVs.

Investigators say around 3:30 a.m. yesterday, a citizen heard two ATV four-wheelers coming in the direction of his home on Catfish Farm Rd. near Bladenboro. The witness thought it was very peculiar that anyone would be riding ATVs at that time of the morning. He noticed that the ATVs belonged to his neighbor. He called 911 when two suspects ran into the woods after he approached them.

Deputies arrived and arrested Zachariah John Henry, 26, of Elizabethtown after he was found lying in a ditch.

Investigators determined the other suspect was Robert James Rabon, 24, of Bladenboro. Bladenboro Police arrested him around 4 p.m.

The investigation revealed that Henry's sister, Carolyn Elizabeth Wright, 20, and Thomas Javie Kinlaw III, 25, both of White Lake, had dropped Henry and Rabon off to steal the ATVs.

White Lake Police arrested Kinlaw and Wright around 5 a.m. during a traffic stop and charged them with aid & abet felony larcent.

Wright is still in the Bladen County Jail under a $5,000 secured bond. Kinlaw was released from the Bladen County Jail after posting a $5,000 secured bond.

Both Henry and Rabon were charged with felony larceny, possession of stolen property and possession of burglary tools. They are both still in the Bladen County Jail under a $10,000 secured bond.

Investigators say it appears that the thefts are part of an ATV theft ring. They expect more charges as the investigation continues with the assistance of the Bladenboro and White Lake Police Departments.

WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) -- A Wilmington Fire Department battalion chief is off the job after being arrested on a drunk driving charge.

Wilmington Police arrested James Casteen Sunday night on Ivocet Drive on a DWI charge.

A city spokesman says because Casteen cannot perform his duties as a firefighter without a driver license, Casteen is currently off work using accrued leave. He can return to work after getting his license back.

Casteen is due in court February 18.