North Carolina
North Carolina woman on way to visit sister killed when hooligan throws rock through windshield
A 23-year-old woman was killed Wednesday when a hoodlum hurled a rock through her windshield, causing her to crash into a North Carolina home.
Brittany Elizabeth Ferguson was on her way to meet her sister when the rock flew through her car, fatally striking her in the head, according to the North Carolina Highway Patrol.
Her 2006 Ford Taurus veered off the road and through a yard before smashing into the porch of a neighboring home.
Ferguson was pronounced dead at the scene.
“Bad. It was just horrible,” homeowner Abigail Rumlet told WRAL.
“The house can be replaced or repaired … Just closure. That’s what I want for the family.”
The person responsible for throwing the rock is still on the lam, but investigators are looking for a white Chevrolet S-10 single-cab truck.
Witnesses reported seeing the truck — with a man riding in the bed — driving back and forth through the area after the incident.
State troopers theorize the rock was thrown from a car passing in the opposite direction as Ferguson, or by someone who was standing on the side of the road, ABC News reported.
“I hope that whoever did this act will come forward. And man up to what’s happened here, because it’s just an awful tragedy,” said Rumlet.
The brutal attack comes just days after a Colorado teenager pleaded guilty to committing the same crime that left a 20-year-old dead in 2023.
Zachary Kwak, 19, admitted to killing Alexa Bartell with his two buddies during a multi-day spree spent hurling rocks and other objects at cars.
Bartell was returning from work around 10:45 p.m. when a large landscaping rock sailed through her windshield and hit her, authorities said.
A section of E. 4th Street in Washington will close next week for sewer line replacement work.
According to the city, E. 4th Street from Hudnell Street to Aycock Street will be closed to local traffic on Tuesday, July 14, and Wednesday, July 15, from 7:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
PINE KNOLL SHORES, Carteret County — A longtime Pine Knoll Shores public servant is preparing to begin a new chapter after nearly two decades with the town.
Ryan Thompson announced he will leave his full-time role with the Town of Pine Knoll Shores on August 12 after 18 years of service.
Thompson said he first came to Pine Knoll Shores in 2008 and has served the town in several roles, including police officer, chief of police, assistant town manager and most recently interim town manager.
In a message shared by the Pine Knoll Shores Police Department, Thompson said serving the community has been the greatest honor of his professional career.
Town of Pine Knoll Shores announces Ryan Thompson to depart after 18 years
He reflected on working alongside first responders through several hurricanes and coastal emergencies over the years, including Irene, Arthur, Matthew, Florence, Dorian, Isaias, Ophelia and Debby.
Thompson also highlighted the community’s response after Hurricane Helene devastated parts of western North Carolina in 2024. He said Pine Knoll Shores helped raise nearly $20,000 to support people impacted by the storm.
Thompson said Pine Knoll Shores has also been a special place for his family. His son served as a part-time firefighter with the Pine Knoll Shores Fire Department, and his wife served as the town’s tax collector.
Although he is leaving his full-time role, Thompson said he is not saying goodbye to the town.
He will begin serving as a public safety risk management consultant with the North Carolina League of Municipalities. He said the new role will allow him to work with cities and towns across the state to help support public safety and local governments.
Thompson also said he will remain with the Pine Knoll Shores Police Department as a part-time police officer.
He said he will also continue helping the town during its transition as Pine Knoll Shores begins the search for its next police chief and works through the town manager transition.
Captain Eric Tellefsen will become interim chief of police after Thompson’s departure.
Thompson said he is confident in the department’s leadership team and thanked the Pine Knoll Shores community for its trust, support and friendship over the past 18 years.
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