Wilkesboro Police Department

08/25/2026

📚🚍 Back to School Safety Reminder 🚍📚

School is back in session this week, and that means more buses on the road carrying our most precious passengers our children. Please help us keep them safe by remembering when to stop for a school bus:

🔴 Two-lane roadway with a center turning lane: ALL traffic from both directions must stop.

🟠 Roadway of four lanes or more with a center turning lane: ONLY traffic following the bus must stop.

🟢 Divided highway with a median separation: ONLY traffic following the bus must stop.

⚠️ Stopping for a school bus is not just the law it’s about protecting the lives of children in our community.

Let’s work together to make this school year a safe one! 💛

07/02/2026

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Road Closure Notice – America 250 Parade
Saturday, July 4, 2026

The Wilkesboro Police Department advises motorists and residents of temporary road closures on Saturday, July 4, 2026, in conjunction with the America 250 Parade.

Beginning at 1:00 p.m., Main Street will be closed between West Street and Woodland Boulevard. This closure will remain in effect until approximately 5:00 p.m. Detours will be established to assist motorists traveling through the area. Please refer to the attached map for designated detour routes.

At approximately 3:30 p.m., an additional closure will be implemented on Main Street from Cherry Street to Oakwoods Road as the America 250 Parade begins in Wilkesboro and proceeds into North Wilkesboro. These roadways will remain closed until the parade has safely passed through the Town of Wilkesboro. Streets will be reopened as soon as it is safe to do so.

Motorists are encouraged to plan ahead, allow additional travel time, and use alternate routes to avoid delays. Those attending the parade are encouraged to arrive early and follow all directions provided by law enforcement officers and event personnel.

The Wilkesboro Police Department appreciates the public's patience and cooperation as we work to ensure the safety of participants, spectators, and motorists during this community celebration.

07/01/2026

We will be collecting school supplies until July 30th. Drop off at Wilkesboro Police Department Monday-Friday during business hours.

06/17/2026

05/22/2026

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Armed Robbery Investigation Leads to Two Arrests

Wilkesboro, NC — On Thursday, May 21, 2026, at approximately 5:00 p.m., Wilkesboro Police Communications dispatched officers with the Wilkesboro Police Department to an armed robbery reported in the parking lot area of Brushy Mountain Powersports.

The caller advised communications personnel that the suspects had fled the scene traveling southbound on U.S. Highway 421 in a gold Toyota Avalon. Shortly after the broadcast, a member of the Wilkesboro Fire Department observed the suspect vehicle traveling southbound in the area of U.S. Highway 421 and U.S. Highway 421 Business and immediately radioed the vehicle’s location to responding law enforcement officers.

A Trooper with the North Carolina State Highway Patrol located the vehicle near N.C. Highway 16 South and conducted a traffic stop on U.S. Highway 16 South near Food Lion in Wilkesboro. Troopers detained the occupants of the vehicle without incident. During the stop, officers located two handguns inside the vehicle.

Officers with the Wilkesboro Police Department responded to the traffic stop location to assist the North Carolina State Highway Patrol. Following the stop, the Highway Patrol turned custody of the suspects over to the Wilkesboro Police Department to continue the criminal investigation.

The suspects, identified as Kristopher Ward, 20, of Taylorsville, and a 15-year-old juvenile, were transported to the Wilkesboro Police Department for questioning.

As a result of the investigation, Kristopher Ward was charged with:

• Robbery with a Dangerous Weapon
• Conspiracy to Commit Armed Robbery
• Possession of a Stolen Firearm
• Contributing to the Delinquency of a Minor

The juvenile suspect was turned over to Juvenile Services for secured custody. Juvenile petitions were obtained for the following offenses:

• Robbery with a Dangerous Weapon
• Conspiracy to Commit Armed Robbery
• Assault by Pointing a Firearm
• Possession of a Firearm by a Juvenile

The investigation remains ongoing and has determined that the robbery did not involve the business itself. The incident occurred between two parties who had arranged to meet in the parking lot for reasons unrelated to Brushy Mountain Powersports or its operations.

The Wilkesboro Police Department would like to thank the North Carolina State Highway Patrol and the Wilkesboro Fire Department for their quick actions and assistance in bringing this incident to a safe conclusion.

05/13/2026

The High Country Council of Governments (HCCOG) invites our community to come together for the Wilkes Elder Abuse Awareness Walk in recognition of World Elder Abuse Awareness Day.

Join us on Friday, June 12th at 9:00 AM as we walk to raise awareness, show support for older adults, and stand against elder abuse in our community.

Let's make a difference together! Wear purple and help us build strong support for elders!

05/04/2026

🚨 Attention, citizens of Wilkesboro… 🚨

Reports are coming in of suspicious characters roaming the galaxy today, including Wookiees with terrible aim and a very short green suspect speaking in riddles.

If you see anyone speeding through town in a land speeder, please remind them: the Force does not exempt you from traffic laws. 🚔✨

From all of us at the Wilkesboro Police Department — have a fun and safe Star Wars Day!

May the 4th be with you. 🌟

05/01/2026

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Wilkesboro Police Department
Wilkesboro, North Carolina
Fatal Motor Vehicle Collision Under Investigation
Wilkesboro, NC — On Friday, May 1, 2026, at approximately 12:00 a.m., officers with
the Wilkesboro Police Department responded to a motor vehicle collision on U.S.
Highway 421.
The collision involved two vehicles: a 2007 Chevrolet Impala operated by Dillion Mullis,
19, of Wilkesboro, and a 2023 Caterpillar construction vehicle operated by Miguel
Benitez, 44, of Lexington. Upon arrival, officers located the Impala with the engine compartment engulfed in
flames with the driver still inside the vehicle. Officers immediately began fire
suppression efforts until personnel from the Wilkesboro Fire Department arrived and
assumed fire and rescue operations.
Tragically, Mr. Mullis sustained fatal injuries as a result of the collision. Mr. Benitez
sustained minor, non-life-threatening injuries.
The Wilkesboro Police Department’s Collision Reconstruction Team responded to the
scene and is actively investigating the circumstances surrounding the incident.
Preliminary findings indicate that speed may have been a contributing factor.
The Wilkesboro Police Department extends its deepest condolences to the family and
friends of Mr. Mullis during this difficult time.

04/15/2026

Angela Hamby went missing in 1982. Governor Stein is offering a reward for information that could lead to a conviction or arrest in the case. FULL STORY⬇️

04/15/2026

Information Release:

Today, April 15, 2026, Governor Josh Stein has officially issued a proclamation increasing the reward in the case of Angela Hamby to $25,000.

In addition, Wilkes County Crime Stoppers is offering an additional $5,000 reward for information leading to the conclusion of this case.

Angela Hamby has been missing since October 29, 1982, and we remain committed to seeking answers for her family and our community. This increased reward reflects a continued dedication at both the state and local levels to bring resolution to this long-standing case.

Anyone with information is urged to contact the Wilkesboro Police Department at 336-667-7277 or Crime Stoppers at 336-667-8900. Information can be provided confidentially.

Even the smallest detail could make a difference.