SURF CITY — An armed robbery that left one female dead at a Surf City business Wednesday evening is under investigation by local law enforcement.
Surf City Police Department sent out communications Thursday searching for a suspect considered armed and dangerous. The man turned himself in around 10:30 a.m. and officials held a press conference Thursday afternoon to detail the incident.
Officers responded to a 911 call around 6:40 p.m. Wednesday at the Exotic Hemp Company, 100 Charlie Medlin Dr. off Highway 50. Police Chief Phil Vorhees said during the press conference, victim Margaret Nicole Bracy, 42 years old, was found dead when they arrived.
“This is now considered a homicide and an ongoing investigation,” Vorhees said.
He added Wilmington and Carolina Beach police departments assisted with the investigation, as well as the State Bureau of Investigation and District Attorney Ben David.
Police identified the 23-year-old suspect Thursday evening as Charles Michael Haywood of Holly Springs, N.C. Haywood’s first court appearance is scheduled for 12:15 p.m. Friday in Pender County.
Exotic Hemp Company, CBD product retailer, has two other locations, one in Hampstead and one in Wilmington. All three locations will be closed until further notice, according to its Facebook page.
On Thursday morning, the company posted on social media: “Our Exotic Hemp Company family has suffered a horrible tragedy. All stores will be closed while our team grieves. Update will be posted when our team decides to reopen.”
Surf City Mayor Doug Medlin said a crime like this is a first for the town.
“This incident has certainly shocked our little community,” he said at the press conference. “The town of Surf City prides itself on maintaining a safe community.”
Anyone with information regarding the incident should call the Surf City Police Department at 910-328-7711.
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