Hyde County Sheriff's Office

09/23/2026

09/11/2026

🇺🇸 September 11, 2001 — We Will Never Forget

Some days change a nation. Some moments become a part of who we are forever.

Twenty-five years ago today, our country witnessed unimaginable tragedy. Families lost mothers, fathers, sons, daughters, brothers, sisters, and friends. Communities were forever changed. And countless first responders made the ultimate sacrifice while answering a call for help.

Today, we remember every life lost and every family left behind. We remember the courage of those who ran toward the danger when others were running away. We remember the firefighters, law enforcement officers, EMTs, military members, and everyday Americans who showed us what courage, compassion, and service truly mean.

As members of law enforcement, we carry a special responsibility to remember those who gave everything in service to others. Their example reminds us why we wear this badge: to protect, to serve, and to stand beside our community when we are needed most.

May we never forget the lives that were taken, the heroes who answered the call, and the families who still feel their absence.

25 years later, their stories live on. Their sacrifice still matters. Their memory will never fade.

🇺🇸 We remember. We honor. We will never forget.

September 11, 2001 — Forever in our hearts.

08/24/2026

RELEASE OF INFORMATION

On August 19, 2026 an incident occurred on the property of the Jolly Roger Restaurant on Ocracoke. During this incident a fight ensued and one of the instigators was injured and sent to the hospital. This person has since been released from the hospital. He has not die as the rumor mill keeps saying.
The case will be presented to the district attorney’s office for recommendation on possible charges

07/30/2026

The Hyde County Sheriff’s Office announces that Driston Cole Deese has been taken into custody by the United States Marshals Service at the request of the Hyde County Sheriff’s Office.

Deese was wanted on outstanding charges in multiple jurisdictions, including the State of Florida, the State of South Carolina, Harnett County (NC), Cumberland County (NC), Beaufort County (NC), and Hyde County (NC).

In Hyde County, Deese was wanted on the following charges:

* First-Degree Kidnapping
* Possession of a Fi***rm by a Convicted Felon
* Assault with a Deadly Weapon with Intent to Kill
* Assault by Pointing a Gun

The Hyde County Sheriff’s Office would like to thank the United States Marshals Service and Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office for their cooperation and assistance in locating and apprehending Deese. This arrest highlights the importance of collaboration between agencies in ensuring that individuals wanted for violent offenses are brought into custody.

The Hyde County Sheriff’s Office remains committed to protecting the citizens of Hyde County and pursuing those who threaten the safety of our communities.

06/23/2026

⚠️ COUNTERFEIT MONEY ALERT ⚠️

The Hyde County Sheriff's Office is asking local businesses and residents to be vigilant for counterfeit currency circulating in our area.

In several instances, counterfeit bills have been passed while mixed in with a stack of legitimate bills, making them more difficult to detect during busy transactions.

We encourage cashiers, business owners, and anyone handling cash to carefully inspect bills, especially larger denominations. Look for security features such as watermarks, security threads, color-shifting ink, and raised printing.

If you believe you have received a counterfeit bill:
✔️ Do not return it to the person who passed it.
✔️ Limit handling of the bill.
✔️ Note any information about the individual involved, if possible.
✔️ Contact the Hyde County Sheriff's Office immediately.

By remaining alert and checking your cash carefully, you can help prevent counterfeit currency from affecting our community.

If you have any information regarding counterfeit money activity, please contact the Hyde County Sheriff's Office at your earliest convenience.

06/23/2026

Traffic Stop Leads to Drug Arrest in Swan Quarter

SWAN QUARTER, N.C. — Deputies with the Hyde County Sheriff's Office conducted a traffic stop in the area of U.S. Highway 264 and Main Street in Swan Quarter. During the investigation, deputies developed probable cause to search the vehicle and subsequently located a quantity of controlled substances.

As a result of the investigation, Donald Wayne Gibbs Jr. was arrested and charged with the following offenses:

• Felony Maintaining a Vehicle for Keeping and Selling Controlled Substances
• Felony Possession of Ma*****na
• Felony Possession with Intent to Sell and Deliver Ma*****na (Schedule VI)
• Failure to Comply with License Restrictions
• Driving Left of Center

Gibbs was transported to the Dare County Detention Center, where he was placed under a $30,000 secured bond.

The Hyde County Sheriff's Office remains committed to combating illegal drug activity and ensuring the safety of our communities.

06/22/2026

🚧 Turnpike Road Reopening Notice 🚧

The Hyde County Sheriff's Office would like to inform the public that Turnpike Road will reopen tomorrow.

As travel resumes along this roadway, we ask all motorists to use caution, obey posted speed limits, and remain alert for any crews, equipment, or areas that may still require attention.

Please drive safely and allow extra time for your commute if needed. Thank you for your patience and cooperation during the closure.

06/19/2026

Hyde County Sheriff's Office Announces Arrest Following Investigation into Multiple Break-Ins at Engelhard Medical Center

HYDE COUNTY, N.C. — The Hyde County Sheriff's Office has arrested Thomas Andrew Jackson of Plymouth, NC following a lengthy investigation into a series of break-ins at Engelhard Medical Center that occurred over an approximately eighteen-month period.

The investigation centered on reported breaking and entering incidents at the medical facility on November 10, 2024; April 5, 2025; April 6, 2025; July 7, 2025; and April 26, 2026. Investigators with the Hyde County Sheriff's Office conducted an extensive investigation involving the collection and analysis of evidence, witness interviews, and the review of surveillance footage and other investigative leads.

As a result of the investigation, Thomas Andrew Jackson was identified as a suspect and subsequently taken into custody. He has been charged with multiple offenses related to the incidents, including:

• 3 counts of Felony Breaking and Entering
• 3 counts of Larceny After Breaking and Entering
• 6 counts of Trafficking O***m or He**in
• 2 counts of Trafficking Amphetamine
• 2 counts of Felony Possession of a Schedule IV Controlled Substance
• 3 counts of Breaking and Entering a Pharmacy
• 1 count of Felony Possession of a Schedule II Controlled Substance
• 2 counts of Felony Possession of Burglary Tools
• 2 counts of Misdemeanor Attempted Breaking and Entering
• 4 counts of Misdemeanor Injury to Real Property
• 1 count of Misdemeanor Possession of a Schedule IV Controlled Substance

Jackson is being held in the Dare County Detention Center in lieu of a $500,000.00 secured bond.

Sheriff Cahoon commended investigators for their diligence and persistence throughout the case.

"These incidents affected an important healthcare facility that serves our community. Our investigators remained committed to pursuing every lead and ensuring those responsible were held accountable. I am proud of the work that led to this arrest and grateful for the cooperation received throughout the investigation."

The Hyde County Sheriff's Office would also like to thank all individuals and partner agencies who assisted during the investigation.

The investigation remains active, and additional charges or arrests may be possible as investigators continue to review evidence related to the case.

06/07/2026

🚨 ROAD CLOSURE REMINDER 🚨

Turnpike Road remains CLOSED from the caution light to the stop sign due to hazardous conditions in the area.

Please do not attempt to drive around barricades or enter the closed section of roadway. The closure is in place for the safety of the public and emergency personnel working in the area.

Motorists who fail to comply with the road closure may be subject to enforcement action, and law enforcement will take appropriate action as necessary.

We appreciate your patience and cooperation as we work to keep everyone safe. Please continue to use alternate routes and monitor official updates for any changes to the closure status.