Burlington Police Department Media Releases

Burlington, NC | Last week, on March 23 and 24, the Burlington Police Department served warrants to two internet sweepstakes businesses operating in Burlington. Through the department’s investigation, it was determined that the gaming machines operated by the businesses violate North Carolina laws under North Carolina General Statute 14-306.4 which prohibits the operation of electronic machines and devices to conduct or promote sweepstakes through the use of an entertaining display (internet sweepstakes). 

The Burlington Police Department executed search warrants at the following locations related to the operation of illegal gambling machines:

• 2405 North Church Street, Burlington, NC
• 1609-C South Church Street, Burlington, NC

BPD was assisted by the Alamance Narcotics Enforcement Team and the Greensboro Police Department. 

These businesses are now closed and all gaming systems and equipment were seized. The investigation is ongoing and there is the potential for future charges.

The crime analysis previously conducted by the Burlington Police Department determined that Internet Sweepstakes and Fish Game businesses were contributing to an increase in violent crime in our community. The analysis confirmed that violent crimes occur in locations that conduct internet sweepstakes businesses. Crimes included 1^st degree murder, armed robbery, shootings, and other serious assaults. “The Burlington Police Department is committed to taking proactive and preventative measures to ensure public safety. These businesses, and others that cause harm to our community, will not be tolerated,” stated Mark Rascoe, Captain of the Criminal Investigation Division.

In 2018, the Burlington Police Department worked to close approximately 30 Internet Sweepstakes businesses. At that time, the department provided notice and education to all businesses operating these illegal gaming machines in violation of the North Carolina General Statute. Again, in 2021, the department received multiple complaints regarding the re-opening of illegal internet sweepstakes businesses and in July 2021, the department executed warrants and worked to close three additional businesses operating illegally. Most recently, the department closed three internet sweepstakes businesses in December 2022.

Anyone with information concerning the location or ownership of sweepstakes or fish game locations in the City of Burlington is encouraged to contact the Burlington Police Department at 336-229-3500.

Members of the community and their families with a gambling problem or a gambling disorder should contact the North Carolina Problem Gambling Helpline at 877-718-5543 or text “morethanagamenc” to 53342 for confidential and free help.

As always, we appreciate the support and information obtained from our community and work tirelessly to improve their quality of life.

The Burlington Police Department is seeking anyone with additional information about this investigation. Please contact the Burlington Police Department at (336) 229-3500. For anonymous methods, call Alamance County-Wide Crimestoppers at (336) 229-7100 or use the mobile app, P3 Tips. Tips provided through Crimestoppers may be eligible for cash rewards.

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UPDATE

March 17, 2023

Burlington, NC | Burlington Police Department has apprehended a second juvenile suspect from the investigation of a shooting that occurred on the 600 block of Wicker Street in Burlington on March 7.

The 16-year-old male has been charged with Attempted First Degree Murder, Discharge of Firearm into Occupied Property, and Discharge Firearm into Occupied Dwelling. He is currently being held in Juvenile Detention. 

Due to the nature of the case and the juveniles involved, this is the only information available at this time.

March 8, 2023

Burlington, NC | Burlington Police Department is currently investigating a shooting that occurred on the 600 block of Wicker Street in Burlington.

On March 7, around 8am, Burlington Police Officers were dispatched in reference to a vehicle being shot at on Wicker Street. Detectives have been able to determine that multiple male juveniles shot at an approaching vehicle. Detectives are still investigating a motive for the shooting, however at this time it appears to be a targeted incident. All of the juveniles involved were known to each other.

A 16-year-old male is in custody and charged with Aiding and Abetting for Attempted First Degree Murder.

The Burlington Police Department is currently searching for a 16-year-old male charged with Attempted First Degree Murder, Discharge of Firearm into Occupied Property, and Discharge Firearm into Occupied Dwelling. 

There were no reports of injuries, other than damage to property. At this time, police continue to investigate this case. Due to the nature of the case and the juveniles involved, this is the only information available at this time.

The Burlington Police Department is seeking anyone with additional information about this investigation. Please contact the Burlington Police Department at (336) 229-3500. For anonymous methods, call Alamance County-Wide Crimestoppers at (336) 229-7100 or use the mobile app, P3 Tips. Tips provided through Crimestoppers may be eligible for cash rewards.

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UPDATE

March 17, 2023

Burlington, NC | Over the last several months investigators have continued to follow leads in the Camera Corner theft case from December 27, 2022. The suspect has been identified as David Eugene Dodson Smithe, a 27-year-old male from York, SC. 

The Burlington Police Department has issued warrants for the arrest of Smithe, who is charged with Breaking and Entering and Larceny After Breaking and Entering.

The Burlington Police Department would like to thank Spartanburg, SC and Greenville, NC Police Departments for their assistance in the identification of Smithe. Additional charges in other jurisdictions are possible. Our department is continuing to investigate this case and is seeking any additional information that will aid in the apprehension of David Smithe.

The Burlington Police Department is seeking anyone with additional information about this investigation. Please contact the Burlington Police Department at (336) 229-3500. For anonymous methods, call Alamance County-Wide Crimestoppers at (336) 229-7100 or use the mobile app, P3 Tips. Tips provided through Crimestoppers may be eligible for cash rewards.

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Original Media Release

December 27, 2023

Burlington, NC | On Tuesday, December 27, shortly after midnight, police officers responded to Camera Corner, located 2273 S. Church Street in reference to a business alarm.

Officers on the scene found a damaged window and conducted a security sweep. No suspect(s) were found inside. The business has reported over $10,000 in merchandise stolen. The surveillance video available showed the suspect wearing a hooded sweatshirt and gloves and fleeing the scene in a vehicle. Photos Attached.

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