A male student at North Forsyth High School is facing multiple charges after authorities discovered he had a loaded gun on campus, according to the Forsyth County Sheriff’s Office.

The student is charged with possession of a weapon on school property, possession of a firearm with the serial number removed, and alteration, destruction, or removal of a serial number from a gun. He was taken to a juvenile detention center following the incident.

The discovery took place on the seventh day of the school year in the district. Authorities credited the swift response of law enforcement and school staff for ensuring the safety of the campus.

The sheriff’s office emphasized that the case highlights the importance of responsible decision-making and community vigilance in maintaining school safety.

Winston-Salem, N.C. – The Winston-Salem Police Department (WSPD) is investigating a fatal shooting that claimed the life of a 62-year-old man Tuesday night.

At 9:59 p.m. on August 19, 2025, officers responded to reports of gunfire in the 300 block of Gregory Street. When they arrived, they discovered a man suffering from multiple gunshot wounds.

The victim was later identified as Marco Antonio Salazar Cano, 62. Emergency Medical Services (EMS) quickly transported him to a local hospital, but despite life-saving efforts, he succumbed to his injuries.

The WSPD’s Criminal Investigations Division (CID) is leading the investigation. Detectives remained on the scene late into the night, gathering evidence and interviewing potential witnesses.

At this time, no suspect information has been released, and the investigation remains active.

Community Assistance Requested

Authorities are urging anyone with information about the incident to come forward.

• WSPD Non-Emergency Line: 336-773-7700
• Crime Stoppers (English): 336-727-2800
• Crime Stoppers (Spanish): 336-728-3904
• Text-A-Tip Program: 336-276-1717 (allows sending text, photo, or video tips directly to detectives)
• Online Tip Form: Crime Stoppers Tip Form

Crime Stoppers allows tipsters to remain anonymous and may offer a reward for information leading to an arrest.

This marks yet another homicide in Winston-Salem as police continue working with the community to curb gun violence.

Michael Banks, 13

Date/Time of Incident: Sunday, August 17, 2025, at 6:08 AM

Location: 2500 block of Green Oaks Drive, Winston-Salem, NC

The Winston-Salem Police Department (WSPD) is actively investigating a shooting that occurred early Sunday morning in the 2500 block of Green Oaks Drive.

Upon arrival, officers located Harold Devon Smith, a 57-year-old male, suffering from an apparent gunshot wound. Mr. Smith was immediately transported to a local hospital for treatment. At this time, his injuries are considered non-life threatening.

The investigation remains ongoing, and detectives are working to determine the circumstances surrounding the incident.

📞 How to Help:

Anyone with information regarding this case is encouraged to contact law enforcement through the following channels:

• Non-Emergency Line: 336-773-7700
• Crime Stoppers (English): 336-727-2800
• Crime Stoppers (Spanish): 336-728-3904
• Text-A-Tip: 336-276-1717 (send text, photo, or video directly to WSPD Detectives)
• Online Crime Stoppers Tip Form: Submit Here

All Crime Stoppers tips are anonymous, and tipsters may be eligible for a cash reward if their information leads to an arrest.

A fatal shooting in Winston-Salem early Saturday morning has left one woman dead and another facing a murder charge.

Police said officers were called to the 1200 block of East 25th Street at 7:19 a.m. When they arrived, they found 28-year-old Breanna Zhane Hunter suffering from a gunshot wound. Hunter was pronounced dead at the scene.

Authorities confirmed Hunter’s family has been notified of her death.

Winston-Salem, N.C. — An 18-year-old man is in critical condition after a shooting Tuesday evening in northwestern Winston-Salem, authorities reported.

The incident occurred at approximately 6:08 p.m. in the 5000 block of Farmoor Circle, according to the Winston-Salem Police Department. Responding officers found the victim, identified as Abdel Amir Menendez Rodriguez, suffering from multiple gunshot wounds.

Rodriguez was transported to a local hospital with life-threatening injuries, police said.

As of this writing, no arrests had been made in connection with the shooting. Investigators are continuing to gather information about the incident.

Authorities are urging anyone with information to come forward. Tips can be provided by calling Winston-Salem police at 336-773-7700, Crime Stoppers at 336-727-2800, or the Spanish-language tip line at 336-728-3904.

Fatal Crash During Pursuit

GUILFORD COUNTY, N.C. — A high-speed chase in Guilford County ended in tragedy when a Winston-Salem man crashed his vehicle and died, according to the North Carolina Highway Patrol.

Authorities identified the driver as 36-year-old Bernard Anthony Oliver Evans Jr. Troopers say the incident began when officers attempted to stop Evans, but he refused to pull over, leading to a pursuit.

Loss of Control Leads to Deadly Wreck

During the chase, Evans lost control of his vehicle, causing it to crash. Emergency responders arrived quickly, but Evans was pronounced dead shortly after the collision.

No other injuries were reported in the incident.

Investigation Ongoing

The North Carolina Highway Patrol is still investigating the events that led to the fatal crash, including what prompted the initial traffic stop. No further details have been released at this time.

For official updates, follow the North Carolina State Highway Patrol.

Image courtesy of the Forsyth County Detention Center 

A 54-year-old man was fatally shot on Aug. 8 following a confrontation on Zuider Zee Drive, according to the Winston-Salem Police Department.

Officers responded to a reported shooting and found Hayes Godfrey Miller lying on the ground with gunshot wounds. He was transported to a local hospital, where he later died.

Investigators say the incident arose from an ongoing dispute between Miller and another resident of the neighborhood. According to police, Miller approached the individual’s home in a threatening manner while armed with a firearm. The resident then shot Miller.

After consulting with Forsyth County District Attorney Jim O’Neill, police determined the shooting appeared to be an act of self-defense. No charges have been filed at this time, though the investigation remains active.

A Kernersville teenager has been charged in connection with a fatal shooting that took place early Sunday morning in Winston-Salem, marking the first arrest tied to a string of violent incidents over the weekend.

According to a statement from the Winston-Salem Police Department, 18-year-old Gerard De’unta Lewis is facing a felony murder charge in the death of 20-year-old Deshaun Christian Capers. Authorities say Capers was discovered around 12:25 a.m. in the 3000 block of North Patterson Avenue and was pronounced dead at the scene.

Lewis was taken into custody and is currently being held without bond at the Forsyth County Detention Center. Police have not released any information regarding a possible motive, the type of weapon involved, or whether Lewis and Capers knew each other.

The arrest comes after a particularly violent weekend in Winston-Salem, during which five people were killed and another person injured in three separate shootings. Despite the close timing, investigators say they do not believe the incidents are connected. These include a Friday night shooting that killed a teenager on Berl Street and a triple homicide that occurred early Saturday on Cameron Avenue.

Winston-Salem Police Chief William Penn Jr. confirmed that detectives are continuing to investigate each case individually.

Winston-Salem — Nearly two months after the body of a man was discovered in a Winston-Salem apartment, authorities have announced that the case will not result in any criminal charges.

The body of Fernando Rodriguez Mendoza, 58, was found just before 1 p.m. on May 31 at an apartment on Timlic Avenue, according to the Winston-Salem Police Department. Following a joint investigation with the N.C. Office of the Chief Medical Examiner, Mendoza’s death was initially ruled a homicide.

Detectives interviewed individuals involved in the case, and the findings were presented to the Forsyth County District Attorney’s Office. After reviewing the evidence, the District Attorney concluded that Mendoza’s death occurred during an act of self-defense. As a result, no charges will be filed.

Police have not released the identity of the individual responsible, citing the nature of the investigation. The case is now considered closed.

Winston-Salem police have identified the four individuals who lost their lives in two separate shootings over the weekend.

Early Saturday morning, three people were discovered dead outside a home in the 900 block of Cameron Avenue. The victims have been identified as:

• Destiny Quiterio-Avila, 17
• Alan Lopez, 18
• Kelsea Perkins, 23

A few hours before that incident, officers responded to a separate shooting on Berl Street, where Jaquavion Lewis, 16, was found fatally shot.

Authorities say Lewis was involved in an attempted robbery during an illegal gun sale when he was shot. After reviewing the case, the Forsyth County District Attorney’s Office determined the shooting was an act of self-defense. However, the investigation is still ongoing.