BENSON POLICE DEPARTMENT
303 EAST CHURCH STREET
BENSON, NC 27504
TELEPHONE 919-894-3616 FAX 919-207-1993
- - -PRESS RELEASE- - -
December 29, 2007
On December 28, 2007, a Kidnapping, involving an 18-month-old child, and also a 4-year-old child, was reported to the Benson Police Department. The suspect in this incident was identified as Derek Antonio Wilson, a 31-year-old Black Male, with a Benson address of 208 West Hill Street, where the kidnapping took place.
During the investigation into this incident, conducted by Lt. Greg Percy, Det. Danny Lucas, and Chief Kenneth Edwards, it was determined that Wilson was the father of the 18-month-old child, and therefore had lawful custody and control of him. He had no biological ties to the 4-year-old child though. Several cell phone calls were placed to and from Wilson, in an attempt to arrange his surrender, and to recover the child, but little to no progress was made over several hours. Investigators worked with Sprint/Nextel to obtain a location from the cell phone, and assistance was requested from the Edgecombe County Sheriff's Department, after it was determined that Wilson was in Pinetops, NC. Wilson was located at an apartment complex in Pinetops, by ECSO deputies, and was held on a pending Kidnapping charge. Both children were also located at the same residence, and the 4-year-old was returned to the mother, while the 18-month old was released to family members in Pinetops.
Derek Antonio Wilson was arrested by Benson investigators at the Edgecombe County Detention Center, at approximately 9:45 PM, and was subsequently transported back to Johnston County, where he was placed into the Johnston County Jail under a $150,000 Secured Bond, for a charge of First Degree Kidnapping, Larceny of a Motor Vehicle, and Possession of a Stolen Vehicle.
Chief Kenneth Edwards, Lt. Greg Percy, and Det. Danny Lucas would like to express their gratitude to Sprint/Nextel, and also to the Edgecombe County Sheriff's Department, for their invaluable assistance, and contributions to the investigation and arrest. "Without their help," Chief Edwards said, "It is likely that this situation could have went on for several more hours, or possibly days, so we are extremely grateful for their expertise and swift response."
For additional information about this incident, contact Chief Kenneth Edwards at 919-894-2091. A photo of Wilson is available from the Johnston County Jail.