***UPDATE***
1336 hrs 01112024

The Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office has arrested and charged 40 Year Old Cameron Lee Smith of Washington NC with Possession of a Weapon of Mass Destruction, Possession of Methamphetamine, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, and Carrying a Concealed Gun.

Cameron Smith is confined in the Beaufort County Detention Center under No Bond.  The investigation is continuing and additional charges may be forthcoming.

136 hrs 01112024
At this time, local law enforcement has cleared from the Washington Corner Shopping Center.  The United States Marine Corps, Cherry Point EOD has concluded operations.  This case is still very active and future updates will come when practical.
1224 hrs 01112024

At this time, local law enforcement is still on scene at the Washington Corner Shopping Center.  United States Marine Corps, Cherry Point EOD is processing the scene.  The North Carolina State Bureau of Investigations is working the case with the Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office and Beaufort County Office of Emergency Services.  The Washington Corner Shopping Center will remain closed to the public until Cherry Point EOD has concluded their operations.  The suspect in this incident is currently in custody. There is no known threat to the public. Another update will be provided as soon as practical.

On January 10, 2024 at 6:45 pm, an Investigator with Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office observed a male slumped over in a vehicle in the parking lot of Food Lion on John Small Avenue in Washington NC.
While checking on the welfare of the occupant, the Investigator observed drug paraphernalia in plain view.  Upon making contact with the subject, the Investigator located a weapon, crystal methamphetamine and drug paraphernalia.
While conducting a subsequent probable cause search of the vehicle, deputies located what appeared to be possible explosives inside the vehicle.
Deputies immediately secured the parking lot and requested assistance from Washington Police, Washington Fire/EMS and Beaufort County Emergency Services.  All local businesses at Washington Corner closed at the recommendation of law enforcement.
Cherry Point EOD is responding to the scene to further investigate the items.  Further information will be released at a later time.