BY STACIE LETT CAIN

While the Statesville Police Department reported a slight dip in violent crime across the city in 2022, the number of homicides and robberies more than doubled from the prior year.

The SPD investigated seven homicides last year (up from three in 2021) and 23 robberies (up from 11 in 2021), according to the department’s annual crime report.

Despite those negative trends, the SPD reported an overall decline of less than 1 percent in all violent crimes thanks to a steep drop in the number of rapes and aggravated assaults, which dropped by 56 percent and 5.5 percent, respectively.

During a report to the City Council on Monday, Police Chief David Onley attributed the jump in violent crime to the prevalence of firearms in the city.

“The biggest thing driving our violent crime right now is our gun-related crimes,” he explained.

SPD officers seized 18 rifles, eight shotguns and 114 pistols in 2022.. Officers also reported 482 drug seizures, totaling 7,886.5 grams, according to the crime report.

The police department also reported a 3 percent decline in property crimes. Burglaries, motor vehicle thefts and larcenies from motor vehicles all declined, while reports of shoplifting and theft of motor vehicle parts increased.

Chief Onley praised his civilian employees and sworn officers for their work during a challenging year, when the department was frequently understaffed due to employees leaving the department for other opportunities. 

Today, the SPD is operating at nearly full staff, according to Onley The department has 85 sworn officers and 25 civilian employees.

“These guys and gals do not get enough credit for what they did last year,” the chief said. “I am extremely proud of this department.”

Fire Station Construction Update

Contractors have begun site work for the new Statesville Fire Department Station 1 at the corner of Wilson W. Lee Boulevard and Charlotte Avenue. The station, which will be named in honor of William T. “Woody” Woodard, will provide the fire department with 26,200 square feet. Features include four equipment bays, 11 bedrooms, lower-level space for administrative offices.

Construction costs are estimated at $13.52 million with another $1.25 million slated for furnishings, generators and IT/communications equipment.

The City Council voted at this week’s meeting to accept the remaining bid packages for the fire station, approve the total construction cost and authorized city staff to solicit financing proposals for the balance of the project cost as well as adopting an ordinance amending the capital project fund for this project.