Joint Law Enforcement Operation Held Last Tuesday in McDowell County

McDowell County residents may have noticed a heavy law enforcement presence last Tuesday as a result of a joint operation between the McDowell County Sheriff’s Office, the N.C. State Highway Patrol, and the Old Fort Police Department.

The coordinated effort focused on ensuring compliance with North Carolina motor vehicle laws, serving outstanding arrest warrants, and deterring violent crime and drug trafficking. Law enforcement agencies used strategically placed checkpoints and saturation patrols throughout McDowell County.

Sheriff Ricky T. Buchanan highlighted the importance of the multi-agency approach, stating that when agencies work together with a unified goal, their impact is greater. He said the mission remains to keep McDowell County safe and that these operations help hold offenders accountable while reinforcing community safety.

The operation resulted in a total of 136 citations issued, including:

• 2 for Driving While Impaired (DWI)

• 45 for No Operator’s License (NOL)

• 22 for Driving While License Revoked (DWLR)

• 11 seatbelt/child restraint violations

• 10 equipment violations

• 4 insurance violations

• 29 registration violations

• 8 other traffic-related offenses

• 3 drug charges

• 5 warrants served