Lewis answers harassment claims - Princeton News Leader, NC

Debra Sutton of W. First St., told the town board that she recently moved to Princeton, mainly so her eight-year-old son could attend Princeton School.

While Ms. Sutton acknowledged that she lived in what has been a drug-infested neighborhood, she said she does not do drugs and that she is an honorably discharged veteran.

She related that she recently had a 50th birthday party where she lived, but didn’t like the fact that a Princeton Police officer was parked in the next block. “I felt uncomfortable having a birthday party where I live,” she said. “I should be able to entertain company.”

She claimed that she has seen the officer circle her block five times in an hour.

She also related that she had recently purchased a new Land Rover, and she objected because Princeton Police Officer Tyrone Sutton has “blue lighted” her at the Handy Mart because the license plate light was out. “I tapped on the light and it came on. It still had the temporary tag on it.”

Later she complained that her vehicle had been stopped again, when she had let someone else drive her car.

“Princeton Police are running amok. They harass who they want to, when they want to. Why am I made uncomfortable in my home?”

Princeton Mayor Don Rains asked Ms. Sutton if she had discussed the complaint with the Princeton Police Chief. She said neighbors told her it would do no good.

Police Chief Eddie Lewis responded during the meeting to say that he was sorry that she was concerned about the police, but it should be her neighbors that she is concerned about.

He also said he had had several conversations with Ms. Sutton and they were friends.

Ms. Sutton also complained about a customer at the Handy Mart who used a racial slur.

Police Commissioner Walter Martin said that was not a town board concern, but Mayor Rains said that he and Mr. Martin would meet with her later to discuss the matter.

Ms. Sutton left the meeting but returned later with an associate. The much younger black man, who did not identify himself, was dressed in loose baggy shorts with shirt tail out and a sequined ball cap that was askew over his dread locks. Ms. Sutton was dressed conservatively in a t-shirt and shorts.

He at one point rose to interrupt the meeting while the board was discussing other town business to voice his complaint about the police department. While responding that the board had heard complaints already and the time for public comment had passed, Mayor Rains mistakenly assumed that he was Ms. Sutton’s son.

He later tried to interrupt the meeting again.

According to Commissioner Martin, the young man, identified as Jeffrey Toler, has recently been arrested on drug charges.

Town Board candidate Lisa Floors Brown said that a black couple using the town park was asked to leave at 5:15 by Officer Sutton. She said another white couple at the park was not asked to leave.

She asked for clarification on the hours the park was supposed to be open.

Chief Lewis said the park was suppose to be open sun up to sundown, and he apologized for that incident and said he had discussed it with the officer.

Mr. Martin said Tuesday morning that Ms. Sutton’s comments do not reflect the opinions of the majority of residents on First and Second Streets, and they appreciate the police presence in the neighborhood.

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Wayne Wilson News Leader
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Princeton, North Carolina 27569
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Chief Lewis answers harassment complaints

Wayne Wilson News Leader 113 N. Wilson St., PO Box 158, Fremont, NC 27830 (919) 242-6301 • Fax (919) 936-2065

Wayne Wilson News Leader
113 N. Wilson St., PO Box 158,
Fremont, NC 27830
(919) 242-6301 •
Fax (919) 936-2065