By THADD WHITE

Bertie Ledger-Advance

WINDSOR – One of two fugitives sought by the Bertie County Sheriff’s Office has been taken into custody.

Bertie County Sheriff John Holley said Clarence Avery turned himself in after seeing news accounts of his status as a fugitive.

“Mr. Avery saw himself in the local newspapers and on television and decided it was better to turn himself in,” Holley said. “I’d like to thank the Bertie Ledger-Advance, the Roanoke-Chowan News-Herald and the local TV stations for their assistance in this matter.”

In recent editions of the Bertie Ledger-Advance and R-C News-Herald, Holley sought the help of citizens regarding the whereabouts of Avery and Kenneth Earl Watson.

Avery was wanted on charges of assault on a female, assault on a child under 12, assault by pointing a gun, communicating threats, possession with intent to manufacture, sell and deliver a Schedule II narcotic, simple possession of a Schedule VI narcotic and resist, obstruct or delay of a public officer. He also was charged with driving with no operator’s license.

Avery, a resident of 108 Washington Street in Lewiston Woodville, turned himself in Jan. 18 following the local news coverage.

During an appearance before a Bertie County Magistrate, Avery officially was charged with the seven charges and placed in the Bertie-Martin Regional Jail under a $150,000 secured bond.

Holley said his office is still searching for Watson, whose address is listed as 412 Front Street in Kelford.

Watson is wanted for charges including discharging a weapon into an occupied dwelling or moving vehicle, assault by pointing a gun and injury to personal property.

“We have received information on Mr. Watson’s whereabouts,” Holley said. “We believe he has left the area, but we have entered information in the national database, and we are certain he will be apprehended.”

Holley said anyone with additional information should contact the Bertie County Sheriff’s Office at 252-794-5330 or contact him directly at 252-325-0260.