WPD detective leader suspended

By DEUCE NIVEN

    Possibly mishandled cases have resulted in the suspension of the Whiteville Police Department lieutenant who leads the detective division, City Manager Darren Currie said Friday.
    Lt. Bobby Fowler was suspended with pay early this week in what Currie described as a “non-disciplinary suspension” as an internal investigation is conducted, Currie said.
    City leaders don’t believe Fowler, a 16-year veteran of the department, has committed a crime, Currie said. Fowler also served on the Tabor City Police Department in 2000.
    A patrol officer with experience in investigations has been re-assigned to the detective division, where all of Fowler’s cases are being reviewed, Currie said.
    It’s unclear how long the investigation will take, and Currie said it’s too soon to say what action might follow.
    “We just want to be fair,” Currie said.