Latest news with #TonyUnderwood
Yahoo
19-02-2025
- Yahoo
Crime lab now tests for drugs in blood of suspected impaired drivers
The Union County Sheriff's Office says its crime lab has already cleared a backlog for certain DWI cases, which has an impact felt across the region. READ MORE: Union County crime lab's crucial role in putting criminals behind bars quicker The Union County Crime Lab can now test for drugs in the blood of suspected impaired drivers. 'Within the first two, two-and-half weeks, I think we've already analyzed 80 cases that were awaiting analysis for blood drugs,' said Chief Dep. Tony Underwood, Union County Sheriff's Office. MORE COVERAGE: Union County crime lab to help speed up criminal cases The new accreditation at the Union County Sheriff's Office adds to the existing blood alcohol analysis. In 2024, the crime lab analyzed over 240 cases of blood alcohol. The average turnaround time for results was five days. Underwood said in the past, results from the state crime lab could take months. 'We have seen alleged offenders who've been arrested and pending in the court system that we have arrested again for a similar offense,' Underwood said. Union County District Attorney Trey Robison says they've seen an uptick in drivers impaired by drugs over the past few years. It's good to have local experts, he said. 'It has helped us move cases to disposition quicker,' Robison said. Underwood said, 'We've opened it up to other agencies in the county, Monroe PD, Waxhaw, Stalling, some of the other agencies, Marshall and Wingate, they've sent their cases here.' The crime lab currently has two full-time staff members. With the additional work on the new accreditations, the sheriff's office is asking the county to fund the hiring of two additional chemists in the upcoming budget process. In 2023, the crime lab was also accredited for fingerprint comparisons. In addition to the drug blood testing, personnel can also analyze drugs seized by law enforcement. The sheriff's office says the next step is to look into possible rapid DNA technology. VIDEO: INSIDE LOOK: Union County crime lab's crucial role in putting criminals behind bars quicker
Yahoo
09-02-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
'Absolute legend': England rugby star spotted at historic County Durham pub
A former England rugby star was spotted visiting a history County Durham pub yesterday (Saturday, February 8). England and British Lion player Tony Underwood dropped in to The Raby Arms in Barnard Castle. Tony and his brother Rory both attended Barnard Castle School - an establishment which has produced several international rugby union players. Posing on their Facebook page, a spokesperson for The Raby Arms said: "All you rugby fans, look who popped in to see us today! "Absolute legend Tony Underwood. "You would not meet a more genuine really good guy. Was a pleasure!" Tony's visit to The Raby Arms: (Image: The Raby Arms) (Image: The Raby Arms)Read next: Hartlepool RNLI goodbye to lifeboat which saved eight lives Residents slam B6274 to County Durham as a 'disaster' Inside the Darlington pub that turns strangers to friends After leaving Barnard Castle School, Tony went on to play for the Leicester Tigers and England. He also played for Newcastle Falcons. He made his England debut in October 1992 against Canada, and went on to win a total of 27 English caps. Tony will doubtless been delighted with England's great result in the Six Nations championship yesterday (February 8), Steve Borthwick's young side beating France with a last minute try in a thrilling match at Twickenham.
