More details were released regarding an early February incident involving Onslow County Sheriff Hans Miller. As those details came in, Jacksonville Police Chief Mike Yaniero said his department has initiated an investigation into the incident.
Onslow County District Attorney Ernie Lee made the announcement Tuesday afternoon after Chief Yaniero reached out on Monday regarding the accident Sheriff Miller was believed to be in. Miller and Onslow County Manager Sharon Russell confirmed the incident, which took place on Feb. 9.
Yaniero informed Lee JPD would investigate the incident and send the results of the investigation to him. However, due to the working relationship between Lee and Miller, the DA will instead send the findings to District Attorney Billy West of Cumberland County.
The incident occurred on Feb. 9 and was reported the following day, according to Miller.
Miller said he was driving on Western Boulevard going to a meeting some time after dark when he cut a corner a little too short, damaging his county-issued vehicle on an adjacent road. He would not give a more specific time or location of the accident or the make, model, or year of his county issues vehicle.
Miller added there was limited visibility due to the windshield fogging up that contributed to the accident.
Onslow County Manager Sharon Russell confirmed Miller was not required to make an official incident report because the county is not paying anything related to the damages from the incident.