Arrested activist alleges unconstitutionality of law
About 25 people gathered in front of the Franklin Street post office to rally in support of the student protester arrested in November.
Tamara Tal, a member of Students for a Democratic Society, was scheduled to appear in court Monday and planned to plead not guilty to a charge of failure to disperse.
Tal's lawyer, Al McSurely, filed a motion alleging that the Chapel Hill town ordinance addressing crowds is unconstitutional.
The ordinance states that it is unlawful for a person to refuse a police request to disperse from blocking any street, sidewalk, alley or public walkway.
Much of the rally focused on the police department's handling of Tal's case. Police officers were on hand Monday.
"We support their right to protest as long as they're not infringing on the rights of others," police Sgt. Danny Lloyd said.
Tal's court appearance was postponed until May 12 because the arresting officer was sick.
Tal said her arrest would not deter her from future protests.
"I'm always going to speak out against what I think is wrong," she said.
Chatham sheriff's deputies shoot man during search
A Latino man was shot by a Chatham County Sheriff's Office deputy while officers were trying to search a home at 75 Irene Court, Siler City, for illegal narcotics, according to a press release from Chief of Staff Maj. Gary Blankenship of the Chatham County Sheriff's Office.
Deputies entered the mobile home at about 11 p.m. Sunday and found a man armed with a handgun. Several shots were fired.
The man was treated at the scene immediately and was transported by helicopter to UNC Hospitals. He is in serious but stable condition.
The shooting is being investigated by the State Bureau of Investigation.
A search of the residence following the shooting found several kilos of narcotics, which were seized.
High school cellist honored as top string performer
An East Chapel Hill High School junior was honored Monday as the top string performer from North Carolina at the Chamber Orchestra of the Triangle's inaugural Competition for Young String Soloists.
Alan Toda-Ambaras, who has been studying cello since he was 4 years old, received the Thomas S. Kenan award and $1,000.
"The performance level of these young musicians was phenomenal," said Bob Greczyn, president of Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina, which sponsored the competition, in a press release.
The competition was open was open to all 16- to 23-year-old string instrumentalists not under professional management who lived in the United States.
