UPDATE: Suspect wanted- Kinston Police seek community's help for elderly assault victim

The Kinston Police Department is asking for the public’s help in identifying the subject in the sketch. The subject is a person of interest related to the assault that occurred at 106 E. Vernon Ave on 01/02/2020. The subject was described as a black male between 20-30 years of age, 5’10” - 6’ 00” tall, and weighing approximately 200 lbs. Anyone who knows the identity of the subject below is asked to contact the Kinston Police Department’s Tips Line at 252-939-4020 or Lenoir County Crime Stoppers at 252-523-4444. Calls to Crime Stoppers are confidential and anonymous, and the caller may be eligible for a cash reward for information that leads to an arrest.

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According to a press release from the Kinston Police Department, on Jan. 2 at approximately 6:25 p.m. officers with Kinston Police Department were called to 106 E. Vernon Avenue in reference to a serious assault. Upon investigation officers found a 72 year old female who was attacked in the parking lot.

It appears the suspect assaulted the victim and then attempted to steal the victim's 2019 Toyota RAV4, black in color. The victim fought back and was able to get away from the suspect and into the store for help.

The suspect fled the scene on foot likely leaving from the front parking lot, on the McLewean Street side north from the rear of the business. The victim was transported to Vidant Medical Center, Greenville, NC.

The Kinston Police Department is actively seeking anyone with knowledge of this incident, or who may have seen any suspicious activity in this area to please contact them. Please come forward and help bring this criminal to justice. Anyone who may have information as to those involved in this incident or any video related to this incident, please contact the Tips Line at 252-939-4020 or Lenoir County Crime Stoppers at 252-523-4444 or the Kinston Police Department at 252-939-3160.