Kinston Police Department Arrests Virginia Fugitive Following Vehicle Pursuit

On October 12, 2026, officers with the Kinston Police Department received information regarding a stolen vehicle in the area of Hill Farm Road and Highway 70.

Officers responded to the area and located the vehicle at Murphy's Express. As officers arrived, the driver fled, leading officers on a vehicle pursuit.

The driver, later identified as 29-year-old Randell Smith of Snow Hill, eventually stopped the vehicle on Wheat Swamp Road, where he was taken into custody without further incident.

Further investigation revealed that the vehicle had been reported stolen out of Virginia and that Smith was also wanted in Virginia on multiple felony charges.

Smith was charged with Felony Fleeing to Elude Arrest, Possession of a Stolen Motor Vehicle, and several additional misdemeanor offenses. Officers also obtained and served a fugitive warrant related to his outstanding charges in Virginia.

At the time of this release, Smith remains in custody of the LC Jail under a secured bond.