KPD Fugitive Operation Results in Two Attempted Murder Arrests
On July 21, 2026, detectives with the Kinston Police Department's Investigations Division, KPD Patrol officers, and members of the Jones County Sheriff's Office conducted a fugitive operation in Jones County that resulted in the arrests of two wanted individuals connected to separate attempted murder investigations.
During the operation, 18-year-old Christopher Dodd and 18-year-old Kenneth Cox Keys were taken into custody without incident.
After both individuals were secured, detectives executed a search warrant at 450 Green Road in Trenton, North Carolina. During the search, one firearm was recovered and seized as evidence. Dodd and Keys were transported to the Lenoir County Jail.
Christopher Dodd
Christopher Dodd was wanted for his role in the April 11, 2026, attempted murder that occurred on Sloan Street in Kinston.
Dodd has been charged with:
- Assault with a Deadly Weapon with Intent to Kill (AWDWIK)
- Discharging a Weapon into Occupied Property (2 Counts)
A 17-year-old juvenile had previously been arrested and charged in connection with this investigation.
Kenneth Cox Keys
Kenneth Cox Keys was wanted for his role in the June 28, 2026, attempted murder that occurred on Davis Street in Kinston.
Cox Keys has been charged with:
- Attempted First-Degree Murder (2 Counts)
- Injury to Personal Property
- Assault with a Deadly Weapon with Intent to Kill Inflicting Serious Injury
- Assault with a Deadly Weapon Inflicting Serious Injury
- Malicious Assault in Secret
- Felony Conspiracy (6 Counts)
- Discharging a Firearm Within the City of Kinston
Previous arrests in the June 28 investigation include 19-year-old Que'vion Patton, a 17-year-old male juvenile, and 25-year-old Genuwyne Freeman.
With the arrests of Dodd and Keys, both attempted murder investigations are now considered closed, and all known suspects are in custody.
The Kinston Police Department would like to thank the Jones County Sheriff's Office for their assistance during this operation.
